Advanced Thermal Modelling Engineer

This role focuses on leading battery thermal CFD analysis and developing high-fidelity thermal models for Vertical Aerospace's eVTOL aircraft. The engineer will contribute to powertrain and avionics thermal analysis, support design decisions through simulation, and correlate models with test data. They will work cross-functionally with design, test, and systems teams, and provide technical oversight to junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead battery thermal CFD analysis, supporting design verification across key programme milestones
• Develop and apply high-fidelity and system-level thermal models across battery and wider vehicle systems
• Contribute to powertrain and avionics thermal analysis, supporting overall vehicle performance
• Support design decisions through simulation, trade studies and engineering insight
• Work cross-functionally with design, test and systems teams to align modelling with real-world outcomes
• Correlate simulation with test data to validate models and improve confidence in results
• Define appropriate modelling approaches to answer complex engineering questions
• Communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Contribute to the development of tools, methods and best practices in thermal modelling
• Produce high-quality technical documentation to support design and certification
• Engage with external partners including universities and research organisations
• Provide technical oversight and guidance to junior engineers, reviewing their work in detail and supporting the development of robust, high-quality analysis across the team

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or a related engineering discipline
• Strong experience in thermal CFD analysis (e.g. Ansys Fluent, Star-CCM+)
• Knowledge of heat transfer, fluid dynamics and thermal management systems
• Experience using MATLAB / Simulink / Simscape
• Proven ability to correlate simulation results with test data
• Understanding of how system-level requirements (performance, safety, durability) influence modelling
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to work from first principles
• Ability to work autonomously and deliver in a fast-paced environment
• Clear and confident communication skills

Nice to have

• Experience in battery thermal modelling strongly preferred but Modelling experience in alternative Powertrain systems will be considered

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