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Advanced Structural Test Engineer

Vertical Aerospace

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Posted by Vertical Aerospace

Job Description

Our MissionAt 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 2029 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.We're looking for an Advanced Structural Test Engineer to join our growing Test & Validation team. This is a hands-on engineering role where you'll take ownership of structural test campaigns from initial planning through to execution, analysis and reporting.Working from our Kemble facilities, you'll play a key role in delivering the physical evidence required to support aircraft development and certification. You'll work across a broad range of structural testing activities, from component-level investigations through to large-scale certification programmes, collaborating closely with Design, Stress, Airframe and Certification teams.What You'll DoLead the planning and execution of structural test campaigns across development and certification programmesOwn the setup, operation and troubleshooting of data acquisition and control systems, including MTS and LabVIEW platformsDevelop instrumentation strategies including strain gauge installation, rosettes, wiring, bonding and signal conditioningMonitor test execution, validate real-time data and ensure safe and effective test deliveryWork closely with design and structural engineering teams to define test requirements and develop test rigsAnalyse test results and produce clear, traceable technical reports to support engineering and certification activitiesSupport the development and continuous improvement of testing processes, methodologies and standardsMentor junior engineers and technicians, providing guidance on instrumentation, rig setup and test executionDrive high standards of data quality, repeatability and technical excellence across all testing activitiesWhat You'll BringEssentialDegree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related disciplineExperience within structural test engineering, ideally gained within aerospace or another highly regulated engineering environmentStrong knowledge of data acquisition and control systems, including MTS FlexTest and/or LabVIEWHands-on experience with strain gauge installation, wiring, bonding and troubleshootingStrong understanding of load measurement systems, calibration techniques and signal behaviourExperience planning and executing both development and certification test programmesAbility to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced engineering environmentDesirableExperience supporting aerospace certification programmes under EASA and/or FAA regulationsKnowledge of rosette strain gauges, Wheatstone bridge circuits and signal noise reduction techniquesUnderstanding of uncertainty quantification and calibration traceabilityMechanical rig assembly and integration experienceExperience using MATLAB, Python, nCode or similar data analysis toolsFamiliarity with CATIA V5, 3DEXPERIENCE or equivalent CAD software#LI-OS1What can you expect from us?We're on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work at pace. Working 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 benefitsOur people matter - we're not going anywhere without them. Which is why our company benefits go beyond the essentials.26 days holiday, plus bank holiday5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnershipAdditional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefitsAward-winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)Company performance based bonus - rewarding company and individual performanceCompany Share Scheme - open to every Vertical employeeCompany Pension Scheme - 5% and we match itBreakfast on us, every dayWe may just be the hardest job you've ever had, but we're confident it will be the most rewarding. Join the team today and help us shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility.Disclaimer StatementWe encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.LocationKemble, Cotswold, UKEmployment TypeFull timeDepartmentEngineering Delivery & Design Organisation