At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Board to drive innovation in UK aerospace technology and strategy.
- Company: Aerospace Technology Institute, leading UK aerospace research and development.
- Benefits: Competitive remuneration, flexible commitment, and travel expenses covered.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence industry change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of aerospace and contribute to sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Extensive board experience and commercial leadership in technology sectors.
The Aerospace Technology Institute sits at the centre of UK aerospace research and technology. It is responsible for the UK’s Aerospace Technology Strategy and the promotion of transformative technology in air transport, representing a joint industry and Government commitment to R&D funding of over £5 billion to 2035. The ATI represents a single, coherent national aerospace technology development programme that aims to strengthen the links between industry and academia whilst maximising opportunities for UK industry to gain access to European R&T programmes.
It is a truly game-changing initiative, whose objective is to secure economic growth for the UK’s aerospace sector, for a more sustainable future. Projects funded through the ATI programme secure jobs, maintain skills and deliver economic benefits across the UK. The ATI establishes the pathway for technology progression for UK aerospace, which builds on the UK’s strengths and responds to the challenges faced by the UK civil aerospace sector. It also provides a roadmap of the innovation necessary to keep the UK competitive in the global aerospace market, whilst also complementing the broader strategy for the sector created by the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP).
The ATI works in partnership with the Department of Business, Science, Innovation and Trade and Innovate UK to offer funding streams designed to accelerate innovation in the UK to maintain global competitiveness. A small and young company charged with a big responsibility, the ATI encourages free thinking and innovation. We need individuals with drive, passion, ability to adapt and work flexibly, and who share our ambitions for the sector and UK. Our team is collaborative, open, respectful, positive and supportive.
Mission Statement
Transforming aerospace through technology and innovation.
Company Values
We Collaborate for Success
We provide Independent Leadership
We are Forward Thinking
Diversity & Inclusion
We are experts in our field, trusted to be impartial in our activities, and present a fair and independent view. We are passionate about innovation and technology and understand the rewards of bringing together a diverse and forward-thinking team to explore, enhance and shape our aerospace agenda. We are committed to equality in everything we do. We are proud to lead by example, demonstrating independent leadership and collaborating for success in all aspects of our work.
The Opportunity
A Senior independent Board Member is sought to succeed an existing Independent Board member who has reached the end of their term. This is an exciting time for the Board to evolve.
Position Title: Independent Board Member, Chair of the Remuneration Committee, Member of the Audit/Risk Committee and Nominations Committee. The successful candidate will also be required to be a Guarantor Member of the Company.
Term and remuneration: This individual will be expected to commit for an initial term of two years, and up to 15 days per year, which will include six fixed Board meetings, along with a further three fixed committee meetings. The remuneration will be discussed with shortlisted applicants. Reasonable travel expenses will also be paid.
Location: The Board meetings are held at the Aerospace Technology Institute's offices in London (2nd Floor, Midford Place, London, W1T 5BJ).
The Role
Work closely with the Chair and other Board members to ensure the ATI delivers the relevant parts of the Aerospace Industrial Strategy. Attend Board meetings and committees (Audit and Risk Committee & Remuneration Committee) and provide advice, guidance and challenge. Monitor and ensure progress against the technology strategies and programmes put forward by the ATI. Meet as appropriate with industry, government and academic stakeholders and the media. Support the process to appoint senior staff to the ATI.
Non-executives need to have the insight and experience to unpick 'aerospace timescales' which drive the industry; yet they must appreciate and have deep experience of operating in regulated environments. The appointees should not be aligned to any of the major grant recipients. It is anticipated that the independent Board member will have prior Board experience and likely experience of chairing Remuneration Committees, along with deep experience of innovation and commercialisation from another sector, relevant to the future of aerospace.
Conflicts of Interest
You must inform us if you have any conflict of interest that might affect your ability to undertake this role. You will be able to act independently and will not be currently employed by any of the companies seeking funding from the ATI. You may have been employed in the past by these companies. You should disclose information on any relevant business interest, public appointment or position of authority, including other connections with commercial, public or voluntary bodies. You should disclose if you have ever been made the subject of a bankruptcy order. You should also disclose if you perform either a paid or senior or particularly sensitive party-political role. This information will not prevent your consideration as a candidate; however it may be made public in any subsequent announcement if you are successful and would need to be discussed at interview.
The Candidate
Significant experience in the boardroom and senior executive leadership teams with the ability to contribute to the Board. Significant experience providing commercial leadership within technology-based industries where long cycles of technology investment are a fundamental driver. The stature and authority to command the respect of senior stakeholders in the aerospace industry. The ability to challenge the status quo and drive change, with proven success in an entrepreneurial environment. Experience of working with, and access to, international venture capital networks would be beneficial in supporting the ATI's objectives. The ability to operate independently and in a non-partisan manner. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Assignment Process and Timeline
Short-listed applicants will go through a three-stage interview process with the ATI. Offers of employment are subject to the completion of satisfactory background verification checks. This vacancy is open for applications until 20 September 2026.
Contact details
For more information on this assignment, please contact hr@ati.org.uk
Senior Independent Board Member employer: Aerospace Technology Institute
The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of the UK aerospace sector through innovation and technology. With a collaborative and supportive work culture, employees are encouraged to think freely and drive change, while benefiting from professional growth opportunities in a dynamic environment. Located in London, the ATI provides a platform for impactful engagement with industry leaders and government stakeholders, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the aerospace agenda.
Contact Details:
Aerospace Technology Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Independent Board Member
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Independent Board Member
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Aerospace Technology Institute, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Aerospace Technology Institute, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aerospace Technology Institute
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Aerospace Technology Institute.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Aerospace Technology Institute. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Aerospace Technology Institute love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
