Senior Powertrain Verification Engineer

Methodfi; Bristol; On-site; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering aviation technology firm in Bristol seeks a Senior Powertrain Verification Engineer to join the Hybrid Powertrain team. You will lead verification and validation for hybrid-electric propulsion systems and integrate complex systems while navigating safety-critical environments. Strong experience in systems verification and proficiency with VECTOR tools and MATLAB required. Enjoy a supportive work culture that promotes innovation and offers comprehensive benefits, including generous holiday and wellness services.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holiday

Company performance based bonus

Company Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Strong background in systems verification, validation, and testing within safety-critical environments.
• Proven experience integrating and testing electro-mechanical or propulsion systems.
• Hands-on experience using VECTOR tools and CAPL scripting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of verification strategies for hybrid powertrain functions.
• Define and execute verification campaigns across various test environments.
• Provide technical leadership during test execution.

Skills

Systems verification

Validation and testing

Experience with CANbus

MATLAB / Simulink

High-voltage systems

Tools

VECTOR tools

Speedgoat hardware

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 Senior Powertrain Verification Engineer, you will join the Hybrid Powertrain team, playing a critical role in the verification and validation of our next-generation hybrid-electric propulsion systems.

Based primarily at Camwal Court / Kemble / Avonmouth, with regular engagement at Kemble, you will operate as a senior technical authority within the verification function. Reporting to the Hybrid Verification Manager, this is a senior individual contributor role offering high levels of autonomy, technical ownership, and programme influence.

A typical day could involve defining verification strategies with system owners, leading complex powertrain test campaigns, supporting flight-test operations through real-time telemetry monitoring, or providing technical leadership during integration and design reviews. Your ability to work confidently across test, design, and certification teams while making sound engineering decisions at pace will be key to your success.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development of verification and validation strategies and plans for hybrid powertrain and fuel system functions
• Define and execute complex verification campaigns across rig, bench, HIL, ground, and flight-test environments
• Author, review, and approve test procedures, scripts, and formal test reports in line with certification standards
• Provide hands-on technical leadership during test execution, including fault investigation, root-cause analysis, and corrective action definition
• Support flight-test operations, including telemetry definition, real-time monitoring, and post-flight data analysis
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for assigned powertrain systems during flight-test activities
• Contribute to design, safety, and programme reviews, ensuring verification intent aligns with certification and programme milestones
• Mentor and technically support junior engineers, promoting best practice in verification, testing, and systems engineering

What You’ll Bring

• Strong background in systems verification, validation, and testing within safety-critical or regulated environments
• Proven experience integrating and testing complex electro-mechanical or propulsion systems
• Experience with CANbus communication, diagnostics, and network definition
• Hands-on experience using VECTOR tools and CAPL scripting
• Strong capability with MATLAB / Simulink and Simulink Test Manager
• Experience working with HIL systems, including Speedgoat hardware
• Experience working with high-voltage systems up to 1000 V
• Experience working with high-voltage battery systems, including integration and test

Desirable

• Solid understanding and practical application of ARP4754A and DO-330
• Experience with hybrid-electric aircraft, advanced propulsion systems, or novel powertrain architectures
• Exposure to aircraft certification programmes and engagement with airworthiness authorities
• A curious, analytical mindset with the confidence to challenge assumptions and drive continuous improvement
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, ambiguous development environment, balancing innovation with certification discipline

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.