Head of Modelling & Simulation

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 navigate the sky.

We won’t realise our mission by following legacy approaches; instead, we aim to redefine aerospace best practices.
We are evolving quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be key to achieving our goal of bringing the VX4 into service by 2030.

What to expect

We’re looking for an industry leader and technically hands-on Head of Modelling & Simulation. This is a senior leadership role with impact, building a high-performing team that will drive the modelling strategy and deliver simulation capabilities essential to certifying and operating our VX4 aircraft.

You will be accountable for the development, integration, validation and application of high-fidelity models & simulations, to support the full lifecycle of our aircraft, from concept design and validation through operational performance analysis and certification.

What you'll do

Leadership & Strategy

• Define and drive the technical strategy, structure, and operating model to optimise performance

• Implement best practices for modelling & simulation activities ensuring consistency of approach,

• Lead and inspire a team of engineers across modelling and systems simulation.

• Align the team’s efforts with company-wide technical strategies and goals.

• Drive a culture of collaboration, technical excellence, agility, and continuous improvement.

• Define and manage departmental budgets, resourcing, tools procurement, and training needs.

Technical Direction & Excellence

• Owner of the development, integration (systems & equipment), and validation of models for powertrain & the aircraft, including configuration control at all stages.

• Oversee development of simulation environments that support all activities from design, to verification and full certification.

• Ensure the use of cutting-edge tools and methodologies to make sure that the most effective methods are always being utilised (e.g., CFD, FEA, MBSE, multi-physics, AI Tools).

• Champion the use of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering practices across the business.

• Build integrated SIM capability and provide desktop SIM capabilities

• Grow the SIM capability to ensure this remains at the forefront of innovation and in pursuit of excellence

Collaboration & Influence

• Integration will be key – You and the team will work closely with flight test, flight physics, flight control laws and certification teams to ensure models align with aircraft development and validation needs.

• Liaison with 3rd party providers and other internal stakeholders to capitalise on key tools and ways of working

• Support the certification process by ensuring model traceability, documentation, and compliance with applicable standards

You’ll Be Accountable For

• Delivering reliable, validated models and simulations that support aircraft design, development, and certification.

• Building and leading a high-performing team that is fully integrated with key stakeholders and other interfacing departments

• Contributing to a fast-paced, innovation-driven culture while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance in readiness for certification.

• Adoption and continuous improvement of modelling tools, AI tools, frameworks, and best practices.

• Strategic input into programme planning, design trades, and technical reviews.

• Compliance with industry standards e.g. DO-331 and 330

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience in modelling, simulation, or digital engineering in aerospace or high-integrity industries.

• Strong technical grounding in multi-physics modelling, flight dynamics, control systems, or similar domains.

• Experience leading technical teams and delivering on complex engineering programmes through to certification.

• Expertise in relevant tools such as MATLAB/Simulink etc.

• Practical understanding of the aircraft development lifecycle, especially model-based certification practices.

• Passion for innovation, strong problem-solving skills, and a hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.

Desirable Extras

• Experience in eVTOL, electric propulsion, or advanced air mobility (AAM) programmes.

• Exposure to start-up or scale-up environments.

• Experience collaborating with aviation regulators and supporting certification efforts.

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.