Technical Support Officer - CNS & Spectrum

Salary: £30,209 to £38,992 depending on experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: SC

Location:  Gatwick – Hybrid (Office attendance 1-2 days per week however will be discussed at interview)

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.

Please note that both a CV and a cover letter are required for any application detailing how you meet the person specification for the role.

The Role

Part of the CAA’s remit is to ensure the radio frequency spectrum utilised for aeronautical systems is effectively managed. This includes managing the assignment of frequencies and ensuring the prevention of interference to existing and new aeronautical systems.

As a CNS (Communication, Navigation, Surveillance) & Spectrum Technical Support Officer you will help the CAA maintain a safe, efficient, and sustainable aeronautical radio spectrum environment for the UK.

With support from our frequency management and CNS policy specialists this position ensures that the radio frequency spectrum used by aviation is kept free of unnecessary interference, that the safety of aircraft is maintained and that the CNS facilities that UK aviation rely upon remain operational and resilient. This includes air-to-ground radio communications, radar and navigation aids, including satellite navigation (GPS)

The position also enables other radio spectrum users in the UK outside of the aviation sector and relies on collaboration with other government departments and private industry, including the Ministry of Defence and Ofcom.

This position requires someone with a broad technical background, able to learn quickly and make rapid and informed decisions based on a range of information, data and engineering judgement. Experience in CNS systems is desirable but not essential.

About You

Minimum essential requirements for the role:

• Likely obtain a technical qualification at diploma or degree level or have equivalent experience in a technical role.
• Self-motivated and highly organised with the ability to motivate others and influence without authority.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a variety of partners at all levels from various subject areas and backgrounds - both internal and external
• A flexible and adaptable style as you will operate within a dynamic environment where priorities can change very quickly.
• A proactive nature. You’ll often work with minimal supervision and on your own initiative. You will need to be able to manage your own workloads and prioritise competing tasks.
• Able to interpret and translate complex technical issues, typically from the radio frequency domain and make informed decisions based on engineering judgement.
• Has a familiarity with radio spectrum management in the UK and the applications of radio technology in aviation.
• The ability to learn quickly and work with a range of different systems.

Desirable skills for the role:

• Experience in the design and operation of aeronautical CNS systems including terrestrial infrastructure.
• Familiar with RF spectrum management techniques and radio system deconfliction.
• Experienced in RF propagation calculations and familiar with propagation modelling tools such as ATDI HTZ
• Obtain a broad engineering and technical background and an ability to self-develop and learn about new technical concepts.

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 25th January 2026

Interview Date: W/C Monday 2nd February 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.