Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Test Development Engineer

at Vertical Aerospace

🏢 About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is pioneering carbon-free, on-demand personal air travel with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Working here means contributing to the future of sustainable aviation at a company pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. Their mission to revolutionize air travel with zero-emission aircraft makes them uniquely positioned in the emerging advanced air mobility sector.

About This Role

As a Senior Test Development Engineer at Vertical Aerospace, you'll design and deliver critical system integration rigs for certifying aircraft hardware, including propulsion systems and avionics labs. This role directly impacts aircraft certification by creating the test infrastructure needed to validate safety and performance. You'll become the owner of these rigs post-delivery, driving improvements and mentoring others in a safety-first environment.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves collaborating with Test Engineers to refine rig requirements, designing architectures for system integration test equipment, and troubleshooting issues with existing test rigs. You might spend time configuring units under test, improving software interfaces, and ensuring all test equipment meets rigorous safety standards for aircraft certification.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Vertical Aerospace Is Looking For

  • Has 4+ years designing automated test equipment specifically for aerospace system certification (not just general test equipment)
  • Demonstrates practical experience with aircraft communication protocols like CAN, ARINC 429, and serial communications in test environments
  • Understands the complete aircraft development lifecycle and can translate system requirements into test rig architectures
  • Has hands-on experience with data stimulus, acquisition, and real-time test computing for aerospace applications

📝 Tips for Applying to Vertical Aerospace

1

Quantify your experience with aerospace certification testing - specify how many test rigs you've designed for aircraft systems and what systems they tested

2

Highlight specific projects where you worked with CAN, ARINC 429, or similar protocols in test equipment design

3

Mention any experience with electric propulsion systems or eVTOL technology, as this aligns with Vertical Aerospace's focus

4

Demonstrate your safety-first mindset with concrete examples from previous aerospace testing roles

5

Show how you've mentored junior engineers or contributed to team development in test engineering contexts

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience designing test equipment for aerospace certification (not just general testing)', 'Specific examples of working with aircraft communication protocols in test environments', "How you've contributed to safety culture in previous test engineering roles", 'Your interest in sustainable aviation and eVTOL technology specifically']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Vertical Aerospace's specific eVTOL aircraft models (like the VX4) and their propulsion systems
  • → The company's recent certification progress and partnerships with aviation authorities
  • → Their sustainability mission and how it differentiates them from traditional aerospace companies
  • → The UK's regulatory environment for eVTOL aircraft certification

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your process for designing a test rig for aircraft propulsion system certification
2 How have you implemented CAN or ARINC 429 protocols in previous test equipment designs?
3 Describe a time you had to troubleshoot a complex issue with test equipment during certification testing
4 How do you ensure safety is prioritized when commissioning new test rigs?
5 What experience do you have mentoring junior test engineers or collaborating with technology partners?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only general test engineering experience without aerospace-specific certification testing
  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of aircraft communication protocols mentioned in the requirements
  • Not showing understanding of the safety-critical nature of aircraft certification testing

📅 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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