Navigation Aids (Specialist Engineer – Level 3)

Aquila ATMS is dedicated to creating a workplace where innovation, collaboration, and excellence thrive. As a joint venture between NATS and Thales, we combine the expertise of leading air traffic control services and global systems integration to deliver cutting-edge solutions in air traffic management.

We are seeking a highly skilled Navigational Aids Specialist Engineer to join our team supporting critical Air Traffic Management infrastructure on a permanent contract. This role provides an opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s goals and support the work of the wider team. This is a hands-on technical specialist role, where you will act as a subject matter expert in the installation, commissioning, assurance, and sustainment of ground-based navigation systems that underpin safe aircraft operations. In this position, you will play a key role in ensuring system availability, resolving complex faults, and maintaining the integrity of safety-critical equipment across operational airfields.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Installation, commissioning and certification of ground based navigational aid systems used in Air Traffic Management, including DVOR, ILS, DME, and TACAN.
• Providing specialist expertise and technical leadership to support, assurance and sustainment of the above systems deployed on Project Marshall supported airfields.
• Diagnose and resolve complex technical challenges to maintain operational availability, in line with contractual and safety requirements.
• Mentor and develop engineers through on-the-job training and knowledge transfer to develop capability across the business.

About You

You’re a Navigational Aids Engineer professional who contributes positively to your team and the wider organisation. You work collaboratively, adapt to different situations, and bring sound judgement to your work. You communicate clearly, build effective working relationships, and approach challenges with a practical, solutions-focused mindset.

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:

• Strong experience as an ATM Nav Aids Installation and Commissioning Engineer or in a similar ATSEP ATM role.
• Knowledge of the following Thales Nav Aid Systems: Thales ILS 420 & Thales DME 415/435, Thales DVOR 432, Thales TACAN 553.
• Experience in the installation and commissioning of ATM Nav Aid Systems, complex preventative and corrective maintenance and delivery of systems within a highly regulated and safety critical environment.
• The ability to deliver ATM Nav Aid systems installation on time, communicate effectively and prioritise workload.
• The ability to solve complex technical problems with a strong understanding of technical documentation, Configuration control and Safety and compliance requirements.
• Comfortable working autonomously on complex systems and advising other engineering departments on proposed solutions.

What We're Looking For

Essential Criteria

• Advanced knowledge of aeronautical radio navigation aid systems; understanding of radio theory and propagation; regulatory compliance within safety-critical environments.
• Strong understanding of regulatory, safety and assurance requirements applicable to Navigation Aid systems, including the preparation, maintenance and use of technical and safety documentation.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues, applying structured problem-solving and systems engineering principles.
• Competence in interpreting technical standards, drawings and system documentation, with attention to accuracy, configuration control and technical integrity.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with specific Navigation Aid systems and associated monitoring and control systems (e.g. ILS, DVOR, DME, TACAN, NDB or equivalent).
• Knowledge of relevant aviation, defence or air traffic management standards and frameworks (e.g. ICAO, CAP 670, DEF STAN, STANAG).
• Experience supporting installation, commissioning, refresh or transformation projects within complex operational environments.

If you don’t meet every requirement but feel you have relevant experience, we’d still like to hear from you.

Benefits

Core Benefits

• 201 hours (approx. 27 days) annual leave + 1 Company Day to be used at Christmas (Excluding Bank Holidays) - Prorated for part time contracts.
• Time off to volunteer (up to 3 days per annum).
• Company Pension Plan (Aquila contribution = employee contribution + 1%, up to 7%).
• Life Assurance (2x basic salary or up to 8x if in the pension scheme).
• Income Protection.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support and counselling.
• Company paid Private Medical Insurance (Couple cover).
• Variable Compensation Plan (discretionary bonus).

Flexible Benefits

Through Aquila’s flexible benefits platform, you can tailor your package, including:

• Healthcare Cash Plan options.
• Additional PMI cover.
• Buy or sell annual leave.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounts at high street retailers.

Family, Wellbeing & Lifestyle

• Enhanced Maternity pay.
• Enhanced Paternity leave & pay.
• Enhanced Occupational Sick pay.
• Mental Health First Aiders.
• Recognition through Altair Award.
• Employee referral bonus.

Security Clearance Statement

Due to the nature of the work that we do, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered.

Equal Opportunities, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Aquila is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.