ATS Investigator in England

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 involves conducting independent investigations into Air Traffic Management (ATM) aspects of Mandatory Occurrences reported in the UK, while also contributing to Air Navigation Service provider (ANSP) oversight through auditing the investigation processes used by certificated and designated ANSPs. It includes carrying out investigations in support of UK Airprox Board (UKAB) and CAA Investigations and Enforcement Team (IET) for CAA regulatory enforcement action, with the overarching objective of contributing to the prevention of accidents and incidents and assuring compliance with UK and applicable international regulatory requirements.

• Conducting investigations in support of UKAB, IET CAA regulatory enforcement Team.
• Conducting audits (on a risk basis, using PBR Principles) of the investigation processes utilised by Certified and Designated ANSPs and ATS Providers overseen by the UK CAA.
• Compiling investigation reports, witness statements and supporting material for use by SARG, UKAB and IET.
• Participating in legal proceedings (where necessary) in support of IET for potential Alleged Breaches of Air Navigation Legislation (ABANL) prosecution cases.
• Proposing any identified potential safety improvements to ANSP systems, processes and procedures (arising from investigations conducted or audited), in the form of recommendations, to the appropriate Principal Inspector ATM for consideration in the ANSP oversight and audit processes.
• Supporting UKAB and IET in meeting their deadlines and KPI’s, by engaging with them effectively and providing timely reports and documentation in support of their investigation activities.
• Attending the monthly UKAB meetings to provide advice as an impartial Civil ATM subject matter expert.
• Providing appropriate CAA departments with any relevant safety intelligence, safety observations and safety recommendations that result from the investigation activities.
• Ensuring that any matters of local, regional or national importance that may give rise to the need for additional or revised policies, or that may generate public interest and/or comment are notified to the appropriate SARG Principal Inspector.
• Effectively and proactively participating in the maintenance and development of the appropriate departmental procedures, processes and work instructions associated with the investigations task.
• When appropriate attend meetings and participate in discussions on matters of regulatory policy and procedures aimed at achieving effective regulation in a manner that is proportionate to risk.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve the goals of Airspace ATM and Aerodrome (AAA) by achieving performance objectives agreed with the Principal Inspector ATM within the timescales specified.
• Deputising as required for Principal Inspector ATM.
• Providing support to CAA contracts as directed.
• As directed, contributing to (and where appropriate, supervising) the training of new Investigators.
• Sign off (as complete) elements of the training syllabi, where appropriate.

About You

The post holder will hold or have held a Civil ATCO license with ADI/APS and/or ACP/ACS ratings. The post holder will possess extensive knowledge and experience of the Civil ATM legal and regulatory framework in the UK and will have a detailed knowledge of the relevant sections of the appropriate ICAO, CAA and EU publications, directives, regulations, legislation, and their application. The post holder is required to have a detailed understanding of Civil ATM Operations in the UK and the safety regulatory requirements that apply to the planning, licensing, certification and approval processes for the provision and operation of ATM systems and services.

The post holder will be required to work in the field unsupervised and be able to use their own initiative to explore appropriate avenues of investigation, to gather facts and evidence that will enable a complete and accurate account of the facts of an occurrence to be produced. The post holder is required to work effectively with minimal supervision, knowing when to seek guidance and support. The post holder will also have a proven ability to work effectively in a team environment. The post holder will have excellent report writing skills. The post holder should possess a good knowledge of the primary objective of the CAA and the role of UKAB, IET and SARG. The post holder will be required to complete or have completed an appropriate course of incident investigation training and gain or have gained an understanding of the practical application of the processes required for the effective investigation of Mandatory Occurrences in the Civil ATM environment in the UK. The post holder will be required to possess a high standard of investigative interviewing techniques to enable evidence to be gathered from controllers, engineers, support staff and other parties who may have information relevant to the investigation.

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. 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 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.

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 your 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

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.

Interview Date: 16th, 17th and 18th June 2026. 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.