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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 2029 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers. As a Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will be the technical driving force behind our understanding of the Valo’s aircraft-level behaviour and handling qualities. Sitting within the Flight Dynamics team, you will coordinate the strategy for how we certify the flight dynamics and handling qualities of our fully electric eVTOL, working closely with colleagues across Airworthiness, Flight Controls, Flight Test, Simulation, and wider Flight Physics. A typical day could range from defining and refining our handling qualities certification plans, and shaping our means of compliance. You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to agree and approve technical flight dynamics analysis and documentation. The ability to navigate complex certification challenges, think at whole-aircraft level, influence without direct line authority, and make robust, well-reasoned technical decisions will be key to your success in this role. What you'll do: - You will own the overall strategy and delivery of aircraft-level flight dynamics and handling qualities certification for the Valo. - You will define the strategies, compliance approaches, and means of compliance for flight dynamics. - You will act as a key technical interface with certification authorities. - You will review and approve analysis, test evidence, and documentation for certification deliverables - You will interface with Flight Controls, Flight Test, Flight Physics, Simulation and external authorities (e.g. CAA), demonstrating excellent communication, influence and stakeholder management. - You will act as a technical leader and mentor within the Flight Dynamics team, ensuring high standards of technical rigour, and guiding activities from early analysis through to flight test correlation and final certification. What you'll bring: - BS in Aerospace Engineering or related field with extensive experience in aircraft-level flight dynamics and handling qualities. OR - MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field with significant experience in aircraft-level flight dynamics and handling qualities. - Deep expertise in flight dynamics / flight mechanics, including open-loop aircraft behaviour, aerodynamic interaction, and cross-coupling effects. - Proven experience with certifying aircraft handling qualities and flight dynamics, ideally including interaction with airworthiness authorities (e.g. CAA or other NAA). - Strong track record working at full-aircraft level, including aero‑propulsive interaction and cross‑coupling effects. - Familiarity with working within a regulatory and certification context (e.g. CAA or other aviation authorities), including engaging with regulators on technical topics. - Ability to define and drive technical strategy across multiple teams (flight controls, flight test, flight physics, simulation), influencing without direct line authority. - Highly motivated, with excellent critical thinking, systems-level decision-making skills, and a collaborative approach to mentoring and guiding other engineers. Your experience: - Background in certification by simulation / use of high-fidelity simulation as primary certification evidence. - Background in building, validating, and using aircraft-level simulation