Advanced Quality Engineer

Our mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The VX4, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take-off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky.

We won't realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed, instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices.

We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals of having the VX4 in service by 2030.

What to expect

We’re looking for an experienced Advanced Quality Engineer to join our team and support the build of our aircraft. The ideal candidate will have proven experience working within Quality Management Systems in a highly regulated environment, preferably aerospace. You will ensure our products and systems meet stringent aerospace industry, legal, regulatory, and customer requirements.

You will play a key role in maintaining compliance with regulatory bodies, driving continual improvement, and embedding quality throughout the organisation. This is a hands-on role requiring strong collaboration across teams, clear communication, and the ability to influence quality culture.

This role will be based at Vertical’s Kemble site (near Cirencester), with occasional presence required at other sites in and around Bristol.

What you'll do

• Develop, implement, and maintain the organisation’s Quality Management System in compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100, and CAA Part 21 Production Organisation Approval.

• Maintain all quality documentation, including the Quality Manual, procedures, and work instructions.

• Plan and lead ISO 9001 and AS9100 internal audits, driving timely corrective actions.

• Support internal and external audits at suppliers and within VA.

• Conduct root cause and corrective action (RCCA) activities and process non-conformances.

• Develop and analyse quality metrics and KPIs to identify trends and areas for improvement.

• Ensure quality assurance is applied to all stages of aircraft build, including inspection activities and improvement projects.

• Collaborate with engineering to carry out DFMEA activities and maintain DFMEAs.

• Use 3DX/Catia to review engineering models and support closure of non-conformances.

• Implement and manage quality systems such as quarantine, calibration, and NCR management.

• Review and approve work orders for aircraft build.

• Advise on design for quality in future products.

• Support the PLM and Configuration teams from a quality perspective.

• Provide technical input into MES/ERP selection for high-rate production readiness from a quality perspective

What you'll bring

• Proven track record in deploying quality culture in aerospace production environments.

• Hands-on experience in Quality Systems and Control, with strong knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and aerospace compliance requirements.

• Internal auditing experience (ISO 9001; AS9100 preferred).

• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Proficiency in quality tools: APQP, FMEA (Design & Process), control plans, FAIRs, process flows, cost of quality.

• Knowledge of Six Sigma and problem-solving methodologies (Green Belt preferred).

• Experience with electrical assembly (hazardous voltage awareness desirable).

• Strong experience in quality assurance/control, and in a QMS-regulated environment.

• Understanding of CAA Part 21 regulatory requirements.

• Experience training and developing others.

• Knowledge of NADCAP requirements and special process audits.

• Degree or equivalent engineering qualification (HND/HNC).

What can you expect from us?

We're on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work at pace. Working at Vertical isn't your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; working here is an opportunity to do the best work of your career.

Our approach promotes ingenuity and courage, while our environment builds success through diligence in safety and being open in the way we work. The only way we're going to assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal. 

Our benefits

Our people matter - we're not going anywhere without them. Which is why our company benefits go beyo