Here we look at the types of senior-level jobs available to experienced aerospace engineering academics who are looking to progress their careers to greater heights.
Established academics in this field have contributed to some of the most important advances in aerospace/aeronautical engineering technology. They lead research activities in specialist areas, help to shape the knowledge and skills of the next generation of aerospace experts and represent their institutions globally.
Job Descriptions
- Associate Professor in Aerospace Engineering
- Senior Lecturer in Aviation
- Head of School (Engineering)
Associate Professor in Aerospace Engineering
Associate professors are senior academics who have extensive teaching and research expertise in the sector.
An associate professor of aerospace engineering is responsible for teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students and leading innovative research projects.
Duties:
- Planning, development and delivery of interdisciplinary teaching
- Leading curriculum and module design
- Attracting research funding from external bodies and the aerospace industry
- Contributing to research activities and supervising junior research staff
- Publishing individual and collaborative project outcomes worldwide
- Supervising doctoral students
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD or equivalent industrial engineering research experience in a relevant discipline would be essential criteria. Significant experience in higher education teaching and research would also be a must.
Registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) plus membership of a professional organisation such as The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) may also be required.
What’s the pay?
Associate professors in aerospace engineering can expect a salary in the range of £53,254 to £61,648 p.a., depending on teaching experience and published research outcomes.
What can it lead to?
After a number of years in post as an associate professor, you could apply for a professorship. Promotion to professor would depend on the quality and visibility of your research as well as your ability to forge collaborative links with partners in higher education and industry.
Where can I find jobs?
These are high-level lecturing roles and competition for available jobs can be high. Most associate professorships are offered on a full-time and permanent basis so turnover can be lower.
Find associate professor in aerospace engineering jobs here.
Senior Lecturer in Aviation
Aviation is a broad discipline encompassing aviation management, airline operations, aviation logistics, fluid mechanics, pilot training, air travel and tourism.
Senior lecturers in aviation lead teaching and training across related programmes, from aviation engineering to pilot studies. They also undertake individual and collaborative research projects in specialist areas related to aviation.
Duties:
- Planning and delivery of a broad range of modules across related disciplines
- Supervision of student placements, work-based training and internships
- Conducting individual and collaborative research activities
- Forging strong links with the airline industry and professional networks
- Curriculum and module design
- Managing junior staff
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in an area related to aviation studies would be highly desirable but is not always necessary for this role if you have significant professional experience within the aviation industry. Many aviation lecturers have previously worked as pilots or in operations and business management with an airline.
A good first degree and Master’s level qualification in relevant subject would be essential. Experience of teaching and assessing at HE level would also be essential for this role.
What’s the pay?
A senior lecturer in aviation can expect a starting salary in the range of £40,931 to £47,423 p.a., depending on qualifications and experience (both in HE and in the airline industry).
What can it lead to?
The next step would be to apply for a professorship in an area related to aviation. Promotion would depend on the quality of your teaching and research, as well as your ability to prepare graduates for a career in aviation.
Where can I find jobs?
Aviation is a multi-disciplinary field not limited to aerospace engineering. Therefore, you may want to widen your search across disciplines such as business, tourism and computer sciences for senior academic jobs which best align with your aviation background.
Find lecturer in aviation jobs here.
Head of School (Engineering)
A Head of School is responsible for providing leadership, vision and direction for both the academic and professional development of a school or faculty of Engineering.
Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, Heads of School would have an established reputation for outstanding research, teaching and management. Many also hold a professorship in aerospace engineering or other engineering disciplines.
Duties:
- Providing strategic and academic management of a school or faculty
- Leading the formulation and implementation of the School’s academic plan
- Building relationships with other HE institutions and external partners/stakeholders
- Managing academic and professional services staff
- Planning and implementation of the teaching priorities of the School
- Leading national and international research activities
- Attending conferences and events worldwide
- Enhancing the reputation of the School and institution globally
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in aerospace engineering or another engineering discipline would be essential for a Head of School position.
You would also need to demonstrate significant experience in developing, and implementing high-quality educational, research or enterprise and a successful track record of academic leadership.
What’s the pay?
Most Head of School positions are full-time, permanent positions and salaries are in negotiation. However, pay for a Head of School can rise to over £100,000 p.a.
What can it lead to?
Head of School is already a high-ranking academic position; however, Heads of School may choose to return to a professorship for the rest of their careers or move into the university’s senior management team, perhaps in the role of Pro-Vice Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor.
Where can I find jobs?
Head of School roles are usually offered as permanent positions so job availability can be low, and roles are also highly selective. However, Head of School job opportunities are evenly spread across the UK.
Find Head of School (Engineering) jobs here.
Further Information:
- Academic jobs in Aerospace Engineering
- Lecturing jobs in Aerospace Engineering
- Research jobs in Aerospace Engineering
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