Dr. Ali is a Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Systems and Avionics at Coventry University.

He is a member and ex vice Chair of the AD-KTN Autonomous Systems National Technical Committee, Member of the steering Group of the IMechE, that oversees the IMechE UAS challenge in the UK and is responsible for Academic Liaison and Commercial activities.

In the University he leads the UAS related activities and leads the IMechE UAS and the BMFA heavy lift teams that design and manufacture sub 7Kg UAS for respective competitions.