Advanced Modelling & Simulation Engineer - Flight Controls

Methodfi; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in electric aviation is looking for a Flight Control System Specialist in Bristol. In this role, you will own the modeling and simulation of the Flight Control System, ensuring alignment between virtual and hardware environments. The ideal candidate has a degree in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering and significant experience in flight control systems and simulation. Join us to be a part of pioneering the future of electric aviation, offering competitive benefits such as a generous holiday scheme and performance-based bonuses.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holiday

5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)

5 extra days holiday for marriage or civil partnership

Additional 4% of salary for benefits

Award-winning digital health service

Company performance based bonus

Company Share Scheme

Company Pension Scheme

Daily breakfast provided

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in flight control modelling and simulation.
• Deep knowledge of flight control systems and simulation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own the modeling and simulation of the Flight Control System.
• Lead the integration of FCS models with the Aircraft Simulation environment.
• Collaborate with the Flight Controls team and suppliers to define, validate, and integrate model requirements.

Skills

Flight control modelling and simulation

MATLAB/Simulink

Collaboration across teams

Understanding of model-based development standards

Education

Degree in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering

Tools

Python

C/C++

Job description

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

You’ll be the go‑to specialist for modelling the Flight Control System (FCS), owning the development and integration of control laws, sensor models, and system interfaces into our broader aircraft simulation environment. Sitting within the Aircraft Simulation team, you’ll collaborate closely with the Flight Controls team and external suppliers to ensure accurate representation of the FCS across real‑time and desktop simulation platforms. Your work will directly support both engineering decisions and the future certification of the Valo, with a strong focus on model fidelity, traceability, and governance.

What You’ll Do

• Own the modelling and simulation of the Flight Control System, including sensors, control laws, and interfaces


• Lead the integration of FCS models with the Aircraft Simulation environment, ensuring fidelity and alignment with physical systems


• Collaborate with the Flight Controls team and suppliers to define, validate, and integrate model requirements


• Design and manage model architectures that support real‑time simulation, desktop analysis, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing


• Lead the analysis and modelling of system latency, failure modes, and interface dynamics


• Support simulation activities that contribute to certification, including test data generation and model validation


• Champion model governance practices including version control, documentation, and traceability


• Advise on simulation strategy to ensure alignment between virtual and hardware test environments

What You’ll Bring

• A degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related field or equivalent experience


• Significant experience in flight control modelling and simulation, ideally in a rotary or fixed‑wing environment


• Deep knowledge of flight control systems, simulation requirements, and system integration


• Expertise in MATLAB/Simulink for model development, analysis, and verification


• Experience developing models across a range of fidelity levels and deploying them to real‑time systems


• Familiarity with software tools such as Python, C/C++, or other simulation environments


• Understanding of model‑based development standards and credibility frameworks such as NASA‑7009A


• A collaborative mindset and the ability to coordinate across interdisciplinary teams and suppliers

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

• 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.