Senior Rotor Dynamics Engineer

Why work with us? 

We are breaking the boundaries and pushing our commitment in the EVTOL world by Changing the way the world travels. Our mission is powered by pioneers and progress is our prerogative.  

Here at Vertical, we are developing the UK’s first fully electric, vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), the VX4. With zero-operating emissions. Vertical is transforming the way people travel through offering a faster, safer and greener way to move.      

Founded in 2016, Vertical is a leading aerospace and technology company, with the largest global pre-order book with prestigious airline partners such as Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines, and our exceptional partner ecosystem includes the likes of Rolls-Royce and Honeywell. 

My impact as a Senior Rotor Dynamics Engineer

You will join other experienced team members in the field and take the lead and progress autonomously on the projects and tasks they are allocated. Ensuring a safe and fruitful flight test campaign, you will then apply the knowledge and experience gained to successful future certification and development programmes. This role will give the successful candidate an opportunity to become an industry discipline leader in this new and exciting market segment.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience of all aircraft development phases, from initial configuration development and requirement definition, through build, test and certification, to entry-into-service and beyond. They will have developed expert-level rotor dynamics skills in  processes, methods and tools. They will be experienced users of analytical tools and fully understand the limitations and opportunities associated with discipline  methodologies.

What success will look like for the Senior Rotor Dynamics Engineer 

• Generating and interpreting data related to rotor dynamics performance with tools of varying fidelity based on programme requirements and phases.
• Steering and contributing to the development of robust methods and tools for rotor dynamics analysis.
• With the team, develop the validation and verification strategy for rotor dynamic performance.
• Demonstrating compliance of novel designs to emerging aerospace specifications.
• Conducting a wide variety of analysis in your field to support colleagues, suppliers and partner organisations to deliver on objectives.

Everything sounds very interesting but how do I know this is the role for me? 

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or other relevant discipline.
• Significant demonstrable experience in the generation and interpretation of data related to rotor dynamics in a relevant industrial environment.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of rotor dynamics.
• Ability to apply your knowledge to small vehicles of novel design and operational characteristics.
• Understanding of typical flight characteristics of fixed and rotary wing air vehicles.
• Awareness of processes and requirements relevant to the certification of aircraft.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills and an ability to clearly communicate conclusions from large and complex datasets.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a small, motivated team.
• Flexibility and interest to work in other associated Flight Physics fields when the needs arise.

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge of propeller/helicopter blade loads, aeroelasticity and structural dynamics.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and Excel.
• Experience with FE modelling (ideally OptiStruct/Nastran) and/or rotary-wing analysis software (CHARM/CAMRAD II/Flightlab/RCAS).
• Previous involvement in a test programme of a propeller/helicopter rotor.
• Held a position of responsibility for certification activities in an approved aircraft design organisation.

What can you expect from us?  For us it is important that people feel valued for the impact they have and are able to thrive and experience the career journey of a lifetime. Our overall approach to reward seeks to offer competitive packages that attract the diverse and talented people we need to achieve our ambitious objectives 

Our Vertical Additional Benefits  

• ‘Primary Benefits’ are available as standard, 5% Pension Match, 2 x Salary Life Insurance, Income Protection, 26 days + bank holiday and the opportunity for extra 5 days when getting married or forming a civil partnership 
• ‘Flex Fund Benefits’ are benefits that don’t come as standard, but you can ‘pay’ for using a company provided ‘Flex Fund’ (equal to 4% of salary) Private Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, EV Car Subscription, Home EV Charger, Holiday Buy, Pension Top Up, and many more
• ‘Payroll benefits’ Workplace ISA, Commuter Loan, Interest Free Technology Loans
• ‘Extra benefits’ are the many benefits we offer that can be accessed through our rewards platform, incl. Discounted Shopping Scheme, Eye Care Benefits, Free Mortgage Advice, Financial and Comprehensive Wellness Benefits
• Eligibility to participate in our market leading employee long-term-incentive plan 

Our Ways of Working In the UK we have two offices and a Battery facility in Bristol, an office in London and a site in Kemble with well stocked free kitchen provisions including hot drinks, fruit and breakfasts every weekday. Our typical full time working week is 37.5 hours. We recognise the world of work is rapidly evolving and that 9-5 is no longer a fitting pattern for many. We want to support all employees to deliver their roles to the best possible standard by offering an additional level of flexibility between our sites and home where suitable for your role. Typically, this is agreed with your team, ensuring there are times for collaboration on site and work from home as appropriate.  

Do you like the look of this opportunity but not sure if you meet all the criteria we’ve outlines? Here at Vertical, we are working to create an environment of growth, diversity and opportunities for people to take on challenges and push the status quo. 

We understand some people may not apply to jobs unless they tick every box. If you're excited about joining us and think you have much of what we're looking for, even if you're not 100% sure... we'd love to hear from you.   

This is an on-going advert and interviews will be held on an ad-hoc basis until sufficient applications have been received.