Communications and Navigation (Novel Technologies) Policy Specialist

Communications and Navigation (Novel Technologies) Policy Specialist

Salary: Upto £61,000 dependent on experience

Contract Type: Full Time Maternity Cover - 12 to 14 Months

Location: Gatwick/Hybrid

Security Level: SC

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently 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.

The Role

The Communication and Navigation Systems Policy Specialist work within the Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Spectrum policy team (CNS&S) which sits within Airspace, ATM and Aerodromes in the Safety Airspace Regulation Group. 

Working with the other CNS&S specialists, as well as the wider Airspace, Air Traffic Management & Aerodromes (AAA) team, the role implements national and international regulations to develop and maintain safety regulatory requirements and policy for Air Traffic Services (ATS) communication and navigation systems throughout the United Kingdom, including airborne and ground networks, terrestrial and satellite-based navigation and augmentation systems. It will also influence the development of safety regulatory material, via various channels, at the European and International level.

The principal aim is to provide the policy framework and detailed technical requirements that allow Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) to design, commission and operate their communications and navigation systems in compliance with national and international safety and regulatory requirements. 

The role supports the Capability Teams with communication and navigation subject matter expertise in respect of a wide range of communication and navigation systems such as first of type certification of new communication systems.

It will also provide technical input and assurance to the Capability Teams on safety management system issues related to these systems, that enables new systems to be commissioned and subsequently brought into service

The role also interfaces directly with ANSP and international bodies such as International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) , Eurocontrol, ETSI and 3GPP to assist with the development and deployment of new concepts and technologies and to influence the international regulatory environment. Additionally, it will provide support to AAA Policy and the wider organisation on the use of novel CNS technologies such as mobile networks, satellite communications and positioning, navigation and timing capabilities.

This role may support elements of the AMS, with a focus on the utilisation of satellite technologies, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) - ABAS,SBAS,GBAS, Aeromacs, and ADS-C

.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide support and guidance regarding the use of internet and backhaul technologies for ATM, including fibre and microwave links.
• Working closely with the CAA cyber team on cyber security aspects.

1. Developing, maintaining and communicating regulatory policy requirements that ensures safe and efficient operation of all ATS communications and navigation systems throughout the United Kingdom, including airborne and ground networks, terrestrial and satellite-based navigation and augmentation systems.  Such requirements can have a significant commercial impact on air navigation service providers.
2. Responsible for ensuring all policy decisions are in line with the Government’s Better Regulation framework and related policies.
3. Keeping informed on research activities or MORs, audits or inspection action or other sources and raising safety risk concerns based on intelligence and evidence that suggests an erosion of safety margins.
4. Representing the UK CAA at national and international level in specific areas of individual expertise, influencing safety regulatory policy for the UK and/or requirements or system certification processes.
5. Develop CNS policy consistent with national and regional strategies and initiatives.
6. Seeking opportunities for continued professional development.
7. Supporting UK Government on the requirements and development of a UK SBAS and GNSS system including alternative position, navigation, and timing capabilities.
8. Receive, review and publish monitoring reports for GPS and other GNSS systems.
9. Support the development and implementation of new technology, systems and sharing of spectrum bands with other civil and military systems.
10. Provide knowledge and support regarding cutting edge communications and navigation systems such as GNSS, 5G, aeroMACS, satellite communications and short-range device technologies.
11. Monitor development of new communications systems that may impact or benefit aviation, including 6G and WIFI 7

Please note: The role requires occasional attendance at external meetings with stakeholders in the UK. This role may also require attendance at a small number of meetings held in Europe. Attendance at international meetings is subject to Government travel advice and budget.

About You: The role requires expert technical credibility, strong safety judgement, disciplined regulatory thinking, collaborative work, and strategic foresight, underpinned by clear communication and continuous learning. These behaviours collectively enable safe, proportionate and forward‑looking regulation of UK aviation CNS systems

Essential Criteria

• Educated to degree level in engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
• In-depth technical knowledge of existing and new communications, navigation and other RF technologies.
• Experience and knowledge of systems safety, hazard and risk analysis
• Experience and knowledge of other CNS/ATM systems
• Knowledge of Air Traffic Services, operations and operational aspects would be desirable.
• Good level of technical expertise and professional judgement
• Safety focuses and risk-based thinking
• Policy Development and regulatory discipline
• Strategic thinking and foresight
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement
• Cyber and systems resilience awareness
• Represents the CAA and UK with credibility, authority and professionalism.
• Communicates complex technical and policy positions clearly to senior and international audiences.
• Negotiates and influences standards, requirements and certification processes.
• Adapts communication style to technical, policy or diplomatic contexts.
• Produces clear, accurate and accessible written outputs (policy documents, monitoring reports).

Desirable criteria

• Relevant UK and European Legislation and Requirements
• Relevant UK bodies and regulatory organisations
• Spectrum and Frequency management practices
• New technologies across the RF domain
• Mobile network technical operations and standards
• The evolution of GNSS and SBAS
• Relevant regional and international bodies, such as ICAO, Eurocontrol, EUROCAE, EUROPEAN COMMISSION, ESOs and ETSI.

Additional Security 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. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application. 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. For more information on SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Relocation & Property: The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational, and environmental considerations. We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers. We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site, and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028

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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process: We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.

Working With Us: We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.

We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance. 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, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

Our Values: Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: 26April 2026

Interview Date: TBC in person Aviation House / Gatwick.

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.