Regulatory Policy Specialist - Space

Salary: £52,143 to £60,000 per annum dependent upon experience

Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Security Level: SC

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

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Space Regulatory Policy Team to help develop and maintain the UK Spaceflight Regulator’s policy function within the CAA Space Team.

Core Accountabilities

• To develop and maintain the ongoing policy and guidance requirements for the regulation of commercial licence holders under the SIA, OSA and permissions for ANO, to ensure policies and guidance are in accordance with the Better Regulation Principles, are deliverable and fit for purpose for end users, and in line with national and international regulations.
• To provide general policy and regulatory advice and guidance across all the licence types
• To be a subject matter expert and point of contact in at least one of the licence types or cross cutting themes - launch, Spaceport, In Orbit, Range and ANO permissions or safety, security, sustainability.
• To understand the regulator objectives to support the monitoring of licence holders in the UK in accordance with our Values and Behaviours (Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, Clarity, Learning and Drive);
• To take part in stakeholder engagement events (one to one meetings and plenary events)
• To develop and maintain relationships with internal (CAA Space Regulation Team, wider CAA teams) and external (DfT, DSIT, UKSA, wider HMG, industry) stakeholders
• To actively learn about policy developments and latest thinking on the regulation of high hazard industry and how that might apply to the UK commercial space sector.
• To lead/contribute to programme workstreams and working groups to drive continuous improvement across the policies and process that apply to the whole Space Team and industry alike.
• To ensure standards, legislation and requirements are developed, using SMART principles, which are practicable and effective.
• Adherence to CAA Regulatory and Management systems.
• Achievement of programme objectives and service standards.
• Effective and recognised contributions are made to national and international policy development. 
• Contribute to the SARG objective to be recognised as world leaders in safety regulation.
• Meeting expected CAA competences.
• Meet personal objectives agreed with Line Manager.
• Satisfactory completion of training courses/modules/professional qualifications.
• High quality of written and verbal communications whilst meeting required timelines.

About You

To be considered for the role you must have a:

• A forward-thinking approach to regulation and how to best work with the industry being regulated
• Knowledge of regulating high hazard industries and experience of handling and sharing technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Technical knowledge of the Space industry in one or more areas of, range control, spaceport, launch, in-orbit, ANO permissions, and/or ability to develop an in-depth knowledge.
• Ability to represent the CAA in multi-agency and sometimes international forums demonstrating the CAAs values and behaviours
• Can work in collaboration as part of a cross functional team with government and external agencies
• Credible and successful engagement with industry stakeholders in a regulatory capacity
• Excellent influencing skills
• Evidence of stakeholder management including collaboration at all levels
• Knowledge/experience of PBR approach and how its applied

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.

SC - 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 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.

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: Sunday 1st March 2026

Interview Date: W/C Monday 9th and 16th March 2026

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.