Chief Engineer Space

Salary: Up to £105,000 per annum dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: SC

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

We are the UK’s aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of ESE assessment, assurance and analysis practice, under the SIA, OSA requirements and ANO permissions
• Lead and develop the CAA’s Space ESE regulation function in accordance with the principles of safety, security and sustainability, ensuring ESE services are both effective and proportionate to enable an emerging UK Space industry.
• Engage with the UK and International Space industry and prospective operators on matters of Space engineering practice and requirements, as part of wider UK Space Regulation activities and to develop the expertise of the ESE function
• Ensure Space engineering activity is compatible with CAA governance and safety accountability requirements for Space Regulation.
• Provide leadership and oversight to the team undertaking ESE analysis functions under the SIA, OSA and ANO permissions.
• Provide technical and regulatory leadership and oversight
• Liaising, as necessary, with legal and safety specialists across the CAA and UK Space Regulation.
• Lead the development of expert knowledge and understanding in the operation of launch vehicles, ranges and spaceports operating from/in the UK (and international comparators).
• Lead the function in the delivery of impartial guidance on the operation of launch vehicles, systems and associated infrastructure from/in the UK.
• Working with the Head of Space Regulatory Policy, lead and coordinate the ESE function contribution to the development of guidance material that will provide instruction to future UK launch operators and range service providers.
• Provide leadership to the ESE function to deliver the tools, including software development, required for future licensing and monitoring activities, including leading the function’s building of capability in the use of current simulation tools.
• Define key Research and Development activities to be undertaken by the ESE function.
• Lead the establishment of a software development lifecycle model for in-house risk tools, including implementation, ongoing maintenance and quality assurance.
• Coordinate the ESE team input to licence activities, in conjunction with the Head of Applications including development of any relevant ESE conditions.
• Coordinate ESE team input to compliance and monitoring activities, in conjunction with the Head of Operations, in accordance with licence terms and conditions.
• Liaise with Governments of other Member States on space ESE activity including, launch and liability issues.
• Provide briefs to the Head of UK Space Regulation, SARG and CAA regulatory governance groups on relevant regulatory issues.
• Represent the Space ESE function at events and meetings with sector, government and internationally as appropriate.
• Responsibility for the forecasting and financial performance within the control of the ESE unit, including TRE, training etc, working with the BDM team.

Qualifications

• Experience of leading an engineering/safety/environmental and/or regulatory function.
• Experience and demonstrable ability in leadership of business unit or function, ability to set vision and influence others at senior leadership level at cross-organisational level.
• Advanced communication and influencing skills, able to deal with licensees with tact and diplomacy in all circumstances, including monitoring activity.
• Strong presentation skills, ability to communicate technical messages in simple terms to be understood by both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Degree level knowledge of an engineering, scientific or mathematical discipline, or equivalent science based/engineering experience.
• Strong technical background, with demonstrated experience in the design and/or delivery of Space hardware, Space tooling software or other Space related development activity.
• Ability to interpret and comply with statutory requirements.
• Proven success in the use of management systems, business planning, performance management monitoring (safety and business), risk assessment and mitigation, training development and the management of change.
• Problem solving ability with an excellent appreciation of the issues and the practicality of the decisions being taken.
• An excellent set of interpersonal skills suitable and appropriate to work as part of a team and to respond quickly, but calmly and correctly, when sudden needs arise.
• Polite, empathetic and tactful manner.
• A skilful organiser and an ability to exercise initiative in planning for results.
• An enquiring mind geared to the need to identifying failings and improvements to current processes and procedures together with a positive approach to recommend practical actions.
• An ability to prioritise work and use initiative to deal with unusual requests or situations.
• Strong analytical and technical skills.
• Ability to gather and interpret complex information from a variety of sources.
• Proven ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Proven experience of stakeholder engagement, preferably across government and industry/academia.
• Experience or knowledge of UK / International Space industry and/or activities.
• An advanced university degree at PhD level or equivalent experience in an engineering, scientific or mathematical discipline, ideally in the field of launch vehicles, spacecraft, launch systems related topics.
• Fundamental and detailed knowledge of the design of spacecraft or launch vehicles including identification of major components, performance (specifically propulsion systems, GNC/AOCS) and architectures used by major global suppliers.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. The post holder must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

SC clearance: A reasonable period of residency in the UK is required – typically 5 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Benefits

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, an additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and more.

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