Senior Powertrain Quality & Lifecycle Engineer
Vertical Aerospace, Bristol, VA, United States
Vertical Aerospace is developing the next generation of electric aircraft. Our Powertrain team is at the heart of that effort – responsible for delivering safe, certifiable high‑voltage systems that perform reliably from development through to entry into service and beyond.
We’re looking for a Senior Powertrain Quality & Lifecycle Engineer to take ownership of quality across the full product lifecycle, using data and structured engineering approaches to drive performance, reliability, and continuous improvement.
What to expect
This role sits at the intersection of engineering, quality, and data. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that our powertrain systems meet the highest standards – not just at design and test, but through launch and into real‑world operation. You’ll use data and engineering insight to move us from reactive issue resolution to predictive diagnostics, helping us identify and prevent problems before they occur. This is a high‑impact role where you’ll work across teams, influence decision‑making, and help shape how we deliver quality at scale.
What you’ll do
Forward Quality
Own and drive DFMEA processes and metrics across Powertrain
Ensure risks are identified early and effectively managed
Lead governance and drive closure of key quality actions
Engineering Quality
Own and manage Powertrain quality activities using structured methodologies (e.g. Six Sigma)
Deliver training and support to engineering teams
Lead cross‑functional task forces to resolve technical issues
Launch, Field & Warranty
Lead resolution of in‑service and field issues
Establish and drive warranty and recovery processes across Powertrain and suppliers
Work closely with Commercial and Legal teams on warranty‑related activities
Data & Analytics
Develop Powertrain quality analytics capability
Deliver regular reporting and insights to stakeholders
Enable predictive diagnostics using product and field data
Governance & Continuous Improvement
Lead technical reviews, supplier meetings, and internal forums
Track actions and ensure accountability and closure
Capture lessons learned and feed improvements into future programmes
What you’ll bring
Strong experience in quality and engineering within electrified systems (automotive, aerospace, or similar)
Proven experience managing product quality across the full lifecycle (development → launch → field)
Hands‑on experience with DFMEA, root cause analysis, and structured problem solving (e.g. 8D, Six Sigma)
Understanding of powertrain systems (batteries, motors, inverters, HV systems)
Experience working with data to identify trends and improve product performance
Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence without direct authority
Strong communication skills, including stakeholder and executive‑level reporting
Nice to have
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt
Experience with warranty, field quality, or reliability engineering
Familiarity with certification and regulated environments
Experience working with suppliers and external partners
#LI-OS1
Our benefits
26 days holiday, plus bank holiday
5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)
5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership
Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits
Award‑winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)
Company performance based bonus – rewarding company and individual performance
Company Share Scheme – open to every Vertical employee
Company Pension Scheme – 5% and we match it
Breakfast on us, every day
Disclaimer Statement
We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.
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We’re looking for a Senior Powertrain Quality & Lifecycle Engineer to take ownership of quality across the full product lifecycle, using data and structured engineering approaches to drive performance, reliability, and continuous improvement.
What to expect
This role sits at the intersection of engineering, quality, and data. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that our powertrain systems meet the highest standards – not just at design and test, but through launch and into real‑world operation. You’ll use data and engineering insight to move us from reactive issue resolution to predictive diagnostics, helping us identify and prevent problems before they occur. This is a high‑impact role where you’ll work across teams, influence decision‑making, and help shape how we deliver quality at scale.
What you’ll do
Forward Quality
Own and drive DFMEA processes and metrics across Powertrain
Ensure risks are identified early and effectively managed
Lead governance and drive closure of key quality actions
Engineering Quality
Own and manage Powertrain quality activities using structured methodologies (e.g. Six Sigma)
Deliver training and support to engineering teams
Lead cross‑functional task forces to resolve technical issues
Launch, Field & Warranty
Lead resolution of in‑service and field issues
Establish and drive warranty and recovery processes across Powertrain and suppliers
Work closely with Commercial and Legal teams on warranty‑related activities
Data & Analytics
Develop Powertrain quality analytics capability
Deliver regular reporting and insights to stakeholders
Enable predictive diagnostics using product and field data
Governance & Continuous Improvement
Lead technical reviews, supplier meetings, and internal forums
Track actions and ensure accountability and closure
Capture lessons learned and feed improvements into future programmes
What you’ll bring
Strong experience in quality and engineering within electrified systems (automotive, aerospace, or similar)
Proven experience managing product quality across the full lifecycle (development → launch → field)
Hands‑on experience with DFMEA, root cause analysis, and structured problem solving (e.g. 8D, Six Sigma)
Understanding of powertrain systems (batteries, motors, inverters, HV systems)
Experience working with data to identify trends and improve product performance
Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence without direct authority
Strong communication skills, including stakeholder and executive‑level reporting
Nice to have
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt
Experience with warranty, field quality, or reliability engineering
Familiarity with certification and regulated environments
Experience working with suppliers and external partners
#LI-OS1
Our benefits
26 days holiday, plus bank holiday
5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)
5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership
Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits
Award‑winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)
Company performance based bonus – rewarding company and individual performance
Company Share Scheme – open to every Vertical employee
Company Pension Scheme – 5% and we match it
Breakfast on us, every day
Disclaimer Statement
We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.
#J-18808-Ljbffr