Senior Flight Control Simulation Engineer

Vertical Aerospace; Bristol (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days holiday

Bank holidays

Bonus scheme

Pension scheme

Breakfast on us

Job summary

Vertical Aerospace is seeking a Senior Modelling & Simulation Engineer for Flight Control Systems to provide technical leadership in developing and integrating high‑fidelity models of our aircraft control system. You will define modelling strategy, ensure validation across desktop, real‑time, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments, and work with suppliers to deliver robust simulation capabilities.

You will guide the team in modelling approaches across fidelity levels, driving verification,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years leading aircraft modelling and simulation with MATLAB/Simulink.
• Deep understanding of aircraft systems modelling, particularly Flight Control Systems, across desktop, real-time, and hardware-in-the-loop.
• Experience with multiple fidelity levels and deploying models to real-time systems using code generation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of Vertical's Flight Control System modelling capability, defining the technical approach, architecture, and modelling strategy.
• Own the development, integration, and validation of Flight Control System models, including control laws, sensors, actuators, and interfaces.
• Provide technical leadership for integrating FCS models into the wider aircraft simulation environment with appropriate fidelity.
• Collaborate with Flight Controls engineers and external suppliers to define requirements and deliver integrated solutions.
• Lead simulation models across fidelity levels and deploy them into desktop, real-time, and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Drive analysis of system latency, interface behaviour, and failure scenarios to improve accuracy and robustness.
• Support aircraft handling qualities assessments, flight test prep, and investigations through simulation.
• Lead simulation activities supporting certification, including model verification, validation, and evidence generation.
• Champion modelling standards, governance, traceability, and credibility across the FCS simulation capability.

Skills

Flight control systems

Model-based design

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

Systems engineering

Leadership

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Verification & validation

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering or related

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

C/C++

Job description

Vertical Aerospace is seeking a Senior Modelling & Simulation Engineer for Flight Control Systems to provide technical leadership in developing and integrating high‑fidelity models of our aircraft control system. You will define modelling strategy, ensure validation across desktop, real‑time, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments, and work with suppliers to deliver robust simulation capabilities.

You will guide the team in modelling approaches across fidelity levels, driving verification,