Application Guide

How to Apply for Data Scientist

at Vertical Aerospace

🏢 About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is revolutionizing personal air travel by developing the Valo, a carbon-free eVTOL aircraft targeting airliner-level safety certification by 2028. Unlike traditional aerospace companies, they aim to redefine industry best practices with a focus on electric aviation and zero emissions, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable transportation innovation.

About This Role

This Data Scientist role involves developing practical models for battery lifespan predictions and surrogate models for loads modeling to support engineering design, testing, and operational decisions. You'll work closely with engineering teams to create deployable solutions within a certification-driven environment, directly contributing to the safety and performance of electric aircraft.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves collaborating with engineering teams to understand design challenges, developing and validating predictive models for battery performance or structural loads, working with data engineers to ensure reliable data pipelines, and documenting models for certification requirements. You'll balance technical development with practical application to support aircraft design decisions.

🎯 Who Vertical Aerospace Is Looking For

  • Has experience building and validating predictive models for physical systems (especially battery degradation or structural loads)
  • Can translate engineering problems into data science solutions that meet strict certification requirements
  • Works collaboratively with engineering teams and data engineers to integrate models into production workflows
  • Focuses on practical application with interpretable, validated models rather than purely theoretical approaches

📝 Tips for Applying to Vertical Aerospace

1

Highlight specific experience with battery lifespan modeling or surrogate modeling for physical systems in your resume

2

Demonstrate understanding of certification processes in regulated industries (aerospace, automotive, medical devices)

3

Show examples of taking models from concept to deployment in engineering contexts

4

Emphasize collaboration with engineering teams rather than working in isolation

5

Research Vertical Aerospace's Valo aircraft and mention specific technical challenges relevant to electric aviation

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with predictive modeling for physical systems or engineering applications', 'Understanding of certification requirements and validation processes in regulated environments', 'Ability to collaborate with engineering teams to solve practical problems', 'Passion for sustainable aviation and electric transportation innovation']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Vertical Aerospace's Valo aircraft specifications and eVTOL technology
  • Aircraft certification processes (particularly EASA/FAA requirements)
  • Electric aviation battery technology and current limitations
  • The company's timeline to 2028 certification and service entry

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your approach to building and validating battery degradation models
2 How would you create surrogate models for aircraft loads analysis?
3 Explain how you ensure models meet certification standards in regulated industries
4 Describe a time you collaborated with engineering teams to deploy a model
5 What challenges specific to electric aviation data science do you anticipate?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on theoretical data science without practical engineering application examples
  • Not demonstrating understanding of certification or validation requirements
  • Presenting as a solo contributor rather than a collaborative team member working with engineers

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Vertical Aerospace!