Vehicle Systems Architect Engineer

Vertical Advanced Engineering is the consulting arm of Vertical Aerospace. Together we are accelerating the creation of technology that will revolutionise how people travel. Our highly skilled team deliver cutting-edge solutions to Vertical and the aerospace, automotive, motorsport and marine sectors.

Vertical Aerospace is building technology to revolutionise how people fly. Our mission is to make air travel personal, on-demand and carbon-free. Founded by greentech entrepreneur Stephen Fitzpatrick in 2016, Vertical Aerospace has been disrupting the way aircraft are developed, combining the rigour and discipline of aerospace with the pace and agility of F1.

Vertical Advanced Engineering is expanding and looking for a Vehicle Systems Architect Engineer to help design an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as well as to assist in the design and development of motorsport, aerospace, automotive and marine vehicle technologies. You will work from initial scheme to component launch incorporating knowledge in surfacing, composite structures, manufacturing support, including jigs and fixtures to aid smooth build and assembly of components. You will also be expected to lead and mentor junior members of staff and aid their progression.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience of all vehicle systems development phases, from initial requirements definition, configuration development, through build, test and qualification (focusing on electrical and control networks). They will have developed processes, methods and tools which lead to excellent vehicle design and operation.

Fundamentally, they will understand how it all works: what must be done and what has to fit together to make an outstandingly performant vehicle, both inside and out, bringing together all those in the project team with them.

Working within the Stress team, this position will involve;

  • Providing leadership for the integrated conceptual design of whole vehicles system architectures. To take ownership of all vehicle level electrical, sensor and control systems

  • Working with both complex land and air based vehicles

  • Working with all departments to ensure the systems are compatible, meet the requirements and provided an optimal solution

  • Comply with company quality standards AS 9100D (training will be provided)

  • Leading system-level trade studies

  • Identifying technology and industry paradigms that can be implemented into our products in order to lead the market

  • Identifying vehicle and system functions and developing the requirements framework and the roadmap for their validation and verification

  • Scoping and managing external packages of work with consultants/specialists

    Basic Qualifications/Experience;

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant Engineering discipline (Automotive, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical)

  • At least 8 years of applicable experience in an aircraft and or hybrid/battery vehicle development environment

  • Experience selecting/designing and developing complex and novel electro-mechanical solutions

  • Detailed understanding of standard communication protocols (CANbus, Serial, etc), wiring systems, actuator requirements, power system sizing and defining equipment requirements

  • Detailed understanding of electric propulsion (inverter and motors), vehicle low and high voltage distribution and significant battery energy storage systems

  • Experience being a key focal point within an ambitious and fast-moving project

  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in and across small, flexible and motivated teams

  • Be fluent in spoken and written English language

  • Previous experience within a motorsport environment is beneficial

Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO)