Head of Aircraft Manufacturing Engineering

Bristol, England, United Kingdom

2/10/2025

Join Vertical Aerospace as a Head of Aircraft Manufacturing Engineering, leading the development and implementation of manufacturing processes to support our plans for large-scale production of our VX4 aircraft.

You will be accountable for the establishment and delivery of the aircraft manufacturing engineering function.

What success will look like for you?

• Build, lead and develop a team of manufacturing engineers working across multiple disciplines, providing strategic direction and guidance to ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Influence the engineering design in order to ensure that product designs can be robustly and efficiently manufactured at scale.
• Be responsible for the development and implementation of all manufacturing processes, tooling & fixturing, manufacturing systems, compliance and supplier collaboration.
• Manage and resolve complex technical issues related to manufacturing and product feasibility
• Specify and deliver the equipment, systems and tools necessary for prototype and series production
• Work closely with the design teams and suppliers to ensure that manufacturing and assembly considerations are built into the design (DFM/DFA etc)
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, standards, and certifications related to aircraft manufacturing and aerospace quality management.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and performance enhancement, leading initiatives to drive continuous improvement.
• Forward thinking, you will be accountable for the implementation of the governance model of the manufacturing engineering organisation, its adaptability across roles within the function based on the business needs.
• Will be accountable for the development and maintenance of Manufacturing Engineering department under the Production Organisation Approval (POA)
• Implementation of six sigma principals such as APQP, PPAP and their deployment in NPI environments
  
  

What we would like you to bring?

• Strong experience in high-volume final assembly and lean manufacturing.
• Proven track record in taking a product from prototype to volume production (NPI).
• You need have experience of assembly of complex structures and systems in order to translate engineering design intent into manufacturing process instructions and identify control requirements. Experience in automotive, aerospace or other associated industries is desired.
• 10 years experience in manufacturing process development, optimisation, and scale-up, within the aerospace industry.
• Experience in manufacturing systems required to efficiently design manufacturing processes and deliver high-rate production (such as ERP/MRP, MES etc)
• Leadership and team management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, or advanced manufacturing.
• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Knowledge of industry regulations, health & safety, and quality standards.
• Familiarity with industry standards, regulations, and certifications related to aircraft manufacturing and aerospace quality management systems.
  
  

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 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.