Engineering Programme Manager

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 navigate the skies.

We won’t realise our mission by following legacy processes and traditions — instead, we are redefining aerospace best practices. As we grow rapidly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, the next few years are critical to achieving our goal of having the VX4 in service by 2030.

What to Expect

As a Programme Manager within our Vehicle Management System (VMS) team, you’ll play a critical role in delivering the advanced avionics capabilities that power the VX4 — our pioneering electric aircraft set to redefine the future of air travel. Sitting at the intersection of engineering, certification, and supplier collaboration, this role offers the opportunity to lead technically complex, cross-functional programmes from development through to delivery.

This position is ideal for a mid- to senior-level Project or Programme Manager with a strong foundation in technical delivery and a desire to step into a broader, more strategically influential role within a fast-paced aerospace environment.

You’ll be responsible for coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing workstreams across hardware, software, and systems integration, and contributing directly to the successful delivery of one of our aircraft’s most critical systems. It’s a compelling opportunity for someone looking to expand their strategic scope while remaining deeply connected to engineering execution.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, procurement, and certification.

• Manage timelines, budgets, and quality metrics for VMS work packages.

• Collaborate closely with Technical Leads, Department Heads, and other Programme Managers.

• Develop and maintain detailed schedules, tracking dependencies, risks, and critical paths.

• Drive proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies.

• Track performance, manage variances, and report progress through dashboards and status reports.

• Interface with suppliers and partners to ensure programme alignment.

• Support resource planning and continuous improvement of PM processes and tools.

What You’ll Bring

• We’re looking for a strong communicator and natural problem-solver with a track record of programme delivery in complex, cross-disciplinary environments.

• Proven experience as a Programme Manager within aerospace or high-tech engineering sectors.

• Proficiency in tools like MS Project and Jira; familiarity with scripting or AI integration is a plus.

• Experience managing suppliers and subcontractors effectively.

• Deep risk management experience and stakeholder communication skills at all levels.

Desirable

• Strong understanding of aerospace systems and regulatory frameworks (e.g. ARP4754A, DO-160, DO-178C, DO-254).

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.