Professor in Engineering: Drones and Autonomous Vehicles
Location: Hereford
Salary: GBP 67,928 – GBP 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
* Design, establish and lead their new undergraduate pathway in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on drones and autonomous systems.
* Shape a curriculum that blends technical excellence with practical, ethical, and societal impact.
* Inspire undergraduates through challenge-led, interdisciplinary, project-based learning.
* Build and grow partnerships with employers, government, professional bodies, and other universities.
* Position them 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 design, development, and delivery of the programme.
* Ensure the programme is industry-relevant, nationally distinctive, and academically rigorous.
* Develop external relationships that strengthen their position and create opportunities for students and staff.
* Promote knowledge transfer, consultancy, and applied research, generating impact beyond the classroom.
* Champion interdisciplinary, hands-on learning across engineering and technology.
* Contribute to their institutional leadership and growth, supporting their mission as a game-changer in UK higher education.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
* Professorial level or senior teaching academic 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.
* You will likely hold a Professorial title or be close in your career to achieving that standing.
* Evidence of successful programme leadership or equivalent senior responsibility in academia or industry.
* Strong record of external engagement with employers, government, or professional networks.
* Demonstrated ability to teach, inspire and mentor at undergraduate and 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 and closure days and Additional day off for your birthday)
* Flexible working arrangements
* Westfield Health and Rewards with optional private medical insurance
We are seeking a candidate who can lead and contribute to the development of drone and autonomous systems education within a leading UK higher education context.
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