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.
The Role
The post holder is responsible to the Principal Inspector ATM for delivering robust, risk‑based regulatory oversight of Air Traffic Management (ATM) and CNS/ATS engineering arrangements at allocated ANSPs and designated sites. This includes ensuring compliance with UK legislation (including the UK Air Navigation Order) and applicable international standards, while supporting the safe, efficient and resilient operation of UK airspace. In addition to oversight of established engineering systems, the post holder will play a key role in assessing and regulating emerging and disruptive ATM technologies. This includes digital towers, AI‑enabled decision‑support systems, virtualised and cloud‑based ATM services, advanced surveillance solutions, and U‑space/UTM integration. The role ensures that innovative technologies entering service do so safely, with appropriate assurance, interoperability, cyber‑resilience, and human‑in‑the‑loop considerations.
Core Competencies
- Conduct audits, inspections and surveillance activities across ANSPs and ATS providers in line with UK legislation, ANO requirements, and SES interoperability requirements.
- Review, assess and approve ATS and CNS equipment under Articles 205 and 206, ensuring systems are fit for purpose, safe, and compliant.
- Assess ATSEP competence, training programmes and qualification schemes in accordance with Regulation 2017/373 and CAP 1649.
- Evaluate safety cases, assurance documentation, hazard logs and engineering change proposals, providing clear, practical guidance to support robust safety performance.
- Oversight of Emerging & Disruptive Technologies
- Inspect and assess the safety, performance, and operational integration of new ATM technologies, including:
- Digital/remote towers
- Trajectory‑Based Operations (TBO) systems
- Advanced surveillance (space‑based ADS‑B, multilateration, sensor fusion)
- U‑space / UTM solutions for drones and BVLOS operations
- Detect‑and‑avoid systems and C2 link technologies
- Identify risks, interoperability concerns, and human‑factors impacts associated with the introduction of novel systems.
- Contribute specialist engineering expertise to policy development, regulatory guidance, technical panels, and industry working groups covering innovative ATM concepts.
- Ensure disruptive technologies meet the required levels of safety assurance, continuity, resilience, and regulatory compliance before deployment.
About You
- Strong understanding of CNS/ATM systems and modernisation paths such as digitalisation, automation, virtualisation and U‑space implementation.
- Familiarity with human‑machine interface considerations, automation risk, cyber‑security impacts, and system‑of‑systems performance in ATM environments.
- Competence in applying risk‑based and performance‑based oversight principles to both established and transformative technologies.
- Demonstrable, relevant, and practicable experience in Air Traffic Engineering (ATE) or CNS systems within an ATM environment, ideally under a Safety Management System.
- Experience of undergoing audits and inspections in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Experience of auditing, training and competence programmes for technical staff.
- Detailed understanding of UK ANO (2016) Articles 205 & 206, UK Reg (EU) 2017/373 (in particular Annex III, IV, VIII & XIII), CAP670, and CAP1649.
- Principles of Safety and Quality Management and ability to assess SMS effectiveness.
- Experience of preparing for and undergoing audits.
- Risk management training and practical application in ATM environment.
- Strong communication and presentation skills for technical briefings.
- Ability to work effectively with a wide portfolio of work, often under time pressure.
- Sensitivity and understanding of ANSP business needs.
- Demonstrated experience in assessing or deploying new ATM technology platforms.
- Understanding of AI/ML risks, data integrity issues, and digital system assurance principles.
- Exposure to SESAR, ICAO innovation frameworks, or international future‑airspace programmes.
- Qualified Auditor (Training can be provided for the right individual)
- HNC/Diploma/Degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Experience of briefing technical matters to varied audiences.
- Previous management or leadership experience in engineering teams.
- Exposure to CAAi or international projects.
- Experience in assessing Safety Cases or equivalent assurance documentation.
- Familiarity with CAP760, CAP452, and relevant sections of CAP413
Additional Information
For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.
To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years.
Inclusive Recruitment
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.As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.
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