Design and Certification Specialist

Salary: £67,303 to £70,000, plus a Market Related Supplement (MRS)

Contract Type: Full Time Permanent

Location: Gatwick / Hybrid 

Security Level: SC

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship.

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. 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) 

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 UK CAA is continuing to expand its team of design and certification specialists to support our state of design responsibility for traditional fixed/rotary wing and innovative air vehicles.  We are now looking to reinforce our existing knowledge in the field of hydrogen, cryogenics and zero emission propulsion.

The Design and Certification team are looking for technical aerospace engineers with relevant experience to develop into a design and certification specialists.  Applications from individuals with experience in the field of hydrogen, cryogenics and zero emission propulsion will be considered.  Technical experience in areas impacted by the introduction of hydrogen propulsion systems, such as structures/airframe, electrical/avionic systems, fuel systems, powerplant installation, propulsion) would be desirable.

You will be responsible for technical investigation/analysis of research, development and certification projects relating to hydrogen propulsion and aircraft integration, whilst also having the opportunity to work alongside other experienced specialists on traditional certification projects.  It will also involve liaison with the UK industry for certification & oversight activities along with other aviation authorities.

This role will also encompass other new and emerging zero emission technologies to enable safe zero emission flight.

About You: Essential Criteria 

The desire to continually develop experience through project involvement and dedicated training with the flexibility to contribute more generally to other areas of the Design and Certification team. Proven aerospace experience, preferably working for an approved aerospace organisation with the ability to lead, guide, challenge and influence technical decisions on multiple projects. You will have an engineering degree, equivalent qualification or demonstrated industry experience, with a proven aerospace experience, preferably working for an approved aerospace organisation with the ability to lead, guide, challenge and influence technical decisions on multiple projects.

*Ability to monitor, guide and manage technical decisions on a range of major safety issues.
*Operate in various cultural business environments at varying levels of seniority.
*Using experience to make sound judgments.
*Resilience to work at pace and on various matters with the appropriate level of input.
*Able to understand specialist issues and modulate technical views to account for wider business and political considerations.
*Confidence to challenge information, propositions, or assumptions, at a deep technical nature and across a range of disciplines.
*Confidence to escalate issues as they arise.
*Confident to communicate at all levels, to conduct technical conversation and engage with all internal and external stakeholders.
*Attention to detail and through report writing and delivery of information to support outputs.

Additional Information

This role is based on a Hybrid model. Some on-site visits to our Head Office, Gatwick (our Base) or to design organisations around the UK may be required.

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.

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.

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: 15th June 2025
Interview Date:  TBC

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.