Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer

Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer

Vertical Aerospace

Bristol, United Kingdom

What to Expect

As a Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer, you’ll sit at the heart of our engineering function, shaping how the Valo comes together as a coherent, certifiable aircraft. You’ll lead cross-functional efforts that define and integrate systems, working closely with safety, avionics, propulsion, and structures teams. This is a hands-on role for a systems thinker who thrives in complexity and is passionate about bringing innovative aircraft to life.

What You’ll Do

• Own and drive aircraft-level requirements, architecture, and verification activities across the full engineering lifecycle
• Lead the integration of cross-system technical solutions to ensure a certifiable and consistent aircraft design
• Coordinate system-level trade studies, interface management, and key configuration decisions
• Generate and review compliance evidence for certification, ensuring traceability and completeness
• Apply and promote Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices
• Collaborate with teams across safety, structures, propulsion, avionics, and software to ensure cohesive integration
• Support programme planning and identify blockers to keep engineering deliverables on track
• Mentor other engineers and promote systems engineering best practices across the organisation
• Participate actively in design reviews, programme reviews, and compliance reviews

What You’ll Bring

• A degree in a relevant engineering discipline
• Proven experience leading systems engineering for complex products, ideally at aircraft level
• A strong understanding of aircraft systems and system integration
• Skilled in requirements management, architecture definition, and verification planning
• Familiarity with ARP4754B and SC-VTOL or other certification frameworks
• Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with tools like DOORS, Jama, or Polarion
• Knowledge of MBSE tools such as System Composer or Enterprise Architect
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and a collaborative approach to delivery

Bonus if you have

• Experience in high-level aircraft design or the development of aircraft systems
• Hands-on experience in aircraft or UAS development and testing
• Experience certifying aerospace products
• Advanced MBSE tool expertise