Professional Officer in Aerospace MRO (Smart Maintenance & Repair Systems)

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is Singapore’s first University of Applied Learning, offering industry-relevant degree programmes that prepare its graduates to be work- and future-ready professionals. Its mission is to maximise the potential of its learners and to innovate with industry, through an integrated applied learning and research approach, so as to contribute to the economy and society.

The university’s unique pedagogy integrates work and study, embracing authentic learning in a real-world environment through collaborations with key strategic partners. Its focus on applied research with business impact is aimed at helping industry innovate and grow. Targeted to be ready in 2024, SIT’s centralised campus within the larger Punggol Digital District will feature a vibrant learning environment where academia and industry will be tightly integrated with the community.

SIT espouses an applied learning approach and offers degrees with a strong focus on science and technology. Our faculty work closely with industry on translational research and innovation, as well as provide consultancy on solutions to industry challenges. This well-established nexus with industry endows our graduates with deep skills and work-ready training experience – attuning them to the needs and demands of the future economy.

SIT is also establishing strategic live test beds known as ‘Living Labs’ both within and beyond its Punggol campus to support greater experiential learning and strengthen its applied research offerings. The university’s pool of experts works with multi-disciplinary teams to drive the horizontal technology enablers required to support SIT’s strategic translational research.

The Professional Officers Division (POD) houses a centralised pool of academic staff under the Professional Officers scheme. Professional Officers bring specialised and deep technical expertise developed through extensive industry experience. They provide a critical industry perspective to student learning and applied research, complementing the academic expertise of faculty by translating industry practices and real-world applications into the curriculum.

SIT is strengthening its capabilities in Aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), building a cohort of faculty who are experienced in solving real-world aerospace maintenance challenges through applied research and innovation.

Focus areas for Aerospace MRO include:

• Smart Maintenance & Predictive Diagnostics
• Digital Twins & Lifecycle Engineering
• Robotics & Autonomous Inspection Systems
• Composite Structures Inspection & Repair
• Advanced Repair Technologies (e.g. Additive Manufacturing)

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and teach laboratory sessions and practice-based modules in Aerospace MRO and related areas.
• Lead or co-lead innovative applied research and industry collaboration projects with industry partners and government agencies.
• Secure and manage research grants to support applied research initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor students in applied research projects, Capstone Projects, and the Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP).
• Manage laboratory facilities, equipment, and technical resources to support academic programmes and applied research activities.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Contribute to the development of applied Aerospace MRO capabilities, learning resources, and industry-relevant curriculum support.
• Work closely with faculty and internal stakeholders to drive teaching, applied research, and innovation initiatives outcomes.

Qualifications:

• A good Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Strong track record in Aerospace MRO, aerospace systems, or related applied research/industry practice
• At least 7 years of relevant industry experience, preferably in a technical role within an organisation driving research and/or innovation outcomes
• Strong technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Predictive Maintenance & Prognostics (PHM)
  • Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and NDT/NDI
  • Digital Twins and physics-informed modelling
  • Aerospace robotics and autonomous inspection systems
  • Composite materials, damage detection, and repair
  • Additive manufacturing for aerospace repair (flight-certified applications)
  • Aircraft systems, gas turbine maintenance, or MRO best practices
  • Circular economy and sustainable aerospace maintenance
• Experience Applying Expertise to one or more of the following:
  • Commercial or military Aerospace MRO operations
  • Smart hangar / digital MRO transformation initiatives
  • AI-enabled inspection and diagnostics systems
  • Robotics deployment in maintenance environments
  • Lifecycle management of composite aircraft structures
  • Industry-scale maintenance optimisation and downtime reduction
• Demonstrated interest and capability in supporting research and academic project work, with the ability to develop software solutions to technical problems.
• Strong supervisory and mentoring skills, with an interest in working closely with students in an educational environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, with the ability to keep abreast of developments in the field. Relevant industry certifications will be an added advantage.
• For senior appointments, demonstrated managerial or team leadership experience may be required.

Key Competencies

• Passion for teaching, coaching, and mentoring students and junior practitioners.
• Strong analytical and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Adaptability and willingness to work across functions and teams in a dynamic environment.
• Self-motivated and committed to continuous learning and professional growth.