Lead Technologist – Systems and Propulsion

This role is part of the Technology Team which is core to the ATI’s activities.

Reports to:

Tom Halhead

Salary:

Competitive

Location

Cranfield (hybrid working)

Company overview

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 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

Position Title: Lead Technologist – Systems and Propulsion
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Cranfield
Travel: As required
Reporting to: Head of Technology (Advanced Systems & Propulsion)

The Role

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.

Role responsibilities and activities will be as outlined below.

Leads on:

  • Development & definition of assigned areas of ATI Systems & Propulsion technology project portfolio.
  • Delivery of assigned ATI initiatives to develop and deliver growth in UK aerospace technology.
  • Development of ATI Systems & Propulsion conceptual modelling, and integration with existing ATI Whole Aircraft modelling capability.

Supports on:

  • Development and update of Systems & Propulsion aspects of the ATI’s UK Aerospace Technology Strategy, including integrated technology roadmaps.
  • Evaluation of the techno-economic credentials of project proposals in collaboration with the ATI Strategy team.
  • Development and management of ATI funding calls for Systems & Propulsion themes and technology programmes.
  • Establishing and maintaining allocated ATI ‘In-House’ technology tools.
  • Participation in showcasing opportunities and events to publicise the ATI and successes of aerospace technology programmes.

Engages with:

  • UK companies and the academic community to develop strategies, plans and programme proposals for Systems and Propulsion technologies, and to track existing project progress along roadmaps.
  • UK technology communities through the likes of advisory groups, events and conferences for UK companies, academia and relevant national committees
  • UK Government bodies (DBT, Innovate UK, MoD etc. ) to advise on technology through established technology project review and monitoring processes.
  • International technical committees and/or conferences to develop ATI international technology relationships and profile.

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.

Degree qualified in Engineering, Mathematics or Physical Sciences
Demonstrate sound experience in aerospace technology development and may be active in the community through membership of relevant industry committees and/or publication and conferences.

Will have an in-depth knowledge and capability in one or more of the following areas of technology, preferably gained through working in the area:

  • Complex electro/hydro-mechanical systems such as actuators, landing gear, or powertrains
  • Safety critical control systems & software
  • Aircraft power and propulsion systems (including energy storage)
  • System integration & component testing, with advanced diagnostics
  • Vehicle/Sub-system Health & Usage Monitoring
  • Modelling/simulation of complex systems
  • Ideally have led the definition and delivery of technology/research activities
  • Preferably familiar with technology road mapping techniques and associated tools
  • May demonstrate a working knowledge of government funding for research & technology programmes
  • Understands needs of organisations of a range of scales and approaches to industrialisation of technology
  • Preferably used to working in collaborative technology programmes with multiple partners.

Personal Qualities

  • Confident in leading/organising a group of peers
  • Self-Starter
  • Energy and drive to deliver
  • Comfortable with a high level of ambiguity
  • Capable of influencing other people at all levels
  • Uses personal networks to support delivery
  • Clear and concise verbal and written communication abilities
  • Commitment to continuing professional development

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
  • 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
  • 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.

Applications should be made by sending a CV and covering letter to hr@ati.org.uk by 2nd November 2025.

First interviews will be held online on 10th November. Second interviews will be held in person at our London office (W1T 5BJ) on 17th November.

Contact details

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