Principal Actuation Systems Engineer

Our Mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, 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. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.

What to expect

We are seeking a Principal Actuation Systems Engineer to take technical ownership of the development, integration, and verification of novel, all-electric actuation systems for Vertical Aerospace’s groundbreaking eVTOL aircraft. This role focuses on defining precise technical requirements, critically evaluating supplier designs and verification evidence, managing system interfaces, and ensuring seamless integration to meet stringent aerospace certification standards.

What you'll do

• Define and document detailed technical requirements for novel all-electric actuation systems using Jama, ensuring alignment with the aircraft’s innovative performance, safety, and certification needs (e.g., EASA SC-VTOL).

• Collaborate with external suppliers responsible for designing, manufacturing, and verifying all-electric actuation systems, ensuring technical compliance with requirements and high-quality deliverables.

• Define and verify interfaces between the all-electric actuation systems and other aircraft systems (e.g., flight controls, electrical, and structural systems) using CATIA, ensuring robust integration for the novel eVTOL platform.

• Critically assess supplier-provided designs, technical data, and verification evidence (e.g., test reports, simulations, and analyses) for the all-electric actuation systems, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards and the unique demands of electric aircraft.

• Oversee and verify the installation of actuation systems on the aircraft, ensuring functionality, integration, and compliance with the innovative design specifications.

• Take sole responsibility for the technical delivery of the all-electric actuation system, ensuring it meets the required quality and certification standards for a novel electric aircraft.

• Identify and resolve technical risks associated with the development and integration of the all-electric actuation systems.

• Produce high-quality technical documentation, including requirements in Jama, interface control documents, and verification reports, to support certification and project milestones.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including systems engineering, flight controls, and certification teams, to ensure the actuation system integrates seamlessly into the novel eVTOL aircraft.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• In-depth knowledge and experience in aerospace engineering, with significant focus on electromechanical or all-electric actuation systems.

• Proven expertise in developing and verifying complex systems for aerospace applications, ideally for novel or electric aircraft.

• Experience with aerospace certification processes (e.g., EASA, FAA) is highly desirable.

• Deep understanding of all-electric actuation systems, including electric motors, control electronics, and power distribution for novel aerospace applications.

• Proficiency in CATIA for CAD and Jama for requirements management.

• Familiarity with aerospace standards (e.g., DO-160, DO-178, DO-254) and certification requirements.

• Knowledge of systems integration and interface management for complex, innovative aerospace platforms.

• Strong analytical skills with a critical eye for evaluating complex engineering solutions.

• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with suppliers, internal teams, and certification authorities.

• Ability to take technical ownership and drive solutions independently in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Desirable:

• Experience with eVTOL or electric aircraft actuation systems.

• Knowledge of safety-critical, fault-tolerant design for electric aerospace systems.

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.