Advanced Thermal Modelling Engineer
Our Mission
At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, 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. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.
We’re now looking for an Advanced Thermal Engineer to play a key role in shaping the thermal performance of our aircraft. This role sits at the heart of our battery and powertrain development, combining high-fidelity modelling with system-level thinking to ensure safe, efficient and certifiable performance.
What you’ll do
Lead battery thermal CFD analysis, supporting design verification across key programme milestones
Develop and apply high-fidelity and system-level thermal models across battery and wider vehicle systems
Contribute to powertrain and avionics thermal analysis, supporting overall vehicle performance
Support design decisions through simulation, trade studies and engineering insight
Work cross-functionally with design, test and systems teams to align modelling with real-world outcomes
Correlate simulation with test data to validate models and improve confidence in results
Define appropriate modelling approaches to answer complex engineering questions
Communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Contribute to the development of tools, methods and best practices in thermal modelling
Produce high-quality technical documentation to support design and certification
Engage with external partners including universities and research organisations
What you'll bring
Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or a related engineering discipline
Strong experience in thermal CFD analysis (e.g. Ansys Fluent, Star-CCM+)
Experience in battery thermal modelling
Knowledge of heat transfer, fluid dynamics and thermal management systems
Experience using MATLAB / Simulink / Simscape
Proven ability to correlate simulation results with test data
Understanding of how system-level requirements (performance, safety, durability) influence modelling
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to work from first principles
Ability to work autonomously and deliver in a fast-paced environment
Clear and confident communication skills
#LI-OS1
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 beyond the essentials.
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
We may just be the hardest job you've ever had, but we're confident it will be the most rewarding. Join the team today and help us shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility.
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.