Simon Harper

Inquirer
DISC Type : cd

Head of Engineering - Prototype & Testing at UK Fusion Energy

United Kingdom

Overview

Simon Harper is a multi-disciplinary engineering leader specializing in the development and testing of new technologies. He has progressed from renewable energy systems at GE to a foundational role at Vertical Aerospace, where he was a key early employee. He now leads prototype and testing for the UKs fusion energy programme.

Interesting fact: Simon was the fourth employee to join the aerospace startup Vertical Aerospace, playing an instrumental role in its formative years and early eVTOL projects.

Personality Overview

ROI Conscious

Upfront

Demanding

They respond well to confident salespeople.  They care equally about the product and its potential impact. They focus on objectivity in a pitch and pay little attention to bells and whistles.

Topics They Care About

Fusion Energy
Currently leads the engineering team for prototyping and testing at UK Fusion Energy, contributing to the UK's world-class STEP Fusion programme.
Aerospace Innovation
Spent over five years in senior roles at Vertical Aerospace, leading test and development for novel electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Complex System Testing
His expertise lies in test, verification, and integration, having built and led testing departments for cutting-edge aerospace and energy projects.

Media Appearances

Simon has no verified media appearances

Work History

9-2025
Head of Engineering - Prototype & Testing at UK Fusion Energy
5-2018 - 4-2025
Head of Test at Vertical Aerospace
5-2016 - 5-2018
Senior Special Project Engineer at Vertical Aerospace
11-2015 - 5-2016
Lead Mechanical Design Engineer (Tidal Turbines) at GE
10-2011 - 11-2015
Performance and Loads Engineer at Alstom Ocean Energy

Education

2005 - 2010
Master of Engineering (MEng) from University of Bath

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 17 Location : United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Head of Engineering - Prototype & Testing at UK Fusion Energy
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Insights For Selling To Simon

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Make sure that they have the necessary authority, they could present false stature sometimes
  • Refer to testimonials from others in similar positions
  • Highlight the competitive differentiation of your product

DONT's

  • Do not give up if they are not convinced, try again with a different approach
  • Don’t expect them to change their mind quickly if they say no once
  • Avoid long winding pitches, stay objective

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Simon is

  • Belief in the product plays an important role, followed by objective proof and testimonials.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Simon

  • They may hesitate slightly, but if they are not convinced, they will say no.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Simon move?

  • Their decision making speed is somewhere in the middle.
  • Can Simon take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks only after they have analyzed the advantages and disadvantages.

You And Simon

Personality Compatibility


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