Test & Evaluation Lead

Salary: £60,000 to £75,000 (dependent on experience)

Contract Type: Permanent

Security Level: CTC

Location: Gatwick

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

The CAA is a critical partner in the delivery of the Future of Flight Plan. Our work in this sphere impacts the entire aviation ecosystem but also has the potential to enable a paradigm shift in UK society at large. To deliver against this plan, the CAA has embarked on an ambitious programme of work, supported by our partners in government and industry, that encompasses many novel technical, social and infrastructure challenges.

The Role

The role of Test & Evaluation Lead sits within the T&E function of the Future Safety and Innovation (FS&I) department at the CAA. FS&I has been established to deliver the large programme of change that is required to enable aviation innovations in the UK. The Test & Evaluation (T&E) functions main objective is to ensure the environment for testing is evolving and matures in line with the needs of innovators. Through this the CAA hopes to enable a robust pathway to scalable operations. 

As the Test & Evaluation Lead it will be your role to assist in the delivery of the CAA’s key strategic objectives, as part of the Future of Flight Action Plan, related specifically to Test & Evaluation. Primarily this involves ensuing that all risks associated with the testing, development, validation and verification of emerging technologies are assessed and granted authentication in line with the required standards for the CAA. Additionally, as the T&E Lead you will help to establish a robust reporting and data infrastructure that drives safety insights that can then be fed back into the policy development process. As well as this, you will act as a focal point for T&E related queries, providing guidance on the definition of test specifications, standards, requirements, pass/fail criteria and metrics.

This role will be instrumental in helping to deliver the aims and objectives of the UKs Future of Flight Plan. If being part of this unique opportunity is exciting, we want to hear from you.

The position would be suitable for those coming from Flight test engineer, Engineering Manager/Validation & Verification Engineer/Systems Engineer backgrounds.

Core Accountabilities

• Working to deliver Future of Flight action plan to ensure the risk of the testing and evolution of new, emerging, and innovative technologies are continually assessed, and granted authentication in line with the required standards for the CAA.
• Identifying and developing testing plan and activities for innovative, and emerging technologies through appropriate specifications, and assured in line with T&E practice. The T&E function will work to ensure the environment for testing is evolving and matures in line with the needs of the innovation market enabling a pathway to scalable operations. 
• Developing data acquisition and learnings framework to enable safe and efficient test flights as a part of FOF action plan. This learning is analysed and accurately fed back into policy and regulatory teams, to inform the future policy changes and rulemaking to support the market innovation of emerging tech.
• Develop internal guidelines on data collection process which may include defining the test specifications, standards, requirements, pass/fail criteria, metrics and verification of the data gathered through existing and future airspace trials.
• Build strong internal networks with stakeholders across the CAA’s business and external networks with government departmental, regulators and industry standard bodies to provide insight and collaboration on the FoF program.
• Work closely with colleagues within regulatory business areas to develop and implement policy response to challenge themes and develop and implement new regulations through researching and reviewing international development of regulations and industry standards for innovation.
• Commercial awareness to inform and iterate CAA services to achieve cost neutrality within the T&E Function.
• Ongoing management and day to day operations of established Test & Evaluation initiatives to enable continuous improvement and share learnings.

About You

• Flexible and adaptable mindset with evidence of working in highly dynamic and changing environments.
• Critical mindset with the strength to challenge industry and colleagues.
• Curious and quick learner, able to seek out information to inform the project and generate new ideas.
• Effective communication and management of relationships with industry and internal stakeholders, including senior leaders.
• Proven ability to work on a project team with cross-functional capabilities.
• It would be highly desirable to have an understanding and interest in innovation and technology trends that will shape the future of aviation.
• Similarly, an understanding of regulation either within an aviation specialism (such as airspace, airworthiness, air traffic management, flight operations, UAS, aviation security, or consumer protection) or another safety critical or health and safety industry is desirable.
• Expertise in applying a risk-based and principles-led approach in an ambiguous environment where there are currently no standards or regulations and where priorities can change.
• Degree level education or equivalent industry experience.

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.

CTC - 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.

Property & Relocation

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.

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: Friday 16th May 2025

Screening Call Date: w/c Monday 19th May 2025

Interview Date: w/c 2nd June 2025

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.