Command and Control Link Policy Specialist in London

Salary: £58,000 up to £65,000 per annum dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Security Level: BPSS

Location: London or Gatwick (Typically, 8 days per month in person presence across the month).

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in our field. We enable the aviation industry to innovate and meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The Role

The CAA are looking for a technical specialist to work with our transformative Future of Flight Programme. The role would focus on development of our command and control (C2) link policy, to enable Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS, often referred to as drones) to fly safely within ever more integrated airspace.

The C2 link is the data-communications pathway between remote pilot and the UAS and is fundamental to safe operations. You will lead the development of policy addressing any potential loss of the C2 link and contribute to establishing the C2 link policy as a core part of the CAA’s drive to enable beyond visual line of sight (BVLoS) operations into lower UK airspace.

You will work closely with the C2 Policy Lead, technical colleagues, industry stakeholders, and government partners to produce robust, proportionate policy that enables safe uncrewed operations. You will also support related technical workstreams, in particular Detect and Avoid (DAA) and position navigation and timing (PNT) policy, depending on priorities.

Core Accountabilities

• Lead the development of policy for loss of C2 link, including defining scope, criteria, and regulatory requirements.
• Expand existing C2 link policy for lower risk operations (SAIL 1–3 under the UK’s SORA framework) to higher risk operations (SAIL 4 and 5) and beyond.
• Provide technical and policy advice across the wider programme to support integration of C2 link policy with other regulatory areas.
• Support related DAA, PNT and other Future of Flight workstreams as required.
• Support related workstreams such as SORA applications, sandbox and testing activity, BVLOS trial planning, and safety oversight.
• Keep abreast of communication performance metrics (e.g. latency, availability, integrity, continuity), relevant standards, and emerging technology developments.
• Prepare high quality policy papers, impact assessments, consultation documents, and regulatory guidance.
• Represent the CAA in stakeholder and industry events, consultations and inter-agency discussions, providing authoritative technical input.
• Provide constructive challenge as required, identifying risks, assumptions, and evidence gaps.
• Deputise for the C2 Policy Lead when required.

About You

Essential

• Understanding of C2 link performance issues in uncrewed aircraft BVLoS operations including the safety implications of lost link.
• Experience and understanding of other aspects of uncrewed aircraft design development and operations for example collision avoidance systems, flight control, mission systems, PNT, etc.
• Familiarity with SORA/SAIL methodology and ability to apply risk-based regulatory thinking in uncrewed aviation.
• Sound knowledge of communication performance metrics relevant to C2 links and an understanding of industry standards or practices.
• Proven ability to analyse complex technical or operational information and to convert this into clear, proportionate regulatory policy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including stakeholder engagement, and ability to contribute in technical discussions at a high level.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Desirable

• Experience developing or influencing aviation policy, regulation or technical criteria in a regulatory, industry or standards-setting context.
• Previous experience in traffic management, flight operations, communications engineering or uncrewed aviation regulation.
• Operational knowledge of uncrewed aircraft systems or possession of a recognised drone licence or qualification.
• Experience of testing programmes, sandbox trials, operational trials or safety investigations relating to uncrewed or remotely piloted operations.

Person Specification

You are collaborative and effective working in multidisciplinary teams. You think analytically and strategically and understand operational interdependencies. You communicate clearly and confidently with technical experts, policy colleagues, industry and government stakeholders. You are comfortable questioning assumptions, ensuring evidence underpins policy decisions. You show attention to detail, adapt to change and demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Additional Information

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 you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations. We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers. We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028.

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.

Closing Date: 2nd June 2026

Interview Date: 23rd and 24th June 2026

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.