Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Inspector (Engineering)

Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Inspector (Engineering)

Full-Time 50000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Civil Aviation Authority

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct ramp inspections and ensure compliance with European aviation standards.
  • Company: Join a leading aviation authority committed to safety and excellence.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, gym access, 28 days leave, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Other info: Diverse workplace that values integrity and offers growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on aviation safety while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Aeronautical experience or qualifications, flight engineer licence preferred.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.

Salary: £47,500 up to £50,000 per annum dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Security Level: CTC

Location: Gatwick – Aviation House

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

Job Summary

The role of Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Inspector (SAFA) reports to the Senior SAFA Inspector and undertakes ramp inspections on behalf of a dedicated team. The target numbers for these inspections are agreed annually with the Department for Transport (DfT) and CAA International (CAAi). The inspector ensures UK SAFA performance meets European standards, provides timely inspection reports to operators, maintains personal validity of competence, and supports the development of Technical Procedures and standardisation activities. When competency is established, the inspector may mentor and train other colleagues and third‑party contractors.

Responsibilities

  • Undertake SAFA ramp inspections in a dedicated team, meeting annual targets set with DfT and CAAi.
  • Compare UK SAFA performance with European member states and contribute to evaluations by the SAFA Principal.
  • Provide timely SAFA inspection reports to operators and enter details accurately into the EASA SAFA database.
  • Maintain personal validity of competence as a SAFA inspector.
  • Assist in developing Technical Procedures for SAFA inspections.
  • Support the EASA Standardisation teams as it relates to SAFA.
  • Liaise with stakeholders such as DfT, CAA (SARG) and EASA regarding SAFA standardisation processes and outcomes.
  • Act as a SAFA mentor and trainer for inspection colleagues and third parties in accordance with CAAi agreements.

About You

  • Appropriate level of aeronautical experience or qualifications in aircraft operations or maintenance.
  • Hold or have held a flight engineer licence within the last five years.
  • Licensed as maintenance personnel and, preferably, have exercised the privileges of that licence.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Good understanding of ICAO Standards and EASA Regulations.
  • Have an aeronautical degree or equivalent.
  • Desirable: background experience in auditing and inspecting processes associated with ICAO Standards and EASA regulations.

Security Vetting

Applicants will need to undergo National Security Vetting and obtain an appropriate clearance. A reasonable period of UK residency—typically three years—is required for vetting in this role.

Benefits

  • Flexible working arrangements and hybrid work options.
  • Free on‑site gym at Gatwick and discounted membership for London.
  • 28 days annual leave plus an additional five‑day leave purchase scheme.
  • Generous pension scheme.

Equal Opportunity

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments are encouraged to request them.

Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Inspector (Engineering) employer: Civil Aviation Authority

As a leading authority in aviation safety, the CAA offers an exceptional work environment for Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Inspectors at our Gatwick location. With flexible working arrangements, a free on-site gym, and a generous pension scheme, we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. Our commitment to equal opportunity and high ethical standards fosters a supportive culture where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the aviation industry.

Civil Aviation Authority

Contact Details:

Civil Aviation Authority Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Inspector (Engineering)

Join Aerospace Forums and Groups

Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.

Spotlight Your Projects

Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!

Apply Directly on Company Websites

When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Civil Aviation Authority for a Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Inspector (Engineering). This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Inspector (Engineering)

Ramp Inspection
Safety Assessment
Technical Procedures Development
EASA Regulations
ICAO Standards
Communication Skills
Mentoring and Training

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Civil Aviation Authority, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!

Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.

Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Civil Aviation Authority, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.

Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Aviation Authority

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Civil Aviation Authority.

Showcase Your Projects with Confidence

Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Civil Aviation Authority. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.

Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills

As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Civil Aviation Authority love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.