NATS is the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2.4 million flights each year. We provide air traffic control services from two control centres and at airports around the UK. We also provide a wide range of commercial products and solutions internationally. Our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.
Closing Date: 21/07/2026
Please include a cover letter with your application.
Job Purpose/Overview
Leadthe technical delivery ofone ormultiple work packagesfor Critical National Infrastructurein the Air Traffic Management domain.This encompassesa range of technologies, software applications, and hardware infrastructure used for managing and controlling air traffic, utilisingadvanced technologiessuch asvirtualised platforms,machine learning, Artificial Intelligence. These systems handle tasks such as flight planning, communication, surveillance, navigation,managingUnmanned Air Systems,and weather information dissemination
Co-ordinate the technical alignment and resource management for several work packages
Other Duties Include
Apply systems engineering principles to define, plan anddeliver the scope of activities within one or multiple work packagesof a project,to achieve therequiredoutcomes.
Accountable for the qualityand alignmentof the outputsofassignedwork packages
Technicalpoint ofcontact forinternal and external stakeholders.
Accountableto thesenior engineering leadforthetechnicaldelivery of thework packages managedbythe job holderand the work packages withintheirproject(s)
Dimensions
The job holder will lead the delivery of a combined volume of work packages of up to 10 FTEs pa (equivalent to up to £1m pa of internal labour) plus technical management of up to £0.5m of external capital spend
Note that the figures above are per annum – over the duration of a Regulatory Period (5 years), this role has indirect control of project spend typically in the region of up to £10m
Autonomy
The job holder will tailorand agreedelivery processesto suit the complexity of thescope of work
The job holder will challenge technical delivery plans forthe scope of workto ensure that they are followingagreed policies and processes,
Provide assurance of the content of plans and work packages to project and programme managersand business stakeholders
Job Scope
Responsible for managing and executing the scope of work, defining the activities for one or multiple work packages, which could constitute a project
Ensure that the collection of work packages deliver a complete, coherent, sustainable and cost-effective solution to meet all stakeholder requirements
Engage with resource managers to secure, and ensure early deconfliction of, the resource required to deliver the scope of work
Deliver the activities defined in the work package(s)to Cost, Quality and Timescale targets,whilecollaboratingacross multiple delivery functionsandsubject matter experts(e.g.Safety, Supply Chain)
Can build, ownandupdatetechnical delivery planswhileproviding challenge andrecommendations thatallow for aneffective and achievable plan to be deliverable,managing dependencies throughout, andidentifying the resource required to delivery the plan
Ensureappropriate technical governanceistailored,applied and adhered to for the scope of work
Followsbest practice within theNATS’ safetyandserviceprinciples, adheringto engineeringethics
Providestask managementand direction toa team of engineersand subject matter experts
Problem solveschallengesthatarise both withintheirscope of workand widerusing prior experiences and networking to lead problems to a resolution.
Work with 3rdPartysuppliersto manage the execution of out-sourced activities to the agreed plan, pro-actively managing emerging risks
Proactivelyidentify and managetechnical deliveryrisks related tothe scope of work
Identify "business as usual" activities from the project that require definition and handover to service operational teams
Provide concise and regular updates on the scope of work to management through effective, tailored and confident communication methods
Advocate of the NATS behaviours
Essential Skills and Experience
HNC(or equivalent RQF level4or SCQF level7qualification) in an Engineering or Technology discipline.
Have experience of managing the technical delivery ofaproject,ormultiplework packages,following industry best practice techniques (preferably in a safety-related sector)
Applicants not holding the expected qualification but who have undertaken relevant lower-level qualifications/certifications in similar fields and have demonstrable skills and capabilities gained through relevant experiencein anengineering management role(preferably in a safety related sector)will be considered.
Enthusiastic, flexible and a responsive person with the ability to plan and organise
Track Record in making key decisionswith suitable supervision
Able towork under pressurewithout impacting quality of outcomes
Confidence to challengepeers and senior colleagues thoughconstructiveapproaches,providing recommendations
Proven record of identity solutionsthat focus on delivering pragmatic approaches, challengingthe status quo where applicable,appreciating and able to balance cost, quality, and time
Cancommunicate with avarietyof stakeholders ranging from technical members of the team to seniorbusiness stakeholders
Cantranslateengineering issues into plain English
Appreciationand understanding for otherdepartments’needsand supports themto achieve thedesired outcomes
Demonstrable ability to resolve conflicts within teamsand to buildpositive relationships with stakeholders
Has showninitiative and experience toproactively identifypotentialissues before they occur and being prepared with answers to any key stakeholder questions
Experience oftask management ofmultidisciplinary teams located across multiplesites;including integrated teams comprising permanent staff, temporary contractors and 3rdparty suppliers, though effective delegation and prioritisation
Additional Vacancy Information
We are proud to offer a fantastic total reward package to help you thrive both personally and professionally - for more information on what NATS can offer you please visit -Why NATS?
We have adopted agile working to provide greater flexibility and increased choice over working arrangements, with the opportunity for this role to work in our modern office facilities as well as remotely. We also welcome discussions on flexible and part-time working arrangements.Find out morehere .
If you share our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe – we would like to hear from you whatever your age, sex, race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, visible or invisible disability. Individuals that bring different perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds help us be at the forefront of our industry.
Project Engineering Manager employer: NATS Ltd
NATS Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the safety-critical sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, all while working remotely in a supportive environment that values your contributions and expertise.
