Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Engineering Capability

at Vertical Aerospace

🏢 About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is a pioneer in electric aviation, developing the Valo eVTOL aircraft that aims to achieve 'zero emissions' personal air travel. They are redefining aerospace best practices by moving away from legacy processes, targeting airliner-level safety certification by 2028. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of flight in a fast-growing, mission-driven company.

About This Role

The Head of Engineering Capability will establish and govern the engineering operating model, ensuring frameworks, processes, and tools enable high-quality delivery aligned with Type Certification. This role is critical to scaling the engineering organization from prototype to certification, directly impacting the success of the Valo aircraft and the company's ambitious goals.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing engineering process metrics with team leads, collaborating with certification authorities on DOA compliance, and leading a workshop to refine a key engineering tool. You'd also meet with the CTO to align capability priorities with certification milestones, and spend time mentoring process owners on best practices.

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🎯 Who Vertical Aerospace Is Looking For

  • Experienced in setting up and governing engineering operating models within aerospace or highly regulated industries, ideally with Design Organisation Approval (DOA) exposure.
  • Strong background in process improvement, capability development, and performance governance, with a track record of implementing scalable frameworks.
  • Able to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution, comfortable in a fast-paced SME environment transitioning from prototype to certification.
  • Deep understanding of aerospace certification processes (e.g., EASA/FAA) and engineering best practices, with a passion for redefining legacy approaches.

📝 Tips for Applying to Vertical Aerospace

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific experience with engineering operating models, DOA, and certification processes; use metrics to show impact.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your past work to 'redefining aerospace best practices' and mention how you've driven change in a scaling organization.

3

Research Vertical's technology (Valo eVTOL) and their certification timeline; mention it to show genuine interest and alignment.

4

Prepare a concise example of a time you improved engineering capability (e.g., implemented a new tool/process) and quantify the result.

5

Avoid generic aerospace experience; focus on operational excellence and capability building rather than just technical engineering.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with engineering operating models and process governance in a regulated environment.', 'How you have successfully driven capability development and performance improvements in a scaling organization.', "Your alignment with Vertical's mission to redefine aerospace best practices and achieve ambitious certification goals.", 'Specific examples of implementing frameworks that enabled high-quality, consistent engineering delivery.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Vertical's Valo aircraft specifications, design philosophy, and certification roadmap (targeting 2028).
  • → Read about Vertical's Design Organisation Approval (DOA) status and how it influences engineering processes.
  • → Review recent news or press releases about Vertical's partnerships, funding, or milestones to understand current state.
  • → Understand the broader eVTOL market and competitive landscape to speak to Vertical's unique position.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you established an engineering operating model from scratch. What were the key challenges and outcomes?
2 How would you approach governing engineering processes across a growing organization while ensuring regulatory compliance?
3 What metrics would you use to measure engineering capability and performance, and how would you drive continuous improvement?
4 How do you balance the need for standardisation with the flexibility required in a fast-paced SME environment?
5 Discuss your understanding of eVTOL certification and how you would ensure engineering practices support Type Certification.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing too much on legacy aerospace processes without showing how you can adapt and innovate.
  • Being vague about your role in past capability improvements; use specific examples and metrics.
  • Ignoring the 'scaling SME' context; emphasize your experience in fast-growing, dynamic environments.

📅 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!

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