Advanced Structural Test and Analysis Engineer

Vertical Aerospace; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering aerospace company in the UK seeks a Structural Test Engineer to lead and execute structural test campaigns for their innovative electric aircraft. This role offers the opportunity to work hands-on with the latest technology in a hybrid work environment, requiring a degree in engineering and significant practical experience in aerospace testing and design.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holiday

Company performance-based bonus

Company Share Scheme

Qualifications

• UK based candidate or right to work in the UK.
• 5+ years experience in aerospace test engineering or structural analysis/design.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and execute structural test campaigns.
• Conduct inspection and monitoring activities during testing.
• Capture test data, prepare reports, and support certification traceability.

Skills

FEA experience (Altair Hypermesh, Abaqus)

Hands-on experience assembling or commissioning test rigs

Familiarity with DAQ/control systems (MTS, LabVIEW)

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

nCode

Catia V5 / 3DEXPERIENCE

Job description

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 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 of having the VX4 in service by 2030. As a Structural Test Engineer, you will join a growing team of passionate individuals whose primary focus is to plan, prepare, and execute structural tests that enable VX4 development and certification. This is a role for someone who thrives in a hands‑on environment, enjoys solving practical problems, and is motivated by seeing hardware tested to its limits. You'll be working with rigs, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems on site, while supporting test planning and reporting as required. If you like being close to the hardware, working across preparation, rigging, instrumentation, and test execution, this role is a great fit. Based mainly at Kemble with hybrid flexibility, you'll work in our state‑of‑the‑art facilities, with occasional remote work where appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and execute structural test campaigns (static, fatigue, and development).
• Assemble, integrate, and operate structural test rigs and fixtures.
• Support commissioning and safe operation of DAQ and control systems (e.g. MTS, LabVIEW).
• Apply and troubleshoot instrumentation (strain gauges, load cells, LVDTs, displacement sensors) ensuring data quality.
• Conduct inspection and monitoring activities during testing to confirm safety and structural integrity.
• Capture test data, prepare reports, and support certification traceability.
• Collaborate closely with design and systems teams to define test requirements and ensure test readiness.
• You will deliver static, fatigue, and kinematic analysis (FEA + hand calcs) for test rigs.
• You will work with design engineers to ensure rigs are fit‑for‑purpose and meet all certification requirements.
• You will support rig assembly and integration on site, working closely with technicians to bring designs to life.

Qualifications

• You will be a UK based candidate or already possess right to work in the UK.
• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (BEng or higher) or equivalent experience.
• Ideally 5+ years experience in aerospace test engineering or structural analysis/design.
• Hands‑on experience assembling or commissioning test rigs.
• FEA experience (Altair Hypermesh, Abaqus, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with DAQ/control systems (MTS, LabVIEW, or similar).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in certification test environments (EASA/FAA).
• Knowledge of fatigue/static test methods.
• Basic ability to support test planning with FEA or hand calcs (not the core of the role).
• Familiarity with rig assembly methods, workshop tools, and prototype structures.
• Experience with data post‑processing (nCode, MATLAB) and CAD (Catia V5 / 3DEXPERIENCE).

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.