Professor in Engineering

Professor in Engineering: Drones and Autonomous Vehicles

Location: Hereford

Salary: £67,928 - £72,838 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time

Our client is a pioneering UK Higher Education provider, founded to rethink engineering and technology education.

Their mission is to positively impact the region and the nation by producing graduates with the professional skills, creativity, and social awareness to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

The Role

Do you have the vision to lead the design of one of the UK's first degree level courses preparing engineers for the age of drones and autonomous vehicles? The company is building on its distinctive, hands-on model to develop new courses that meet a growing national and industrial demand for expertise in autonomy and unmanned systems.

You might be a senior academic with a passion for learning and teaching rather than a traditional research academic career. You might have a track record of programme leadership in UAVs, robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems. You'll have significant experience of curriculum design and development in higher education, and a desire to be part of building something new within the company's innovative pedagogical model. You may also have significant industry experience and strong professional networks, with a desire to build something new in higher education. The post holder will connect widely with their industrial partners who collaborate with them on building their curriculum and delivering their teaching.

Above all, you have the passion, leadership and creativity to establish the company as the UK's hub for drone and autonomous vehicle education.

They are seeking a senior academic leader to:

• Design, establish and lead the company's new course development in drones and related technologies to address the national priority for skills in this area. The design of any new programme will result from extensive consultation with industry and other stakeholders.
• Shape a curriculum that blends technical excellence with practical, ethical, and societal impact.
• Inspire prospective students and recruits through challenge-led, industry-linked, project-based learning.
• Build and grow partnerships with employers, government, professional bodies, and other universities.
• Position the company nationally as a leader in drone and autonomous vehicle education, consultancy, and applied innovation.
• Mentor colleagues and students, developing an ambitious, inclusive and learner-centred academic culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the specification, design, development, and delivery of the programme.
• Ensure the programme is industry-relevant, nationally distinctive, and academically rigorous.
• Develop external relationships that strengthen the company's position and create opportunities for students and staff.
• Promote knowledge transfer, consultancy, and applied innovation, generating impact beyond the classroom.
• Champion interdisciplinary, hands-on learning across engineering and technology.
• Contribute to the company's institutional leadership and growth, supporting their mission as a game-changer in UK higher education.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential

• Professorial level or senior teaching experience in UAVs, aerospace, robotics, autonomous systems, mechatronics or a closely related discipline.
• Either a Ph.D.in an engineering discipline, ideally mechanical engineering, or demonstrable similar experience in independent thought and leadership.
• Professorial title, or be close in your career to achieving that standing
• Evidence of successful curriculum design and development, and programme leadership.
• Strong record of external engagement with employers, government, or professional networks.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, inspire and mentor at undergraduate and taught postgraduate levels.
• Commitment to innovation in teaching, inclusivity, and applied impact.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer (or equivalent professional registration).
• Track record in knowledge exchange, consultancy, or applied research.
• Experience with novel pedagogies, curriculum innovation, and interdisciplinary programme development.

Benefits

• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• 30 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays & closure days & Additional day off for your birthday)
• Flexible working arrangements
• Westfield Health & Rewards with optional private medical insurance

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable company, please do not hesitate to apply.