Senior Test Technician

Our Mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take‑off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky.

We won't realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed, instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices. We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting airliner‑level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.

As an experienced Test Technician, you will play a key hands‑on role in the build, commissioning, and testing of electric and hybrid prototype test rigs and their associated sub‑systems.

This is a varied and practical role within a fast‑paced R&D environment. You’ll work closely with engineers across mechanical, electrical, and systems disciplines to bring complex powertrain rigs to life; ensuring they are built to the highest quality standards and ready for rigorous testing.

A typical day could involve building mechanical and electrical assemblies from engineering drawings, wiring high‑voltage systems, supporting dynamometer testing, or maintaining and upgrading existing test rigs.

• Build and fit mechanical and electrical components in accordance with engineering drawings and build plans

• Assemble, test, commission, and maintain sub-assemblies and complete rig systems, including low‑ and high‑voltage electrical and mechanical systems

• Support powertrain rig testing activities, including preparation and troubleshooting

• Build and wire electrical control cabinets and harness assemblies

• Ensure all build, commissioning, and maintenance documentation is completed accurately and maintained to a high standard

• Maintain exceptional standards of tool control, workshop organisation, and FOD prevention across assembly areas, labs, and machine rooms

• Apply best practice Health, Safety, and Environmental standards and proactively suggest improvements to procedures

• Strong mechanical and electrical fitting skills with a consistently high standard of workmanship

• Good working knowledge of high‑voltage electrical systems

• Experience in wiring harness build techniques, including crimping and soldering

• Experience building and wiring electrical control cabinets

• Experience working with dynamo meters (dynos) and prototype test rigs

• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work to challenging deadlines without compromising quality or safety

• A flexible, proactive mindset and willingness to support multiple teams across the business

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines

• Recognised trade apprenticeship with a Level 3 qualification (Advanced Apprenticeship, NVQ, National Diploma) in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

• 17th or 18th Edition Wiring Regulations

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within the aerospace industry (commercial aircraft or military equivalent advantageous)

• Relevant commercial aircraft apprenticeship or military equivalent desirable

• Full UK driving licence

What can you expect from us?

We're on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work king at Vertical isn't your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; working here is an opportunity to do the best work of your career.

Our approach promotes ingenuity and courage, while our environment builds success through diligence in safety and being open in the way we work. The only way we're going to assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal.

Our benefits

Our people matter - we're not going anywhere without them. Which is why our company benefits go beyond the essentials.

• 26 days holiday, plus bank holiday

• 5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)

• 5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership

• Additional 4% of your salary to…