Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Supplier

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

Job summary

A pioneering electric aviation company in Bristol is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead engineering activities in the supply chain for the Valo aircraft. The role involves engaging with suppliers to ensure capability and quality, while embedding design for manufacture practices. Ideal candidates will have 8-10 years in aerospace manufacturing and experience in composite aerostructures. This position offers the chance to work in a supportive environment focusing on innovation in electric aviation.

Benefits

26 days holiday, plus bank holiday

Company performance-based bonus

Company Share Scheme

Company Pension Scheme – 5% and we match it

Breakfast on us, every day

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years in Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience in Technical supplier engagement and capability assessment.
• Experience in the industrialisation of composite and complex aerostructures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and embed Design for Manufacture (DfM) within our products.
• Lead development of Manufacturing capabilities for the Vertical's products.
• Support to Supplier PPAP work and technical approvals required.

Skills

Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering

Technical supplier engagement

Lean manufacturing principles

Problem solving skills

Analytical skills

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

The Manufacturing Engineer – Supply Chain will lead the delivery of Manufacturing Engineering activities across the supply chain to enable the industrialisation and production of the Valo aircraft. This role is crucial to Vertical Aerospace’s successful transition into production and will be instrumental in technical engagement with suppliers to ensure manufacturing capability, quality, and delivery readiness. The role will support supplier manufacturing readiness, including contribution to supply‑chain PPAP activities where appropriate, and the assessment and development of supplier manufacturing capability. This includes supporting suppliers in achieving appropriate quality accreditations, embedding best practice, and developing rate‑readiness through the identification of capacity constraints and production risks. The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with suppliers to understand and resolve key yield, process, or technical issues impacting product conformity, quality, or delivery performance. The role will also contribute to identifying technical drivers and market‑based opportunities to improve cost and value across the supply chain.

What you’ll do

• Lead and embed Design for Manufacture (DfM) within our products with a strong emphasis on Composite manufacturing
• Lead development of Manufacturing capabilities for Vertical Aerospace, including identification of best techniques required for Vertical products
• Support to Supplier PPAP work and technical approvals required
• Responsible for the delivery of Manufacturing Engineering elements of APQP (AS9145)
• Technical engagement with Vertical’s key suppliers ensuring supplier capability is robust and rate‑ready
• Identify key market opportunities to improve cost, quality and value
• Support the definition of Manufacturing Engineering best practice
• Develop and industrialise Vertical Aerospace supply chain manufacturing capabilities
• Embed lean manufacturing principles into Vertical Aerospace Production facilities

What you’ll bring

• 8‑10+ years in Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering
• Experience in Technical supplier engagement and capability assessment
• Experience in the industrialisation of composite and complex aerostructures
• Demonstrated delivery of APQP (AS9145) and PPAP with aerospace suppliers
• Implementation of lean manufacturing principles across internal or supplier production systems
• Experience in aircraft component manufacture is highly desirable
• Strong ability to deal with ambiguity
• Strong problem solving, analytical and communication skills

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.