Human Factors Specialist (Systems Thinking)

Salary: Up to £54,000 per annum dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: BPSS

Location: Gatwick – Hybrid working pattern

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

Closing Date: Tuesday 10th November 2026

Interview Date: W/C Monday 23rd November 2026

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.

Human Factors is the science behind Human Performance, and we believe that people are at the core of the Aviation and Aerospace system. This exciting opportunity will enable you to influence Human Factors (HF) and Systems Thinking in the work that we do, you’ll provide HF expertise in projects and programmes, support colleagues by delivering HF training and will collaborate with forums cross the industry.

The Role

Acting as a subject matter expert within the CAA in support of and reporting to the Human Factors (HF) Programme Lead.

The role is responsible for assisting in the development of the CAA Human Factors (HF) strategy and delivery of the related HF action plan, in accordance with State and ICAO objectives and aligned with CAA objectives. A key part of this role will be to support with the development and application of systems thinking across the CAA.

Responsible for developing and delivering HF training, including Just Culture training, identified from within the CAA HF Strategy for both internal and external audiences, and for maintaining and developing engagement and collaboration opportunities with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

The role covers broad expertise across all aspects of the various fields of HF activities and requires the application of this knowledge across all business and domain areas. A key aspect will be the ability to critically review information, challenge assumptions and ensure that information is developed that meets the needs of the different audiences. The role will emphasise the importance of interaction with safety management systems and regulations to deliver practical support and advice for internal and external audiences.

Core Accountabilities

• Support the delivery of CAA HF strategy through the action plan items, by co-ordination and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Support the development and application of systems thinking across the CAA, in collaboration with all CAA business areas.
• Provide support and direction on HF subject matter areas for business areas and, where applicable, supervise and co-ordinate the activities of business area subject specific focal points
• Proactive identification of HF risks and trends by working closely with the Intelligence team and Safety Performance team.
• Ensure that the HF content of the external website, publications and the SharePoint site is maintained and current.
• Develop and deliver HF training, in line with the CAA HF strategy for business areas where required, develop, and deliver HF training for a wider external audience on behalf of CAA International, including (but not limited to) the practical application of human factors, system thinking and human factor methods such as STPA/STAMP training, and Just Culture training.
• Support human performance initiatives that contain HF elements such as human performance shaping factors, fatigue, workload, distraction, non-technical skills such as team and crew resource management, mental health and wellbeing, cognitive ergonomics and the training of these elements.
• Support a standardised approach to HF issues across business areas and policy development and across the wider CAA.
• Promote and facilitate HF considerations across business areas.
• Provide ongoing critical review of HF relevant academic research articles in support of the CAA HF strategy for both current and innovative aviation systems.
• To support in HF compliance and assurance.
• Championing a positive safety culture.

About You

To be considered for the role you must have a:

• Degree or professional level qualification in HF or specific HF / Human Performance related area, Psychology, Ergonomics, or similar
• Experience within a safety critical industry in an HF related role
• Knowledge of the aviation operating environment
• Experience of System Safety Assessment theory and practical application such as STAMP/STPA
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Personal attributes to include, team worker with flexible and adaptable work ethos; ability to work autonomously, lateral thinker; and ability to participate in multi-discipline teams of both internal and external stakeholders. Proven ability to influence change within mixed discipline teams
• Comfortable working with ambiguity, uncertainty and complex systems.
• Demonstrated application of personal values and behaviours that identify with the values and behaviours of the CAA
• Experience of developing and delivering training courses
• Knowledge and experience of SMS and performance-based regulations is desirable

What Can We Offer You?

This is an opportunity to work amongst a highly skilled team of professionals. The work is varied and interesting and brings opportunities to engage with multiple stakeholders at all levels. There is plenty of opportunity to work on several projects from the here and now to Future Flight workstreams.

For further information about the CAA Human Factors Strategy and Action Plan, please click the link below;

https://www.caa.co.uk/safety-initiatives-and-resources/working-with-industry/human-factors/strategy-and-action-plan/

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.

BPSS - To be vetted you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken.

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

For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance

The CAA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. To help ensure transparency and protect the independence and reputation of the CAA, candidates invited to interview will be required to complete a Declaration of Interests form, disclosing any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that could influence, or be seen to influence, their ability to perform the role objectively and impartially.

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 committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview. Find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, 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

Explore What We Offer section on our careers website to find out about our benefits and how we support work-life balance.

Our Values

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

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.