Senior Propulsion Engineer Powertrain

Methodfi; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering aviation company in Bristol is seeking an experienced engineer in powertrain technology to enhance electric aircraft innovation. This role involves identifying and delivering technology development projects while collaborating with internal teams and academic institutions. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in aerospace or automotive sectors, with a focus on commercial impact and technological leadership. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including generous holiday, bonuses, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company performance based bonus

Company pension scheme with matching contributions

Award-winning health and wellbeing service

Breakfast provided daily

Qualifications

• Strong experience in powertrain or propulsion engineering, ideally in aerospace or automotive sectors.
• Proven experience of cross‑functional collaboration and technical leadership.
• Strong interest in future powertrain technologies and their application to electric aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Identify, prioritise and deliver advanced powertrain technology development projects.
• Collaborate with wider powertrain teams to align advanced developments.
• Engage with UK academic institutions for collaborative research.

Skills

Powertrain engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical leadership

Research collaboration

Commercial impact focus

Education

Degree in Engineering or related discipline

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

As a you will join a newly formed team within our Powertrain function, focused on identifying, prioritising and delivering advanced technology developments that will shape the future competitiveness of our aircraft.

This role operates across the full breadth of powertrain disciplines, including power electronics, electric machines, energy storage, energy management and simulation. You will work closely with internal engineering teams to identify where novel technologies can deliver meaningful performance, cost and capability advantages.

A typical day could involve assessing emerging powertrain technologies, defining development roadmaps, collaborating with internal stakeholders to mature concepts, or working with academic partners to translate cutting‑edge research into real engineering capability.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working at the front end of technology development, thrives on cross‑functional collaboration, and is motivated by delivering tangible commercial impact through engineering innovation.

What You’ll Do

• Identify, prioritise and deliver advanced powertrain technology development projects
• Work across power electronics, electric machines, energy storage and energy management to drive future capability
• Collaborate closely with wider powertrain teams to align advanced developments with product and programme needs
• Lead and contribute to technology development activities from concept through to demonstration and integration
• Engage with UK academic institutions to develop and deliver collaborative research activities
• Support grant‑funded and externally partnered technology programmes
• Apply structured, methodical engineering processes to ensure robust technology maturation
• Communicate technical progress, risks and opportunities clearly to stakeholders

What You’ll Bring

• Strong experience in powertrain or propulsion engineering, ideally within aerospace, automotive or adjacent high‑technology sectors
• Demonstrated capability in technology development within one or more powertrain domains
• A strong drive to deliver commercial impact through enabling technologies
• Proven experience of cross‑functional collaboration and technical leadership
• Experience working with academic or research institutions on engineering projects
• Strong interest in future powertrain technologies and their application to electric aircraft
• A methodical, structured approach to engineering development and process deployment
• Degree‑level qualification in Engineering or a related discipline

#LI-AH1

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.