SAFA Inspector

Salary: £36,956 up to £49,275 depending on experience.

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

We are the UK's aviation 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 CAA is responsible for managing and conducting the SAFA (Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft) ramp inspection programme on behalf of the DfT via a Working Arrangement (WA) with EASA. This involves inspections on aircraft used by third country operators as well as alcohol testing on flight and cabin crew. UK Ramp inspections are also carried out on national aircraft (SANA) in line with national oversight requirements.

The Role

The CAA is recruiting for one SAFA Inspector from an aircraft engineering background who will mainly cover the Southern area (but not excluding visits to other UK airports).

The SAFA Inspector will be part of the ramp inspection programme and conduct inspections as well as alcohol testing with other members of a dedicated team. The target numbers for these inspections are agreed with the UK Department for Transport (DfT) annually.

The individual will ensure that UK SAFA performance is comparable with other states. This performance will be assessed by the SAFA Principal and based on feedback from team members, DfT, EASA as provided through the EASA SAFA Meetings and other online information.

Provide inspection reports to the operators in line with agreed process and procedures and enter details of inspections onto the EASA SAFA database in a timely and accurate manner. Ensure timely review of follow-up actions and closure of findings.

To maintain personal validity of competence as a SAFA inspector.

Build collaborative working relationships internally and externally with various stakeholders such as DfT, CAA (SARG), EASA, Airlines and Airports.

As part of the ramp inspection process, travel is required 3 – 4 days per week within the UK (sometimes staying overnight) and with the possibility of occasional visits overseas (infrequent). The role also requires some inspections to be conducted during unsocial hours with occasional weekend coverage.

About You

• Educated to a minimum of at least GCSE standard or equivalent and, after that, an appropriate level of aeronautical experience/qualifications in the field of aircraft operations or maintenance. This essential condition will be satisfied if the candidate:
• Holds or has held a flight engineer license within the past 5 years.
• Has been licensed as maintenance personnel and preferably exercised the privileges of such a license within the past 5 years.
• Has an aeronautical degree or equivalent.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English language.
• Is a self-starter, team player and can demonstrate initiative and proactiveness.
• A good understanding of ICAO Standards and UK Regulations.
• It is desirable to have background experience in auditing and inspecting processes within the aviation sector.

What Can We Offer You?

You will have an allocated car as well as an opportunity to join a proactive and diverse team in a hybrid working, dynamic environment. Our benefits cover a range of aspects including pension, life assurance, medical plans, cycle to work schemes and more. The CAA provides training and development opportunities to support all employees.

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 3 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.
 

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.
 

Our Values
 

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

Closing Date: 6th May 2024
Interview Date: w/c 13th May 2024

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.