Inspector ATS (EnRoute Operations)

Salary: £65,000 up to £80,259 dependent upon experience + Market Related Supplement (MRS) £62,586

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Security Level: CTCL

Location: Gatwick, Manchester or Stirling

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

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

The post holder conducts regulatory oversight of ATM arrangements at NATS’ Area Control Centres and Airport Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) in the UK. Oversight is delivered on the basis of UK and International Standards, Recommended Practices, legislation and regulations. As part of this role frequent travel to UK Air Traffic Control Centres, regular travel to Airport ANSPs and occasional travel to other CAA offices may be required. This role may also involve travel abroad in support of CAAi or Policy activities, or to deliver oversight in support of delegated Air Traffic Service (ATS) provision in adjacent states.

The post holder is accountable to Principal Inspector ATM for:

• The planning and conduct of audits and inspections as part of a programme of effective regulatory oversight of NATS Area Control Centres and allocated Airport ANSPs.
• Contributing to the CAA’s Performance Based Oversight process as Technical Specialist for allocated ANSPs.
• The assessment of competence of licensed operational staff at the NATS’ Area Control Centres and allocated Airport ANSPs for the renewal or issue of ATS licences, ratings and associated endorsements as required.
• Participating effectively (in a technical expert role) in discussions on matters of regulatory policy and procedures.
• Engaging with other functional areas of AAA or SARG (and on occasion with external organisations, other regulators and government) to optimise efficiency of safety regulation.
• Assisting (where technical expertise is required) in independent incident investigation by participating as a member of an investigations team.

About You

You will have a good understanding of the safety regulatory requirements associated with the planning, provision and operation of ATM systems and services in the UK. In this regard, familiarity with the following documents will be required (training will be made available as necessary to develop this understanding):

• UK (EU) Reg No 2017/373: Common Requirements for providers of air traffic management/air navigation services and other air traffic network functions and their oversight
• UK CAP 2331
• UK CAP 670
• Relevant sections of the UK Air Navigation Order

You will have experience of UK En-Route ATS provision, and will hold, or will have held, a validated civil ATCO licence with an ACS Endorsement. You will have gained practical experience in the assessment of competence of licensed personnel for the purpose of the award of ATC Ratings and Rating Endorsements.

You will have a good understanding of the principles of Safety and Quality Management. You will be able to assess effectiveness of Safety Management within an operational ATC environment.

You will be a good communicator, with a confident but approachable style and will be comfortable communicating with a range of colleagues and managers within and outside the ATC service provision domain.

You will ideally hold, or will have held, an Assessor Endorsement. You will ideally have completed an appropriate training course in risk management techniques and have gained experience in the practical application of these techniques in an ATM environment. You will ideally have completed training in auditing skills and techniques.

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.

Working With Us

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. 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: 13th February 2026

Interview Date: w/c 23rd February 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.