Research & Development Industrial Placement

Job Description
What is NATS?

NATS is the UK’s leading Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). Every year we handle 2.5 million flights and keep 300 million passengers safe whilst in UK airspace. We provide air traffic management (ATM) services to 15 airports in the UK as well as providing these services around the world spanning Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America.

We’re shaping the future of ATM through our focus on ‘advancing aviation and keeping the skies safe’ and believe that the size and diversity of our business makes us an exciting choice for undergraduates considering their future careers.

What will the Research & Development Industrial Placement involve?

This one-year placement will be based at either our Head Office in Whiteley or our Air Traffic Control Centre in Swanwick, Hampshire. Our agile working arrangements provide flexibility to work in our modern office facilities and, where the role allows, from home.

You’ll work with colleagues from different disciplines on research that could shape the future of air traffic management. Depending on the project, you could explore artificial intelligence, sustainability, digital twins or how new airspace users, such as drones and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), can be supported. You can see examples of NATS’ research on our Research & Development page.

Your work could include:

investigating emerging technologies and identifying where they could be applied in aviation
helping to design, test and develop tools and concepts for safer, more effective air traffic management
working with colleagues and research partners from academia and industry
taking part in workshops and project reviews to share findings and develop ideas
learning how safety, governance and compliance influence research in a regulated industry

Why choose NATS?

You’ll be working at the heart of our organisation, alongside other graduates, undergraduate students and professionals. You’ll gain valuable insight into our business and make a tangible contribution to our success.

Your placement will help you apply what you’ve learned at university, develop your research and problem-solving skills, and learn from people working across aviation and technology. We’re committed to your personal and professional development and will support you throughout the scheme.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for driven, proactive and committed individuals who are ready to embrace the challenging targets we’ve set ourselves over the next few years. One thing is clear: we can only achieve these targets through our people. We’ll be leading the way technically, operationally, commercially and politically, and you can help us shape the future.

You’ll need to be studying towards a degree that allows you to complete a 12-month industrial placement as part of your course.

For this placement, you should have an interest in research, innovation and emerging technologies. You should be willing to learn and able to:
• communicate your ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing
• work with people from different disciplines
• approach problems thoughtfully and manage tasks to agreed timelines

It would be helpful if you have some awareness of AI or data analysis tools, sustainability, digital twins or automation. Experience of research or technology projects through your studies or other activities would also be welcome.

To be eligible to apply, you must have indefinite, unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot consider candidates whose right to work is time-limited or dependent on visa sponsorship.

You must be able to obtain Security Clearance (SC Level). Additional SC guidance can be found here.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for driven, proactive and committed individuals who are ready to embrace the challenging targets we’ve set ourselves over the next few years. One thing is clear: we can only achieve these targets through our people. We’ll be leading the way technically, operationally, commercially and politically, and you can help us shape the future.

You’ll need to be studying towards a degree that allows you to complete a 12-month industrial placement as part of your course.

For this placement, you should have an interest in research, innovation and emerging technologies. You should be willing to learn and able to:
• communicate your ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing
• work with people from different disciplines
• approach problems thoughtfully and manage tasks to agreed timelines

It would be helpful if you have some awareness of AI or data analysis tools, sustainability, digital twins or automation. Experience of research or technology projects through your studies or other activities would also be welcome.

To be eligible to apply, you must have indefinite, unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot consider candidates whose right to work is time-limited or dependent on visa sponsorship.

You must be able to obtain Security Clearance (SC Level). Additional SC guidance can be found here.

Additional vacancy information
If you apply and meet the minimum requirements for the scheme, you’ll be invited to complete online tests. Candidates who pass this stage may be invited to a virtual assessment centre.

Assessment centres will be held between 30 November and 11 December 2026.

The start date for the scheme is 6 September 2027.

NATS reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary – £24,500 per annum
• 28 days of holiday entitlement plus Bank Holidays
• Market-leading defined contribution pension scheme

For more information on the benefits we