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 £4 billion to 2031. 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 reduce aviation’s environmental impact through providing thought leadership on all aspects on the future of flight and through funding research projects that 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.
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: Technologist (Structures, Manufacturing & Materials)
Reporting to: Lead Technologist – Structures, Manufacturing & Materials
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Cranfield /Hybrid working
Travel: As required
The role
This role is part of the Technology Team, who have responsibility for
- developing an ambitious technology strategy for the aerospace sector,
- executing the strategy through the shaping of project ideas and consortia,
- assessment of project proposals against alignment with the strategy, innovation ambition, business need and market opportunity, exploitation route and economic benefits
- challenging and supporting the sector through independent thought leadership and work to enhance ATI capability and influence that ultimately adds value for the UK economy and sector.
The Technology function is split into four key focus areas, each led by the respective Head of Technology: Sustainability & Strategy, Whole Aircraft, Advanced Systems and Propulsion, and Structures, Manufacturing and Materials.
Responsibilities will include:
- Developing technology roadmaps in assigned areas to contribute to development of the UK aerospace technology strategy, and to ensure the technology developments are aligned with products, manufacturing and market opportunities.
- Building ATI technical capabilities in analysis of aircraft technologies to inform understanding of technology gaps and opportunities
- Developing our external networks with industry OEMs and their supply chains including SMEs, research organisations and academia
- Understanding the technology challenges, priorities, and solutions from industry leaders and technology experts
- Encouraging creation and shaping of project ideas and project consortia, in alignment with ATI strategy, that will deliver ATI funded technology development projects
- Reviewing, assessing and providing feedback on technology development project proposals for grant funding
- Supporting the government on review and development of aerospace sector opportunities
- Delivering and facilitating some of our mission-critical workshops
- Working in collaboration with other ATI teams, including the Programme delivery, Strategy and Innovation teams to deliver key objectives
This is an opportunity to join an organisation that is leading the strategic direction of the UK civil aerospace sector and deliver a tangible impact for UK Industry, with a unique level of exposure to the full spectrum of innovation and technological development in the UK civil aerospace sector.
The candidate
Required skills, competencies and behaviours:
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Mathematics or Physical Sciences
- Ideally has professional working experience in the civil aerospace sector or adjacent sectors (such as defence or automotive) in a research, technology or engineering development focussed role
- Ideally has academic research or industrial experience developing structures, manufacturing or materials technologies for civil aerospace or adjacent sectors (such as defence or automotive).
- Capable of strategic and independent thinking with supervision.
- May have exposure to or appreciation of technology roadmapping
- May have led research and technology programmes in industry or in academia with industry partners.
- May demonstrate a working knowledge of UK or EU government funding for research & technology programmes.
Preferably used to working in collaborative technology projects or programmes with multiple partners
Personal qualities:
- Team working and organisational skills.
- Confident to engage networks across multiple, diverse stakeholders, including engaging with entrepreneurs, technical experts, investors, corporate executives, and government officials with supervision.
- Self-starter with energy and drive to deliver high performance with integrity in work.
- Diplomatic and good at influencing, with supervision.
- Open-minded and forward-thinking to drive progress in innovation and technology.
- Positive, can-do attitude in the face of challenges.
- Comfortable with a high level of ambiguity.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; willingness to represent ATI and the UK aerospace sector at conferences and other events.
The ATI must continue to innovate how it delivers and take a leading role in the development of technologies to meet net zero targets for aviation. The ATI believes that equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace are essential to achieving these ambitious objectives.
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
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter to hr@ati.org.uk. Short-listed applicants will go through a two-stage interview process with the ATI. Closing date: 16th March 2025.
Contact details
For more information on this assignment, please contact hr@ati.org.uk.