Advance Electric Propulsion System V&V Engineer

Join to apply for the Advance Electric Propulsion System V&V Engineer role at Vertical Aerospace.

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The VX4, our eVTOL (electric, vertical take‑off and landing), ‘zero emissions’ aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we 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 goal of having the VX4 in service by 2030.

As an Electric Propulsion System V&V Engineer, you will join the Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) team, who are responsible for delivering the electric motors, power electronics, and thermal management systems that propel our aircraft. The EPU is a critical system on the VX4, coordinating complex communication and control interfaces with the flight control system, as well as mechanical and powertrain interfaces with the aircraft structure and propellers. A typical day involves working closely with system engineers to define and manage test plans, collaborating with internal test teams and external test houses, and evaluating data from test activities to confirm our propulsion system meets all certification and safety standards. You’ll be part of a collaborative, technically focused team that supports the verification and validation of one of the most vital systems on our aircraft.

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• Develop and maintain system verification requirements throughout the product life cycle.
  
• Define system test activities, test assets, and instrumentation to support verification and validation.
  
• Coordinate test execution and provide support to internal test teams and external partners.
  
• Create and maintain verification documentation, including requirement databases, V&V plans, and test reports.
  
• Analyse and interpret test and simulation data, contributing to root cause investigations where required.
  
• Support flight test campaigns at the telemetry station when needed.
  
• Collaborate with internal and external partners on the development and commissioning of test rig equipment.
  

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• Degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent).
  
• Minimum 3 years’ experience delivering electric propulsion systems or complex electrical/electronic systems.
  
• Experience defining system test activities and developing associated test assets.
  
• Experience using HIL or system test rigs for verification purposes.
  
• Proficiency with data acquisition systems (e.g. National Instruments, Speedgoat).
  
• Knowledge of electric propulsion system design and system integration.
  
• Understanding of aerospace standards and regulations.
  
• Solid grasp of systems engineering principles.
  
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, able to collaborate effectively across disciplines and with external partners.
  
• Strong teamwork and organisational skills, with the ability to deliver high‑quality work in a fast‑paced environment.
  

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• Experience delivering safety‑critical systems to certification standards (ARP4761, ARP4754, DO254, DO178C, DO160).
  
• Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g. DOORS, JAMA).
  
• Understanding of powertrain inverters, electric motors, and protection mechanisms.
  
• Knowledge of communication networks (CAN, Ethernet).
  
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, or equivalent analysis tools.
  
• Experience working safely with high‑voltage DC systems.
  
• Exposure to full product development cycles, from concept through production and in‑service support.
  

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.

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• 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 spend on extra benefits
  
• Award‑winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)
  
• Company performance based bonus – rewarding company and individual performance
  
• Company Share Scheme – open to every Vertical employee
  
• Company Pension Scheme – 5% and we match it
  
• Breakfast on us, every day
  

We 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.