ATM / UTM Technical Policy Specialist

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.

The Role

• Provide specialist technical insight to support the safe and effective integration of UTM systems into the UK wide and CAA’s existing and future ATM/ANS environment, ensuring they can safely coexist with manned aviation.
• Maintain awareness and close collaboration with international partners/organisations.
• Ensure emerging UTM technologies and digital traffic management capabilities are understood, assessed, and aligned with operational and regulatory needs.
• Influence the development of technical standards required for UTM system design, interoperability, and safety assurance.
• Develop unmanned traffic management (UTM) technical policy for the UK in conjunction with existing and emerging air traffic management (ATM).
• Provide expert guidance on safety‑critical aspects of UTM and ATM systems across design, manufacturing, and operational use within the ‘SWIM’ framework standards.
• Provide UTM policy and advisory support on complex technical issues prior to applications for approval being submitted.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse ATM/ANS systems and identify requirements for UTM integration.
• Evaluate UTM technologies, digital traffic management solutions and automation capabilities.
• Support the development of UTM technical standards, interoperability requirements and performance frameworks.
• Contribute to the advancement of UTM enablers, including Electronic Conspicuity (EC), communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) systems.
• Provide technical SME support for regulatory assessment, oversight and operational evaluation of UTM services.
• Advise on safety assurance requirements across the design, testing, deployment and operational phases of ATM and UTM system developments.
• Collaborate with UK and international stakeholders to drive policy development and industry initiatives.
• Compile internal and external communications, producing clear and accessible technical content.
• Identify and recommend maintenance and updates to CAA website and internal SharePoint content.

Experience

• Experience in ATM, ANS or aviation systems engineering.
• Experience of evaluating, assuring or integrating complex technical systems.
• Knowledge of emerging aviation technologies, digital systems or automation in safety-critical environments.
• Understanding of UK ATM systems, architecture and operational processes.
• Knowledge of UTM, digital traffic management and manned/unmanned aircraft integration.
• Understanding of UTM standards, interoperability requirements and regulatory frameworks.
• Detailed understanding of surveillance technologies, including ADS-B.
• Strong understanding of UK and international aviation regulation and guidance material.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to produce clear technical reports, papers and recommendations.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team with differing requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
• Knowledge of ATM modernisation, airspace modernisation and future of flight.
• Experience identifying and utilising interoperability challenges within the industry.
• Knowledge of the UK aviation industry, CAA regulatory framework and aviation legislation.
• Experience in an aviation regulatory environment.
• Understanding of digital architectures, automation technologies and human-machine interaction.
• Experience of standards development, industry working groups or regulatory policy.

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. 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 committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, 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 their 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

Explore What We Offer section on our careers website to find out about our benefits and how we support work-life balance.

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone.