---
title: 'Advanced Structural Test Engineer at Vertical Aerospace'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/advanced-structural-test-engineer-vertical-aerospace-kemble-cotswold-78mkxb6qhqyq'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Advanced Structural Test Engineer at Vertical Aerospace

- **Company:** Vertical Aerospace
- **Location:** Kemble Cotswold, United Kingdom
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Posted:** 2026-06-01
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/vertical-aerospace/0d1c8c74-cbac-4158-a851-a53095bf39e5

## Job description

## 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 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 Do

- Lead the planning and execution of structural test campaigns across development and certification programmes
- Own the setup, operation and troubleshooting of data acquisition and control systems, including MTS and LabVIEW platforms
- Develop instrumentation strategies including strain gauge installation, rosettes, wiring, bonding and signal conditioning
- Monitor test execution, validate real-time data and ensure safe and effective test delivery
- Work closely with design and structural engineering teams to define test requirements and develop test rigs
- Analyse test results and produce clear, traceable technical reports to support engineering and certification activities
- Support the development and continuous improvement of testing processes, methodologies and standards
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing guidance on instrumentation, rig setup and test execution
- Drive high standards of data quality, repeatability and technical excellence across all testing activities

## What You'll Bring

Essential

- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline
- Experience within structural test engineering, ideally gained within aerospace or another highly regulated engineering environment
- Strong knowledge of data acquisition and control systems, including MTS FlexTest and/or LabVIEW
- Hands-on experience with strain gauge installation, wiring, bonding and troubleshooting
- Strong understanding of load measurement systems, calibration techniques and signal behaviour
- Experience planning and executing both development and certification test programmes
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment

Desirable

- Experience supporting aerospace certification programmes under EASA and/or FAA regulations
- Knowledge of rosette strain gauges, Wheatstone bridge circuits and signal noise reduction techniques
- Understanding of uncertainty quantification and calibration traceability
- Mechanical rig assembly and integration experience
- Experience using MATLAB, Python, nCode or similar data analysis tools
- Familiarity with CATIA V5, 3DEXPERIENCE or equivalent CAD software

## #LI-OS1

What 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 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 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 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 Statement

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.

## About Vertical Aerospace

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Vertical Aerospace designs and builds all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to transform urban mobility with zero‑operating‑emissions flight.
- **Entity Type**: Public (ticker not explicitly confirmed in sources; NYSE: EVTL per market data; market cap of ~$0.34 B as of mid‑2026)
- **Headquarters**: Bristol, United Kingdom (London office also listed)
- **Founded**: 2016
- **Founders**: Not publicly available in the provided sources

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Aerospace / Electric Aviation / Urban Air Mobility (UAM)
- **Target customers**: Aviation operators, airlines, and urban transport networks (B2B)
- **Mission / purpose**: Pioneering electric aviation to lead the transition to quieter, faster, and cleaner urban transport; making air travel “up to 100 miles at 150 mph with zero operating emissions” [vertical-aerospace.com](https://vertical-aerospace.com/)

## Products & Services
- **Valo eVTOL Aircraft**: A six‑passenger (plus pilot) electric vertical take‑off and landing aircraft designed for urban & regional air mobility. Targets cruise speeds of 150 mph, range up to 100 miles, and airliner‑level safety. Zero operating emissions. Full‑scale prototype has completed first piloted flight and transition flight testing is underway.

- **Hybrid‑Electric & Battery R&D**: The company is also advancing hybrid‑electric propulsion testing and battery production capabilities to support future aircraft variants.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: ~$0.34 B (source: [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/vertical-aerospace) – reflects market cap as of mid‑2026)
- **Key Metric (Funding)**: Raised capital via PIPE‑III and IPO (specific amounts not disclosed in provided sources)
- **Notable Investors / Partners**:
  - **Airlines & operators**: American Airlines, Japan Airlines, AirAsia, GOL, and others have placed pre‑orders (leading order book globally diversified) [investor.vertical-aerospace.com](https://investor.vertical-aerospace.com/overview/default.aspx)
  - **Supply chain partners**: Rolls‑Royce, Hyundai WIA (landing gear), and other top‑tier aerospace suppliers
  - **Certification & safety**: Working with UK CAA and EASA; aircraft designed to the highest safety threshold to serve the full global market
- **Growth Signals**:
  - First piloted flight of full‑scale prototype completed; transition flight testing ongoing
  - Actively progressing toward certification and commercialisation
  - Expanding battery production and hybrid‑electric testing
  - Strong order book backed by major global airlines

## Competitive Advantages
- **Safety‑first certification**: Valo is engineered to meet the strictest aviation safety standards (EASA and UK CAA), making it “multiples safer than any other aircraft in the sector” and uniquely positioned to serve the global market.
- **Asset‑light OEM model**: Pure‑play original equipment manufacturer with ~75% less capital spent per aircraft compared to competitors, offering a clear path to profitability.
- **Best‑in‑class aircraft design**: Targeting the most powerful eVTOL powertrain in the industry with superior comfort, capacity, and range.
- **World‑class team & partners**: Experienced engineers and aviation veterans with a track record of certifying 30+ aircraft & propulsion systems; strong partner ecosystem.

## Strategic Focus
Current priorities (as of mid‑2026):
- Completing certification and moving Valo toward commercial service
- Advancing hybrid‑electric propulsion and battery production to broaden the aircraft’s range and utility
- Scaling manufacturing partnerships (e.g., Hyundai WIA) and supplier relationships
- Strengthening the order book and preparing for production deliveries

## Why Work Here
- **Culture & values**: “The Vertical Way” – Openness, Courage, Ingenuity, Safety. The company emphasises a supportive, flexible environment where employees can do “the best work of your career” [vertical-aerospace.com/careers](https://vertical-aerospace.com/careers/)
- **Remote / hybrid / office**: Multiple UK locations (Bristol HQ, London office, Kemble airfield, Bristol airfield); policy not explicitly stated, but “flexible organisation” is mentioned
- **Perks & benefits** (from careers page):
  - 26 days holiday + bank holidays
  - Option to buy/sell 5 extra days per year
  - 5 extra days when getting married/entering civil partnership
  - Additional 4% of salary to spend on flexible benefits
  - Award‑winning digital health & wellbeing service (Help@Hand)
  - Company Share Scheme open to all employees
  - Company Pension Scheme (5% employer match)
  - Daily breakfast provided
- **Hiring process**: Three‑step – 1) culture / mission overview & experience discussion; 2) structured interview & practical skills assessment with hiring manager plus cross‑functional team members; 3) feedback & next steps from in‑house hiring team

## Sources
1. [vertical‑aerospace.com](https://vertical‑aerospace.com/) – Company home page, Valo specs, mission
2. [vertical‑aerospace.com/careers](https://vertical‑aerospace.com/careers/) – Careers page with values, benefits, hiring process
3. [vertical‑aerospace.com/about](https://vertical‑aerospace.com/about/) – About page, team, history, office locations
4. [investor.vertical‑aerospace.com](https://investor.vertical‑aerospace.com/overview/default.aspx) – Investor relations overview, partners, safety strategy, competitive advantages
5. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/vertical‑aerospace) – Company profile with market cap, funding stage, patents, founding year

## Other roles at Vertical Aerospace

- [Senior Category Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-category-manager-vertical-aerospace-bristol-qjc8b1x268j5) — Bristol, United Kingdom
- [Executive Office Team Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/executive-office-team-coordinator-vertical-aerospace-bristol-eef6jf07a76r) — Bristol, United Kingdom
- [Senior Health, Safety & Environment Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-health-safety-environment-manager-vertical-aerospace-bristol-t8aze5qvmexy) — Bristol, United Kingdom / Kemble, United Kingdom
- [Senior Avionic Systems Engineer - CNS](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-avionic-systems-engineer-cns-vertical-aerospace-bristol-tghce68eetz7) — Bristol, United Kingdom
- [Senior Cell Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-cell-engineer-vertical-aerospace-bristol-sz2y4n8ss9r0) — Bristol, United Kingdom
- [Vibration & Acoustics Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/vibration-acoustics-engineer-vertical-aerospace-bristol-n710g59cpd6d) — Bristol, United Kingdom
- [Senior Certification Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-certification-manager-vertical-aerospace-bristol-ask028x3gs3a) — Bristol, United Kingdom
- [Advanced Mechanical Design Engineer (Thermal Runaway)](https://feeny.ai/job/advanced-mechanical-design-engineer-thermal-runaway-vertical-aerospace-bristol-tmxwsryncc5s) — Bristol, United Kingdom
- [Principal Loads & Aeroelastics Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-loads-aeroelastics-engineer-vertical-aerospace-bristol-vmrxxns0jp14) — Bristol, United Kingdom
- [Head of Customer - Defence](https://feeny.ai/job/head-of-customer-defence-vertical-aerospace-bristol-q907245s6k9p) — Bristol, United Kingdom