Technical Strategy Specialist - Hydrogen

The CAA’s Hydrogen Challenge is a world‑leading initiative to develop the regulatory framework to enable the safe use of hydrogen within aviation, including at aerodromes and on aircraft. To support the delivery of the Hydrogen Challenge over the coming years, the CAA are looking for a technical strategy specialist with experience in aerospace certification, hydrogen and zero emission propulsion.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate pre‑certification projects in the field of hydrogen and zero emission flight propulsion.
• Determine compliance with airworthiness requirements and outline areas for addressing policy recommendations.
• Clarify existing requirements and contribute to development of new ones covering new technology, novel applications, and new proposals for compliance demonstration.
• Escalate significant safety matters in accordance with the CAA regulatory safety management system (RSMS).
• Identify and coordinate research or contribute into areas of significant airworthiness concern; represent the CAA in decision‑making committees and working groups.
• Write technical reports shared with industry and internally across the CAA.
• Support creation of policy recommendations for hydrogen and new innovative technologies.

Qualifications

• You will be a proven expert in the aerospace industry, preferably with an engineering degree or equivalent industry experience.
• Knowledge of aerospace certification at a level of Certification Signatory or Compliance Verification Engineer, or detailed knowledge of aviation regulation.
• Managing technical decisions on major safety issues.
• Operating in various business environments.
• Making sound judgments and thinking laterally to identify wider implications.
• Balancing work with differing priorities and output levels.
• Understanding specialist issues and modulating technical views for business and political considerations.
• Challenging information, propositions or assumptions technically across disciplines affecting safety.
• Making timely decisions and knowing when escalation is required.
• Communicating across all levels and engaging stakeholders.
• Report writing and coordination of reports.
• Using multiple IT systems.
• Understanding in fuel cell systems, cryogenic systems, combustion systems, fundamentals of hydrogen, hydrogen safety technologies, Part 145, Part 66, Airworthiness is desirable.
• Project management qualification such as PRINCE2 or PMP.
• Experience with hydrogen fuel cells and combustion systems at research or development stage.
• Experience with complex projects involving new technology.
• Regulatory knowledge of aviation regulations and ability to apply them.
• Risk management skills for new technologies.
• Problem‑solving and strategic thinking to develop solutions.
• Collaboration on innovation projects.

Travel within the UK is required; occasional travel to remote sites may be needed.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements.
• 28 days annual leave, plus 5 days leave purchase scheme.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Access to gym facilities at Gatwick and discounted membership for London offices.

Other Information

• To posts within the CAA may require National Security Vetting (BPSS).
• Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

Inclusive Recruitment

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are a member of the Disability Confident scheme. All candidates should be aware that AI generated content may not be accepted if plagiarized.