At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting aerospace certification projects and collaborate with industry experts.
- Company: Join the UK CAA, a leader in aviation safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days leave, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree or relevant experience in aerospace required.
- Other info: Embrace hybrid working and grow your career with us!
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 88000 £ per year.
Project Certification Manager – (Design and Certification)
Be among the first 25 applicants
Salary: Up to £82,000k per annum dependant on experience and completion of training
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Gatwick / Hybrid Working
Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
Security Level: SC
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 5 years. For more information on SC clearance please visit – Vetting explained – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Role: The UK CAA is continuing to expand its team of Project Certification Managers (PCMs) to deliver our state of design responsibility for traditional fixed/rotary wing and innovative products. The Design and Certification delivery teams are looking for project managers with relevant engineering and certification experience to develop into Project Certification Managers (PCMs). Applications from individuals with experience delivering complex aerospace projects will be considered. Specialist experience in one or more core technical disciplines, including Flight, Propulsion, Mechanical Systems, Airframe Structures, Transmissions, Electrical, Avionics, Cabin Safety or ECS, is desirable. Your main role will be to confidently deliver certification and validation projects for the CAA with an experienced team of dedicated specialists. It will also involve liaison with the UK industry & other aviation authorities such as EASA, FAA and other national aviation authorities through existing and developing working arrangements. 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 You: The 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 background, with the ability to lead, guide, challenge and influence decisions on multiple projects.
- Proven knowledge of the certification process and experience in managing and leading a team involved in civil certification programmes
- Ability to monitor, guide and manage technical decisions on a range of projects.
- Operate in various cultural business environments at varying levels of seniority.
- Using experience to make sound judgments.
- Ability to think laterally to identify the wider implications.
- 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 across a range of disciplines.
- Capable of making timely decisions.
- Able to decide the level of information required to make decisions affecting safety.
- Confidence to elevate 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.
- Core design background or CVE experience in a specialist discipline such as Flight, Propulsion, Mechanical Systems, Airframe Structures, Transmissions, Electrical, Avionics, Cabin Safety or ECS.
- Demonstratable experience working with other national aviation authorities such as EASA, FAA, ANAC, TCCA and other NAAs.
- Experience of working across the broad spectrum of aviation and demonstratable understanding of product design, manufacture and airline operations.
What Can We Offer You: The opportunity to work with and learn from a friendly and vastly experienced team that is committed to each other, adaptable and open to learn and change in its ways of working, both in terms of adopting new approaches to gain efficiencies and to reflect the challenges that have and will continue to face us and the travel industry. Training and development are important, and we will work with you to identify appropriate training opportunities and support a learning culture.
Relocation & Property: The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House, Our Gatwick/Crawley Office. We are currently working to understand our needs before we start our property search, which is expected to be within a 15 mile radius of our current base, but we do not expect to move before …
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: 12th Nov 2025
Interview date: 24 Nov to 5 Dec 2025
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, Travel Industry, Electrical, Technology, Aviation, Travel, Engineering
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Project Certification Manager - (Design and Certification) employer: Civil Aviation Authority
Contact Detail:
Civil Aviation Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Certification Manager - (Design and Certification)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend aviation events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the CAA and its projects. Show us that you understand our mission and how your experience aligns with what we do. Tailor your answers to highlight your relevant skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical discussions! Be ready to dive deep into your engineering background and certification processes. We want to see your confidence in handling complex topics and making sound decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the CAA.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Certification Manager - (Design and Certification)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Certification Manager role. Highlight your relevant aerospace experience and any specific projects you've managed that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any experience with certification processes or working with aviation authorities, as that's key for us.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise in areas like Flight, Propulsion, or Avionics. We love candidates who can confidently discuss their knowledge and experience, so make sure to include specific examples that demonstrate your capabilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Aviation Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your aerospace knowledge, especially around certification processes. Familiarise yourself with the specific technical disciplines mentioned in the job description, like Flight or Avionics, so you can confidently discuss your experience and how it relates to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past projects that highlight your ability to lead and influence technical decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in cross-functional teams before. Highlight your communication skills and adaptability, as these are key to thriving in a hybrid working environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the company's approach to training and development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
