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- Tasks: Join us as a Design and Certification Specialist, working on exciting aviation projects.
- Company: Be part of the UK's leading aviation regulator, ensuring safety in the skies.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a free gym, 28 days leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make an impact in aviation safety while growing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Aerospace engineering degree or equivalent experience required; passion for learning is key.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional development and diverse team collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 72000 £ per year.
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Design and Certification Specialist
Date: 9 Jul 2025
Location: Gatwick, GB
Salary: £68,000-£72,000 Subject to experience (plus a market related supplement upto £12,000 after probation)
Contract Type: Full Time Permanent
Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
Security Level: 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 t his 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 CTC and SC clearance please visit – Vetting explained – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
This role is based on a Hybrid model. Some on-site visits to our Head Office, Gatwick (our Base) or to design organisations around the UK may be required.
About Us
We are the UK’s aviation regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, priding ourselves on our ability to adapt in a continually evolving aviation environment.
The Role
The UK CAA is continuing to expand its team of Design and Certification Specialists to support our state of design responsibility for traditional fixed/rotary wing and innovative air vehicles.The Cabin Safety, Environmental Control Systems (ECS) and Equipmentteams are looking for aerospace engineers with any relevant experience to develop into a Design and Certification Specialist. Applications from individuals with experience in one or more of the following‘related/specific areas’of Cabin Safety/ECS and aircraft equipment across any fixed or rotary wing aircraft will be considered.
Cabin Safety
Related/specific areas:
- Occupant crashworthiness/restraint
- Internal and external placards and markings
Related/specific areas:
- Air conditioning and pressurisation
- Ice protection
- Bleed air
- Water and waste
Equipment (Mechanical/Avionic/Software)
Related/specific areas:
- UKTSO/ETSO/TSO Authorisations
- Part 21 Subpart O
- Alternative Procedures to Design Organisation Approval (APDOA)
- Technical project management (Project Certification Manager (PCM))
Your main role will be the technical involvement with certification projects and related continued airworthiness activities. It will also involve liaison with the UK industry for certification & oversight activities along with other aviation authorities such as European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) through existing and developing working arrangements.
About You
You will have a desire to continually develop experience through project involvement and dedicated training with the flexibility to contribute more generally to other areas of the Design and Certification team. Proven aerospace experience, preferably working for an approved aerospace organisation with the ability to lead, guide, challenge and influence technical decisions on multiple projects. You will have an engineering degree, equivalent qualification or demonstrated industry experience, with a proven aerospace experience, preferably working for an approved aerospace organisation with the ability to lead, guide, challenge and influence technical decisions on multiple projects.
- Ability to monitor, guide and manage technical decisions on a range of major safety issues.
- Operate in various cultural business environments at varying levels of seniority.
- Using experience to make sound judgments.
- Resilience to work at pace and on various matters with the appropriate level of input.
- Able to understand specialist issues and modulate technical views to account for wider business and political considerations.
- Confidence to challenge information, propositions, or assumptions, at a deep technical nature and across a range of disciplines.
- Confidence to escalate issues as they arise.
- Confident to communicate at all levels, to conduct technical conversation and engage with all internal and external stakeholders.
- Attention to detail and through report writing and delivery of information to support outputs.
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.
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: 6th Aug 2025
Interview Date: Early September via MS Teams
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.
Job Segment: Project Manager, Aerospace, Engineer, Technology, Aviation, Engineering
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Design and Certification Specialist employer: Civil Aviation Authority
Contact Detail:
Civil Aviation Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design and Certification Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations and standards in aviation safety, particularly those related to cabin safety and environmental control systems. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aerospace industry, especially those who have experience with certification projects. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences, which can provide valuable insights for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role. Be ready to explain your technical decisions and how they impacted safety and compliance, as this will showcase your ability to lead and influence in a technical environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the UK CAA's recent initiatives and projects. Understanding their current focus areas will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Design and Certification Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant aerospace experience, particularly in areas like Cabin Safety and Environmental Control Systems. Use specific examples to demonstrate your technical skills and project management experience.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities of a Design and Certification Specialist, and include any relevant certifications or qualifications.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles that involved technical decision-making and project certification. Emphasise your ability to liaise with aviation authorities and manage safety issues effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Aviation Authority
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Design and Certification Specialist. Familiarise yourself with key areas such as Cabin Safety, Environmental Control Systems, and relevant regulations like UKTSO/ETSO/TSO Authorisations.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous aerospace experience in detail. Highlight specific projects where you led technical decisions or managed safety issues, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the role's demands.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to aviation safety and certification processes. Brush up on your knowledge of relevant standards and be ready to explain how you've applied them in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with both internal teams and external authorities like EASA and FAA.