Engineer Promotional Pathway
Engineer Pathway
The Engineer Pathway is designed for those in roles who have a responsibility for creating, securing, and delivering industrially focussed research, development, and innovation (RD&I) projects. It aims to provide knowledge transfer, training and technology advancement for economic, environmental and societal benefits, advising industry and governments.
The purpose of the pathway is to provide a clearly defined career framework that is equitable to the already established Academic Promotion Pathway and Technical Specialists pathway. The intention is to provide equity of opportunity for the Engineering cohort, the majority of whom work closely with Academic and Technical peers, but without access to the same promotion pathway.
Who are our engineers?
One of the unique value propositions we present to the industry is bringing together the depth of academic knowledge with the industrial application experience of our engineers. This stands us apart in winning and credibly executing high value programmes and state of the art research and technology that industry needs and will go and exploit.
The (technical) engineering population are a pathway to impact for our research outputs. They use their network and knowledge to go win and then successfully deliver substantial research and technology activities (CR&D and DCR) – financially self-sustaining plus surplus. They therefore make a substantial, direct contribution to REF and KEF for the University.
How will the process work?
The Engineer Pathway will follow the well-established Technical Specialist and Academic Progression and Promotional Framework process, but with modifications that make it fit for purpose for engineer roles, rather than the academic pathways.
All applications for promotion will be assessed against set criteria thresholds, across the following four areas of technical specialist activity as defined below:
- Technical Innovation and Knowledge Advancement
- Training and Coaching
- Impact, Outreach, Engagement
- Collegiality, Leadership and Management
Making an application
If you are interested in making an application you will need to:
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Please discuss your career aspirations with your line manager and, if you are in WMG, complete an EOI by 24th October
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For WMG staff, complete an Expression of Interest form no later than 24 October 2025. The expression of interest is not a formal application, but it serves to provide your department with an early indication of intended applications.
Support with your application
There is support available to help guide you through the process, should you require it:
- View our Resources and Frequently Asked Questions to aid understanding of the process and some basic guidance on writing an application.
- Drop in surgeries have been arranged for you to receive 1:1 support and guidance on how to pitch your application, or to answer any other questions you may have.
- Your link People Partner can help answer any questions about the process and potential contractual changes
- Reasonable adjustments: if you require any support with this process due to a disability, please contact your link People Partner in the first instance for advice and guidance.
Key dates:
Townhall/intro session: 13 October 2025, IDL Auditorium at 12:20 - 13:45
Deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest (WMG only): 24 October 2025
Deadline for submitting formal application to department: Midday on 12 November 2025
Deadline for submitting completed application (and HOD statement) to Academic Processes team:
23 January 2026
Outcome of application:
End of Summer term. Where possible outcomes will be communicated to applicants on or before the 31 July 2026
Promotions effective from: 1 August 2026
Guidance and Support
To view all the supporting materials and for further guidance, please visit: