Standard Parts & Component Engineer

Our Mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, 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. Valo is targeting airliner‑level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.

We’re looking for a Standard Parts & Component Engineer to help define, control and standardise the components that underpin our aircraft programme. This is a high‑impact role at the intersection of engineering, procurement and product lifecycle management - ensuring that every standard part used on our aircraft is correctly defined, qualified and controlled from concept through to entry into service.

Reporting to the Head of Product Lifecycle Management, you will take ownership of the 3

DEXPERIENCE (3DX) Standard Parts and Material Libraries, developing robust selection processes and configuration control methods that support certification and production readiness.

• Create, develop and maintain 3DX Standard Part and Material Libraries

• Define and manage the company’s approved parts selection lists and processes

• Lead new part selection, part substitution and second‑source qualification

• Prepare and document procurement specifications for standard parts and materials

• Ensure traceability and conformity to applicable aerospace standards

• Provide technical liaison between suppliers, procurement, engineering and subcontractors

• Support root cause investigations and quality problem resolution related to standard components

• Monitor industry trends, failure modes, manufacturing processes and evolving standards

• Contribute to engineering processes supporting product development, certification and entry into service

• Provide guidance and training to engineering teams on part selection and configuration control

• Degree (or HND) in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace or related Engineering discipline

• Significant relevant industry experience in aerospace or comparable regulated environments

• Strong experience selecting and qualifying aerospace standard parts, including:

  • Mechanical fastening and locking systems

  • Latches, bearings and fluid system components

  • Electrical components, connectors and installation attachments

• Understanding of component qualification, manufacturing processes and industry standards

• Experience preparing specifications and procurement control documentation

• Familiarity with Dassault 3
  
  DEXPERIENCE and CATIA V5/V6 (desirable)

• Experience supporting design teams with component selection (mechanical and/or electrical)

• Knowledge of configuration management and DMU design support (advantageous)

• Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences

• Fluent written and spoken English

What can you expect from us?

We're on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work king 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…