Salary: Up to £93,000 dependent upon experience
Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time
Security Level: BPSS
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 its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.
The Role
Enabling routine beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) unmanned arial systems (UAS) operations within the current aviation system is extremely complex. Operations and the safety cases that support them are diverse.
The Technical Airspace Architecture Owner is responsible for the airspace architecture that will enable these operations to integrate safely and routinely into UK airspace, this requires an understanding of the current and future system interactions to inform technical, oversight and policy requirements. Providing technical guidance and oversight to drive forward solutions for to complex technical issues and translating industry direction into actionable policy.
- Build and lead a diverse, multi-disciplinary team of technical leads and subject matter experts to tackle some of the most complex challenges of emerging technologies in aviation and aerospace
- To develop, evidence and communicate areas of focus in strategic areas of Air Traffic Management and Air Navigation Services
- To devise and deliver the technical elements of the programme to drive changes to policy and regulatory frameworks to support the implementation of the Airspace Architecture
- Ensure the individual policies come together as an effective suite of risk mitigations that align to current and future regulatory safety management systems
Core Accountabilities
- Build a programme team with the skills and competencies to provide the CAA with a centre of excellence on your area of focus
- Lead a team of regulatory specialists and subject matter experts
- Contributing to the strategic and technical direction for the Future ATM/ANS program
- Establish and chair both internal and external technical forums required facilitate decision making and drive forward the delivery of the programme
- Lead the teams to work closely with colleagues within the business areas to develop and implement policy response to challenge themes and develop and implement new regulations through researching and reviewing international development of regulations and industry standards for innovation
- Develop roadmaps for how these technologies could develop in the aviation ecosystem and explore the key regulatory challenges arising delivering the Airspace Modernisation programme projects in terms of risk areas and regulatory gaps that will provide insight and shape future policy recommendations
- Provide input into the legislative framework within the CAA to progress changes to regulations required to enable these technologies to enter the market safely and securely
- Develop resource and prioritisation estimates to ensure the appropriate involvement from around the CAA to work on the Challenge initiatives
- Build strong internal networks with stakeholders across the CAA’s business and external networks with government departmental, regulators and industry standard bodies to provide insight and collaboration on the programmes you are working on and those across the Innovation Hub
- Work closely with the Strategy and policy leads to maintain strong links to the key CAA strategic initiatives and areas that are associated with the new technology themes
About You
- Ability to lead and manage a diverse team in an ambiguous environment where there are currently no standards or regulations and where priorities can change
- Proven track record of delivering complex projects and programmes
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to take complex subjects and distil them into clear direction, objectives and work programmes
- Clear understanding of the need to deliver improvements in the way that new and existing airspace users receive the right information in the right place at the right time to support safety and operational efficiency
- Good understanding of the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) and Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) with a specific understanding of future ATM/ANS concepts within the context of the GANP and AMS, including the associated aims, objectives and potential issues
- Good working knowledge of legacy aviation industry information services and networks and related national legislation with a sound understanding of implications for industry and airspace users
- Extensive experience in at least one of the following domains:
- Traditional aviation systems, such as systems used in air traffic management (ATM) or air navigation services (ANS) or comms navigation surveillance and spectrum (CNSS)
- Uncrewed aviation systems, such as unmanned arial systems (UAS), unmanned traffic management (UTM) or detect and avoid (DAA)
- Working knowledge of international directions, e.g. ICAO, EASA, JARUS, with an ability to translate back into programme impacts and considerations
- Skilled coach and mentor, able to seek out information to inform the project and support the generation of new ideas
- Critical mindset with the ability to role-model constructively challenging industry and colleagues
- Breadth of experience in innovation and implementation that will shape the future of aviation, e.g. artificial intelligence, digitisation and automation, RPAS, UTM, UAM, electrification and battery technologies
- Breadth of experience in regulation, either within an aviation specialism (such as airspace, airworthiness, air traffic management, flight operations, UAS, aviation security, or consumer protection) or another safety critical industry.
- Degree level education or equivalent industry experience
- Understanding and alignment of JARUS direction of travel, and ability to translate back into programme impacts and considerations
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.
BPSS - 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.
For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance
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.
Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process
We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.
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: Tuesday 5th May 2026
Interview Date: W/C Monday 18th May 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.
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