Formerly Director of Engineering and Technology and a Main Board member of Rolls-Royce plc from 1997 to 2001 where he enjoyed a distinguished career in engineering. He is a former Member of the Council for Science and Technology and a former Member of the Council of the Royal Society. He has received many national and international awards including the prestigious Mac Robert Award and the Prince Philip Medal from the Royal Academy of Engineering for his work on the Trent engine. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2001 for his services to the Defence and Aerospace Industries.
Professor Kirk was Chief Civil Aerospace Design Engineer at Rolls Royce. Through the application of innovative design and technology, he continually reduced fuel consumption, noise and harmful emissions across the company's range of aero-engines.
Since leaving Rolls Royce he has pursued a career in design education, for which he is internationally recognised. Professor Kirk is a member of the Design Council, a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), and a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI).