Battery Test Technician

Vertical Aerospace; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative aerospace company in Bristol is seeking a Test Engineer to support battery testing for their electric aircraft. The candidate will conduct tests on electrical and mechanical performance, ensuring safety and quality standards are met. Ideal applicants will have experience in high-technology testing environments and effective communication skills. This role offers competitive benefits and a performance-based bonus.

Benefits

26 days holiday, plus bank holiday

5 extra days to buy or sell

4 extra holiday days for marriage

Company performance-based bonus

Company Share Scheme

Company Pension Scheme matching 5%

Free breakfast every day

Qualifications

• Background in test development and/or battery testing, preferably in aerospace.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a high-technology testing environment.
• Proven ability to plan and deliver hardware testing.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery and reporting of battery testing performance.
• Conduct various electrical and safety tests on eVTOL aircraft.
• Collaborate with partners to meet quality standards.

Skills

Test development

Battery testing

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Tools

Dewesoft

Vector CANalyzer

LabVIEW

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 navigate the sky. We won't realise our mission by following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors did, instead, we are redefining 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 to delivering on our ambitious goal of having the VX4 in service by 2030.

What You'll Do

• Support delivery and reporting of battery testing covering mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance.
• Conduct tests such as long‑term electrical cycling, vibration, IP, cooling system, BMS, EMC, and safety (abuse) tests in accordance with standards (DO‑160, DO‑311A, UN38.3).
• Assist in the design and setup of electrical systems for test rigs across HV and LV networks.
• Carry out live working on high‑voltage battery assemblies during pre‑ and post‑test inspections.
• Assemble and instrument test hardware and components to engineering drawings.
• Perform calibration, configuration, and maintenance of laboratory test equipment.
• Support test definition, data collection, and report preparation.
• Manage defect tracking, data logging, and documentation control (including photos, test logs, and databases).
• Contribute to facility development, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver testing that meets quality and certification standards.

Qualifications

• Background in test development and/or battery testing (preferably in aerospace or automotive).
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a high‑technology testing environment or working with electric vehicles.
• Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver hardware testing, including rig design and operation.
• Experience using and maintaining laboratory equipment such as cyclers, shaker tables, climatic chambers, or cooling systems.
• Skilled in mechanical and electrical assembly, including wiring, crimping, and soldering.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and process quality.
• Effective communication and record‑keeping skills, with experience collaborating across teams and suppliers.

Desirable

• Proficiency with data acquisition and CAN tools (e.g. Dewesoft, Vector CANalyzer/CANoe, PICO, LabVIEW).
• Familiarity with CAD for mechanical and/or electrical assemblies.

Benefits

• 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.