Manufacturing Engineer- Aircraft. Composites

Vertical Aerospace; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative aerospace company in Bristol seeks an experienced aerospace manufacturing engineer to lead the industrialisation of the VX4 eVTOL aircraft. The role requires expertise in composite manufacturing and New Product Introduction. Join a dynamic team to redefine aerospace best practices and support the transition to full-scale production. Competitive benefits include 26 days holiday, a pension scheme, and a performance-based bonus.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holiday

Performance-based bonus

Pension scheme matching 5%

Company Share Scheme

Health and wellbeing service

Breakfast provided daily

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years' experience in Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering.
• Deep expertise in composite manufacturing including hand lay-up and co-curing techniques.
• Experience with New Product Introduction and industrialisation of aerospace products.

Responsibilities

• Lead Design for Manufacture with a focus on composite manufacturing.
• Drive industrialisation across composite and assembly domains.
• Implement Manufacturing Engineering best practices for the VX4.

Skills

Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering

Composite Manufacturing Expertise

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Tools

AS9145 APQP

Dassault 3Dx/Delmia

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 part of our Manufacturing Engineering Industrialisation team, you’ll play a key role in taking the VX4 from prototype to full‑scale production. This team leads the New Product Introduction (NPI) and industrialisation of our manufacturing and assembly systems, enabling Vertical Aerospace to bring our revolutionary aircraft to market. You will be instrumental in developing and industrialising the manufacturing systems that will support the VX4’s entry into low‑rate production and beyond. You’ll help define and deliver the changes needed to meet our production volume targets, ensuring our transition from innovation to industrial excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and embed Design for Manufacture (DfM) with a focus on composite manufacturing.
• Drive industrialisation activities across composite and assembly domains, including within the supply chain.
• Integrate and lead supplier capability assessments and technical engagement.
• Define and implement Manufacturing Engineering best practices for the VX4.
• Develop and industrialise manufacturing capabilities for Vertical Aerospace's production facilities.
• Embed lean manufacturing principles across our operations.
• Lead Supplier PPAP work and technical approvals.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in composite manufacturing and assembly processes.

Qualifications

• 8‑10+ years' experience in Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering.
• Deep expertise in composite manufacturing – including hand lay‑up, ATL, AFP, and co‑curing techniques.
• Proven experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) and industrialisation of aerospace products.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Collaborative approach and ability to thrive in a cross‑functional environment.
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and adapting in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with AS9145 APQP and Dassault 3Dx/Delmia platforms is highly desirable.

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.

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.