Senior Powertrain and Propulsion Test Engineer

Vertical Aerospace; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertical Aerospace is seeking an experienced engineer to join their propulsion team in the UK. The successful candidate will lead laboratory testing for advanced electric and hybrid aircraft systems, ensuring safety and performance. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of aviation technology in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

26 days holiday, plus bank holiday

5 extra days to buy or sell

Additional 4% of salary for benefits

Company performance-based bonus

Company pension scheme

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace powertrain and propulsion systems testing.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation for structural and dynamic measurements.
• Ability to interpret and create technical documentation and test procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory tests for propulsion and powertrain systems.
• Design and develop test platforms for verification of electric propulsion units.
• Manage documentation for testing processes and system configurations.

Skills

Laboratory Testing

Project Management

Instrumentation

Education

Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

NI LabVIEW

Simulink

Vector (CANoe)

Phyton

VeriStand

Job description

What to Expect

Join the cutting-edge powertrain, propulsion and rotor teams at Vertical Aerospace and contribute to the testing and validation of the next generation of electric and hybrid aircraft systems. As part of a multi-disciplinary and forward-thinking group, you'll play a key role in the laboratory testing of critical propulsion systems, ensuring safety, reliability, and performance throughout the entire development lifecycle.

What You'll Do

With your deep expertise in propulsion testing and rotor systems, you will contribute to the design, commissioning, and operation of test benches supporting the verification and validation of rotor and electric propulsion components for the VX4 aircraft, additionally, Powertrain system and components for hybrid aircraft. Your role will encompass:

Lead and conduct powertrain and propulsion-related laboratory tests, including rotors, electric propulsion units (EPUs), and power distribution systems.

Take ownership of the design and development of the Copper Bird test platform, spanning from battery systems to the Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU). This critical rig will serve as the primary powertrain-level integration platform for verifying system functionality and conducting fault tolerance testing.

Define and execute test plans for structural loads, performance, vibration and environmental testing of powertrain and propulsion systems.

Troubleshoot and upgrade propulsion test benches including instrumentation integration.

Oversee the configuration, operation, and safety of test facilities and benches (eg. whirl tower, system integration rigs, powertrain rigs).

Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to define requirements and validate designs.

Support certification activities and interface with regulatory bodies (e.g., CAA) during critical testing events.

Manage test documentation, including facility specifications, test procedures, test reports, and bench configuration control.

Provide mentorship to junior team members and drive continuous improvement of laboratory processes and capabilities.

What You'll Bring

5+ years of hands-on experience in laboratory testing of aerospace powertrain, propulsion and rotor systems.

Proven experience leading and delivering verification and validation campaigns for electric aircraft propulsion systems.

Strong knowledge of instrumentation for structural and dynamic measurements.

Experience working with test environment tools and software: NI LabVIEW, Simulink, Vector (CANoe) desired, DAQs, Phyton, VeriStand, test stand automation systems.

Expertise and experience in working with high-voltage systems (HV Training).

Solid understanding of the aircraft development lifecycle including design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), and test readiness processes (TRR).

Ability to interpret and create technical documentation, test procedures, and specifications.

Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.

Fluent in English, with a proactive, safety-first, and detail-oriented mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with rotating systems such as propellers, rotors, or electric motors in aerospace or related industries.

Familiarity with test and validation processes for powertrain and propulsion in a laboratory environment.

Understanding regulatory and certification frameworks relevant to aircraft development.

Background in high-voltage systems and laboratory safety standards.

Proficiency in instrumentation techniques for vibration, structural load, and performance testing.

Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams and manage complex test programs.

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.