Principal Fatigue and Damage Tolerance Engineer

Methodfi; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering aerospace company in Bristol is seeking a Principal Fatigue and Damage Tolerance Engineer to lead advanced analysis methods for novel aircraft structures. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in the field and a strong background in materials science. This role offers benefits such as extensive holiday, a performance-based bonus, and opportunities for career growth in an innovative environment.

Benefits

26 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Company performance based bonus

Company Pension Scheme

Breakfast provided daily

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in fatigue and damage tolerance analysis for aerospace structures.
• Proven track record of delivering F&D&T analysis on time and to a high standard.
• Experience with regulatory authorities or technical approval is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of fatigue and damage tolerance analysis methods.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members.
• Collaborate with design, test, certification, and airworthiness teams.

Skills

Fatigue and damage tolerance analysis

Knowledge of metallic and composite materials

Technical communication skills

Education

Degree in aerospace engineering or related field

Tools

Fatigue and crack growth analysis tools

Job description

Our Mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The VX4, 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 of having the VX4 in service by 2030.

What to Expect

As Principal Fatigue and Damage Tolerance Engineer, you’ll take the lead in defining and executing advanced fatigue and damage tolerance methods on novel aircraft structures. You’ll work at the interface of design, certification and testing — guiding your engineering team and collaborating with structural design, airworthiness, test and supplier teams. You’ll set the technical direction for lightweight metallic and composite structures, and steer the delivery of certifiable solutions that meet stringent safety and performance goals.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development and deployment of fatigue and damage tolerance (F&D&T) analysis methods for novel metallic and composite structures
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to a team of F&D&T engineers, ensuring high standards of analytical quality and safety
• Carry out detailed fatigue and crack growth analysis using both first‑principles and numerical methods
• Define and deliver the means of compliance for F&D&T in line with certification requirements
• Collaborate closely with Design, Test, Certification and Airworthiness teams to integrate F&D&T solutions into the wider aircraft programme
• Review and approve technical documentation and analysis to support design decisions and regulatory submissions
• Develop tools and processes to improve analysis efficiency and traceability
• Represent the F&D&T function in cross‑functional reviews and provide clear, concise communication at all levels of the business

What You’ll Bring

• Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in fatigue and damage tolerance analysis for aerospace structures
• Strong knowledge of both metallic and composite materials and their behaviour under fatigue loading
• Degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field
• Proven track record of leading technical teams and delivering F&D&T analysis on time and to a high standard
• Hands‑on experience with fatigue and crack growth tools and the development of in‑house analysis methods
• Clear understanding of certification processes and means of compliance related to F&D&T
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics to technical and non‑technical audiences
• Experience working with regulatory authorities or holding technical approval/signatory rights is a strong advantage

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.