Data Scientist

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Security Level: CTC

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.

The Role

The role of Data Scientist sits within the Test and Evaluation (T&E) function of the Future Safety and Innovation (FS&I) department at the CAA. FS&I has been established to deliver the large programme of change that is required to enable aviation innovations in the UK. The Test & Evaluation (T&E) function’s main objective is to ensure the environment for testing is evolving and matures in line with the needs of innovators. Through this the CAA hopes to enable a robust pathway to scalable operations. 

The Test & Evaluation (T&E) function is expanding its analytical capability to support the safe introduction of emerging aviation technologies, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Hydrogen and new operational concepts. The Data Scientist will be responsible for building a robust, scalable analytical foundation to process, interpret, and present data from trials, test sites, and UAS operators.

This role is central to transforming raw operational and surveillance data into evidence-based insights that support regulatory decision-making, policy development, and the validation of testing requirements across the CAA. Additionally, you will help T&E team to establish a robust reporting and data infrastructure, providing guidance on the definition of test specifications, standards, requirements, pass/fail criteria and metrics.

This role will be instrumental in helping to deliver the aims and objectives of the UKs Future of Flight Plan. If being part of this unique opportunity is exciting, we want to hear from you.

Core Accountabilities

• Collect, clean, structure, and maintain datasets received from UAS operators, including raw telemetry, surveillance data (e.g., ADS-B, radar), flight logs, incidents, operational reports, and summary datasets.
• Develop processes and tools for ingesting large volumes of heterogeneous data expected from current and future trials. 
• Translate raw data into structured evidence to support hazard identification and risk modelling, , operational performance assessment, and revisions to CAA published policy concepts such as Detect and Avoid (DAA), Electronic Conspicuity (EC) , UTM & Atypical Air Environment).
• Ensure data quality, traceability, and consistency across the T&E ecosystem.
• Help T&E team to develop internal guidelines on data collection process which may include defining the test specifications, standards, requirements, pass/fail criteria, metrics and verification of the data gathered through existing and future airspace trials.
• Build strong internal networks with stakeholders across the CAA’s business and external networks with operators and maintain a strong feedback loop.
• Support building data-driven dashboards and reporting tools. Produce concise monthly, quarterly and ad-hoc reports and present analytical findings clearly to technical and non-technical audience.
• Design and embed scalable analytical workflows to prepare for the significant data expansion anticipated from FY26.

About You

Essential skills & Experience

• Flexible and adaptable mindset with evidence of working in highly dynamic and changing environments.
• Curious and quick learner, able to seek out information to inform the project and generate new ideas.
• Experience analysing technical or operational datasets (surveillance, telemetry, sensor data, or similar).
• Strong proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Python, SQL, Power BI, Alteryx).
• Ability to process, interpret, and visualise large datasets from multiple sources.
• Experience building or using dashboards, automated reporting tools, and reproducible analytical workflows.
• Strong statistical capability and ability to identify trends, anomalies, and correlations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to translate complex data for senior decision-makers.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-moving environment.
• Proven ability to work on a project team with cross-functional capabilities.
• Degree in data science, engineering, computer science, or related discipline- or equivalent industry experience.

Desirable skills:

• Experience with aviation, UAS data, surveillance systems (e.g., ADS-B, radar), or aerospace telemetry.
• Knowledge of data governance and compliance in regulated environments.
• Experience working with cross-disciplinary technical teams (engineering, regulatory, policy).

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 3 years.

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

For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance

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.

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: 9th January 2026

Interview Date: w/c 19th January or w/c 26th January 2026 (In-person).

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.