Radar and Aeronautical Surveillance Engineering Policy Specialist

Salary: Up to £65,343 + MRS

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 aeronautical surveillance 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. 
• Ensuring interoperability between surveillance systems 

This role will be the focal point for aeronautical surveillance 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 support the development and deployment of a coordinated and interoperable surveillance system to meet the critical projects highlighted and will work closely with the existing surveillance policy specialist. 

The principal aim of this post is to provide input to the policy framework and detailed technical requirements that allows Service Providers to design, commission and operate their surveillance systems in compliance with national and international safety and regulatory requirements. Such work also supports our ATM inspectors enabling them to review safety assurance documentation and undertake audit service providers to verify compliance. 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 aeronautical surveillance expertise to enable the integration of new and innovative airspace users such as RPAS and AAM.
• Developing, maintaining and communicating regulatory policy requirements that ensures safe and efficient operation of all ATS surveillance systems throughout the United Kingdom including offshore. Such requirements can have a significant commercial impact on service providers.
• Ensuring national civil surveillance systems policy requirements accord with national law and international requirements, processes, and recognised best working practice, most notably those related to ICAO and Eurocontrol.
• Developing and maintaining safety regulatory requirements and policy statements as regards air traffic surveillance systems for the UK.
• Contribute to the UK CAA’s representation at national and international levels in specific areas of individual expertise, influencing safety regulatory policy for the UK in pursuit of the UK AMS objectives.
• Providing expert advice on technical matters related to surveillance systems and will formulate appropriate guidance to industry and CNS/ATM providers, other areas of the CAA, Government Agencies and International Bodies to facilitate effective and proportional regulation of surveillance assets.
• Develop CNS policy consistent with national and regional strategies and initiatives.
• Seek opportunities for continued professional development. 
• Capture and readily share safety-related intelligence, information and analysis from multiple internal and external sources with all CAA Groups.

About You

The job holder will obtain:

• Education to degree level in an engineering discipline or equivalent industry experience
• In-depth technical knowledge of air traffic surveillance systems and surveillance display systems
• Knowledge of systems safety, hazard and risk analysis
• Knowledge on security aspects of surveillance systems
• Knowledge of other CNS/ATM systems
• Knowledge on Air Traffic Services, operations and operational aspects

The job holder will have an awareness of:

• Relevant UK and European Legislation and Requirements;
• Relevant bodies (e.g. ICAO, EUROCONTROL, EUROCAE, EUROPEAN COMMISSION, ESOs and ETSI).

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.