Policy Specialist - Spectrum

Salary: Up to £65,343

Contract Type: Permanent

Security Level: SC

Passionate about aviation and ready to redefine its future? Imagine being at the heart of pioneering the next era in aviation, where your work influences exciting projects such as the evolution of drones and advanced aerial technologies. This is your opportunity to join the UK Civil Aviation Authority, an organisation that is not just a regulator, but a visionary in an industry that connects the world. 

You'll be instrumental in shaping the skies of tomorrow. It's more than a role; it's a chance to be part of a groundbreaking journey in aviation. If you're seeking a career that combines innovation, impact, and the thrill of progress, then join our team - where each member is a catalyst for change, in an environment that thrives on collaboration and visionary thinking. 

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

This position will provide radio frequency spectrum technical expertise to a number of critical projects within the overall Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) programme this will include: 

• The implementation of an electronic conspicuity solution for all airspace users. 
• The development of detect and avoid capabilities. 
• Enabling an Uncrewed Traffic Management ecosystem. 
• Developing the requirements for future ground infrastructure systems. 
• Supporting the development of enhanced RPAS C2 link capabilities. 
• Ensuring interoperability between all spectrum users 

This role will be the focal point for radio spectrum matters that will enable the objectives of the airspace modernisation strategy. The post holder will provide engineering expertise and technical insight across the CAA to ensure effective spectrum management that provides interoperability between existing and future radio spectrum users and you will work closely with the existing spectrum policy specialist. 

Policies and requirements must be proportionate, in accordance with the Better Regulation Principles, relevant and in line with national and international regulations. 

The role also interfaces directly with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, to assist with the development and deployment of new concepts and technologies and to influence the international regulatory environment.

Core Accountabilities

• Provide RF spectrum technical expertise to enable the integration of new and innovative airspace users such as RPAS and AAM. 
• Representing radio spectrum and CNS policy within the AMS governance structure and ensuring adequate coordination with broader CNS and spectrum policy. 
• Help to influence national and international policy to ensure the requirements of the AMS are represented.
• Contribute to the UK CAA’s involvement in the ICAO Frequency Spectrum Management Panel (FSMP)
• Assist with monitoring and engagement where necessary within the ITU and other international and regional bodies.
• Engagement with the UK radio regulator Ofcom to influence UK decisions and positions impacting the objectives of the AMS.
• Ensure the spectrum requirements for future CNS systems supporting the AMS are adequately represented in wider UK and regional initiatives. 
• Provide project management and spectrum management expertise to technical projects undertaken by the organisation in line with the CAA Business Plan. 
• Provide specialist technical input to national and international studies on matters concerning spectrum sharing and technical co-existence of systems. 
• Assist Airspace, Air Traffic Management & Aerodromes (AAA) with development of spectrum policy consistent with national and regional strategies and initiatives.
• Offer timely and appropriate input to the development of CAA documentation.
• Capture and readily share safety-related intelligence, information and analysis from multiple internal and external sources with all CAA Groups. 
• Seek opportunities for continued professional development. 
• Develop CNS and Spectrum policy consistent with national and regional strategies and initiatives. 

About You

This position requires in-depth specialist knowledge of radio spectrum management techniques and extensive understanding of the aeronautical industry and technologies in order to achieve the prime objective of the role.

You should have an awareness of current and future UK, regional and global aeronautical spectrum strategies and additional industries that may impact the aviation domain.

In addition, it is desirable that this position will hold expertise to support RF spectrum coexistence studies and understanding.  This will include knowledge of radio receiver and transmitter design and specifications, methods to conduct coexistence analysis and propagation modelling. A working knowledge of RF propagation models and computer modelling tools such as ATDI HTZ would be an advantage.

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.

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)

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.

Working With Us
 

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!
 

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 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. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone.

Our Values
 

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

Closing Date: Friday 24th May

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.