Principal Loads & Aeroelastics Engineer

As Principal Loads & Aeroelasticity Engineer, you will lead the definition, development, validation and certification support of aircraft loads and aeroelastic models at Vertical Aerospace. You will own aircraft-level modelling capability, drive integration of structures, aerodynamics and control systems, and ensure analysis methods are robust and traceable. The role involves mentoring engineers and setting technical standards within the Loads & Dynamics discipline, while supporting flight test and certification campaigns for the Valo eVTOL aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, validation and certification support of aircraft loads and aeroelastic models at component and full aircraft level
• Own and develop aircraft-level modelling capability, including reduced-order and global finite element models used for loads and aeroelastic analysis
• Deliver loads and aeroelastic certification activities, producing robust technical evidence and compliance documentation
• Drive integration of structural, aerodynamic and control system models to assess aircraft stability and dynamic response
• Develop automated, repeatable and traceable analysis workflows to support rapid design iteration and configuration control
• Oversee flutter, whirl flutter, gust, manoeuvre, fatigue and ground loads analysis across the flight envelope
• Lead model validation and correlation activities using higher-fidelity models, Ground Vibration Test (GVT) data and flight test data
• Support flight test definition, flutter clearance activities, model updating and certification campaigns
• Provide technical mentorship and establish engineering best practice within Loads & Dynamics
• Represent Loads & Aeroelasticity at senior technical reviews and cross-functional programme reviews

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in loads, aeroelasticity and structural dynamics
• Proven experience working on certified aircraft programmes, including direct involvement in compliance demonstration activities
• Strong expertise in aircraft loads, aeroelasticity, flutter, aeroelasticity and dynamic response analysis
• Experience developing, maintaining, validating or correlating aircraft-level finite element models and reduced-order models
• Strong understanding of CS-23/25/27/29 or equivalent certification requirements relating to loads, flutter and aeroelastic stability
• Experience supporting Ground Vibration Testing (GVT), Flight Flutter Testing (FFT) and model correlation activities
• Strong knowledge of flight mechanics and flight control systems, particularly in relation to aeroelastic behaviour
• Experience using industry-standard tools such as MSC Nastran, MATLAB and Python
• Ability to produce structured, traceable and certification-ready analysis and technical documentation
• Clear and confident communication when presenting complex technical evidence to multidisciplinary stakeholders

Nice to have

• Experience with eVTOL, distributed propulsion or novel aircraft configurations
• Experience with model reduction, super elements and structural dynamics correlation techniques
• Experience interacting with certification authorities such as EASA, CAA or FAA
• Experience with ZAERO, Nastran or equivalent aeroelastic toolsets

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