Advanced Structural Test Engineer

This is a hands-on engineering role where you'll take ownership of structural test campaigns from initial planning through to execution, analysis and reporting. Working from our Kemble facilities, you'll play a key role in delivering the physical evidence required to support aircraft development and certification. You'll work across a broad range of structural testing activities, from component-level investigations through to large-scale certification programmes, collaborating closely with Design, Stress, Airframe and Certification teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of structural test campaigns across development and certification programmes
• Own the setup, operation and troubleshooting of data acquisition and control systems, including MTS and LabVIEW platforms
• Develop instrumentation strategies including strain gauge installation, rosettes, wiring, bonding and signal conditioning
• Monitor test execution, validate real-time data and ensure safe and effective test delivery
• Work closely with design and structural engineering teams to define test requirements and develop test rigs
• Analyse test results and produce clear, traceable technical reports to support engineering and certification activities
• Support the development and continuous improvement of testing processes, methodologies and standards
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing guidance on instrumentation, rig setup and test execution
• Drive high standards of data quality, repeatability and technical excellence across all testing activities

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline
• Experience within structural test engineering, ideally gained within aerospace or another highly regulated engineering environment
• Strong knowledge of data acquisition and control systems, including MTS FlexTest and/or LabVIEW
• Hands-on experience with strain gauge installation, wiring, bonding and troubleshooting
• Strong understanding of load measurement systems, calibration techniques and signal behaviour
• Experience planning and executing both development and certification test programmes
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment

Nice to have

• Experience supporting aerospace certification programmes under EASA and/or FAA regulations
• Knowledge of rosette strain gauges, Wheatstone bridge circuits and signal noise reduction techniques
• Understanding of uncertainty quantification and calibration traceability
• Mechanical rig assembly and integration experience
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, nCode or similar data analysis tools
• Familiarity with CATIA V5, 3DEXPERIENCE or equivalent CAD software

Benefits

• 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