Advanced Technologist – Advanced Systems and Propulsion

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.

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 for Business and Trade (DBT) 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

This role is part of the Technology Team which is core to the ATI’s activities. The Technology Team develop an ambitious technology strategy for the aerospace sector, execute the strategy through the stimulation and assessment of a portfolio of funded projects, challenge and enhance the sector through thought leadership, and work to enhance ATI capability and influence that ultimately adds value for the UK economy and sector.

We are looking for a highly capable Technologist to join our Aerospace Technology team (up to Senior Technologist level). As a Technologist within our team, you will be responsible for building our technical capabilities, working with our external networks and leading work to define the UK’s strategic direction for priority topics. This shall include supporting ATI technology portfolio analysis and providing insight into some of our strategic technology areas.

You will play a key role in developing technical capabilities that impact the technology strategy and influence our stakeholders, who include tier one OEMs and their supply chains, SME technology providers, research specialists and academia. Working with our stakeholders, you will have a hands‑on role encouraging the creation of consortia, that with joint external funding, will drive the research and technology programmes which will deliver the Aerospace Technology Strategy and promote a competitive UK sector.

You will lead key strategic technical areas in the Advanced Systems and Propulsion team and be a main point of contact within the organisation. You will conduct the review of project proposals, feedback to stakeholders and provide recommendations for funding in partnership with UK Government departments and agencies. You will lead some of our mission‑critical external workshops and working groups, supporting the development of roadmaps which form the basis for the technology strategy, ensuring that technology developments are linked to products, manufacturing and market opportunities.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the organisation that is leading the strategic direction of the UK aerospace sector.

The Candidate

We’re seeking a candidate who shares our core values and brings them to life in everything they do. The candidate will need to demonstrate a forward‑thinking mindset and lead with accountability. They must believe in the power of collaboration for success by working effectively with others to achieve shared goals.

You may have demonstrated capability in one or more of the following technologies and a broad view and insight into the research and technology developments that are likely to drive the future technical evolution with regard to aircraft:

• Actuators and Motion Control (Electrical and/or Hydraulic)
• Avionics (Flight Controls, Navigation, Communications)
• Cabin Interiors
• Electrical Power Distribution & Control
• Environmental Control Systems
• Fuel Systems
• Landing Gear
• Propulsion Systems
• Safety critical control systems & software
• System integration & test
• Thermal Management
• Vehicle/Sub‑system Health & Usage Monitoring

A broad understanding of systems engineering principles, coupled with understanding of aerospace design and manufacturing processes throughout the product lifecycle will also prove beneficial.

You will demonstrate the following personal qualities:

• Critical thinker with good attention to detail and awareness of a range of perspectives
• Passion for technology innovation
• Self‑starter with energy and drive to deliver
• Comfortable with a high level of ambiguity
• Ability to follow processes and to think creatively
• Good networking and facilitation skills
• Ability to link technology strategy to a viable business case
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

You will be an engineering, physical sciences or mathematics graduate, currently or recently engaged in a technical capacity within the aerospace sector. You are also likely to have worked in a research function at some point in your career. This is a role that will enable you to engage directly with a range of stakeholders and to use your communication skills and technical knowledge to inform ATI decision‑making. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

ATI Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working policy, with daily core hours
• Attractive pension scheme
• Bupa Private Medical Insurance
• Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Life Assurance
• Perkbox Reward & Recognition Scheme
• Professional development training
• Paid membership to one professional body per year
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas leave
• Additional one day of leave upon reaching 3, 5, and 7 years of continuous service
• Birthday leave
• Family friendly leave policies

Assignment Process and Timeline

Short‑listed applicants will go through a two‑stage interview process with the ATI. Offers of employment are subject to the completion of satisfactory background verification checks.

Contact details
For more information on this assignment, please contact hr@ati.org.uk