Airspace Modernisation Safety Specialist

Salary: £43,600 - £51,187, subject to experience

Contract Type: FTC up to 12 months

Security Level: BPSS

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship.

Location: Gatwick / Hybrid: this requires at least 2 days office attendance per week.

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.

Passionate about aviation and ready to redefine its future? Imagine being at the heart of pioneering the next era in aviation, where your work influences exciting projects such as the evolution of drones and advanced aerial technologies. This is your opportunity to join the UK Civil Aviation Authority, an organisation that is not just a regulator, but a visionary in an industry that connects the world. You'll be instrumental in shaping the skies of tomorrow. It's more than a role; it's a chance to be part of a groundbreaking journey in aviation. If you're seeking a career that combines innovation, impact, and the thrill of progress, then join our team - where each member is a catalyst for change, in an environment that thrives on collaboration and visionary thinking.

The Role:

As an Airspace Modernisation Safety Specialist, you will assist in the successful delivery of several key high-profile projects within the Airspace Modernisation Delivery Team. In this role you will work across an expansive range of Airspace, Air Traffic Management (ATM) and industry stakeholders to ensure that projects and programmes are being delivered and implemented safely. You will provide effective safety oversight and risk management to ensure that the Civil Aviation Authority is meeting its requirements in maintaining high levels of safety as it delivers a significant programme of change and modernisation.

The team shapes the future Airspace and Air Traffic Management operations to meet international requirements, and they also aim to achieve the objectives of future airspace Strategy. We provide regulatory and policy guidance for proposed UK airspace changes and advise aviation stakeholders and other interested parties on airspace issues related to operations within UK airspace. Additionally, the Airspace Modernisation Delivery Team will aim to set standards around internationally recognised Minimum Operational Performance Standards and other organisational and operational standards.

Core Accountabilities but are not limited to:

• Act as focal point for all relevant safety advice to support the delivery of projects.
• Manage and coordinate the creation of coherent and compelling safety arguments through the identification, scrutiny, and interpretation of relevant safety data.
• Work with airspace controlling authorities and affected airspace users to ensure any proposed changes are fully considered in the context of existing Safety Management Systems and in line with ICAO SARPS and PANS.
• Contribute to the Civil Aviation Authority’s work in treating the Mid-Air Collision risk and promote this work in relevant safety focused meetings.
• Collaborate widely as you ensure the Airspace Modernisation Delivery Team adhere to all relevant international and national aviation safety regulations.
• The role involves engagement with external stakeholders who have specific interests in the outcomes of the deliverables and decisions made.
• Development of mutually trustworthy relationships with internal and external stakeholders whilst balancing differing requirements.
• Explain complex aviation policy and related requirements to non-aviation experts.

About You

Essential Criteria:

• Strategically focused and comfortable working in ambiguity.
• A strong collaborator and able to establish personal credibility with technical specialists, developing constructive relationships.
• High level of understanding and experience of safety processes and procedures, including the delivery of safety assurance work to support change, SMS and quantitative and qualitative risk assessments.
• Broad experience and knowledge of airspace change principals, air traffic management, and air traffic control operations in UK airspace, gained through a similar, aviation-related position.
• Confident communicating in all formats, working collaboratively and inclusively.
• Proven ability to engage with a diverse level of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the UK Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS).
• Experience in an SMS focal point role or experience in chairing safety critical meetings.
• Knowledge of General Aviation and RPAS operations in the UK.
• Understanding of the Civil Aviation Authority and the UK aviation industry, along with key legislative factors influencing the Civil Aviation Authority’s role as an airspace regulator, such as the Civil Aviation Act, Air Navigation Order, Rules of the Air Regulations, and the appropriate MAA Regulatory Publications.

Additional Security 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 you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken.

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.

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.

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.

Closing Date: 17th Feb 2026

Interview Date: End of February in person Gatwick

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.

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.