Mechanical Design Engineer

Vertical Aerospace; Bristol; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertical Aerospace is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join their Energy Storage System team. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing battery packs for the VX4 eVTOL aircraft, engaging in hands-on design, cross-functional collaboration, and problem-solving. You will thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment and contribute to the evolution of electric aviation, receiving opportunities to develop your skills in a supportive organization that values team success.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holiday

5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)

Company performance based bonus

Company Share Scheme

5% pension matched

Award-winning digital health service

Breakfast on us, every day

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience delivering mechanical designs.
• Familiarity with requirements management tools like DOORS or JAMA.
• Experience creating engineering drawings with GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design of mechanical and thermal sub-systems.
• Work with design and manufacturing engineers for interface management.
• Support prototype builds and deliver detailed design documentation.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Precision

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3DX/CATIA

PLM tools

Job description

Join to apply for the Mechanical Design Engineer role at Vertical Aerospace

Join to apply for the Mechanical Design Engineer role at Vertical Aerospace

Our Mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the future of electric aviation. The VX4, our eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing), zero-emissions aircraft is set to redefine how we move through the skies—safely, sustainably, and at scale.

Our Mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the future of electric aviation. The VX4, our eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing), zero-emissions aircraft is set to redefine how we move through the skies—safely, sustainably, and at scale.

We won’t achieve this by following legacy aerospace methods; instead, we’re rewriting the rulebook—embracing bold thinking, modern tools, and a lean, innovative mindset.

We’re transitioning from a prototype business into a scaling SME, and the next few years are crucial as we drive toward our goal of having the VX4 in service by 2030.

What To Expect

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you’ll join the Energy Storage System (ESS) team. This team is responsible for designing and delivering the battery packs powering the VX4’s fully electric propulsion system.

Your role will be varied—combining hands-on design work in 3DX/CATIA, cross-functional collaboration, and problem-solving across thermal, mechanical, and system integration challenges. From concept to prototype and test phases, you’ll be instrumental in progressing our next-generation battery system.

You’ll need to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguity-tolerant environment where your autonomy, precision, and clear communication are vital to making progress at pace.

What You’ll Do

• Contribute to the design and development of mechanical and thermal sub-systems within the VX4 ESS.
• Work closely with:
• Design engineers to manage internal and external mechanical interfaces.
• Simulation teams for thermal and structural validation of your designs.
• Manufacturing Engineers to ensure build feasibility and integration readiness.
• Supply Chain and Quality teams to ensure timely delivery of compliant components.
• Use 3DX/CATIA and PLM tools for CAD modelling and release of engineering drawings.
• Support prototype builds, physical testing, and root cause investigations.
• Deliver detailed design documentation and verification plans.
• Take ownership of work packages, deliverables, and timelines.
  
  

What You’ll Bring

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience delivering mechanical designs for complex systems (ideally energy storage or electronic enclosures).
• Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, JAMA).
• Proficiency with 3DX/CATIA and PLM systems.
• Experience creating engineering drawings with GD&T and tolerance stack analysis.
• A structured approach to planning, progress reporting, and problem-solving.
• Strong communication and stakeholder collaboration skills.
• Understanding of how your design interacts with electrical, thermal, systems, and integration engineering.
  
  

Desirable

• Knowledge of battery design (mechanical, thermal, or runaway mitigation strategies).
• Experience with DFMA, DFMEA, and key characteristics control.
• Understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes for battery systems.
• Thermal or structural simulation capabilities.
• Experience working to aerospace qualification or certification standards.
• Hands-on experience managing non-conformance and continuous improvement feedback.
  
  

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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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