UK CAA – Innovation Services Specialist

Date: 26-Jan-2022

Location: Gatwick, GB

Company: Civil Aviation Authority

Salary: £37,513 to £45,000 dependent on experience

Contract Type: Permanent

We are the UK’s aviation 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

We are looking for someone to join our Innovation Advisory Services team. Acting as an innovation advisor guiding and supporting industry towards regulatory readiness, guiding them with the aim of sharing knowledge and helping to recommend future regulatory frameworks.

This is an exciting opportunity where you will help have a say in the UK leading a new revolution in aviation by bringing together technologies in electrification, digitisation, and autonomy to build new modes of air travel and capability.

Due to expansion in the team, we are currently looking for 5 specialists to assist industry with developing innovative solutions for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and greener ways of flying through advances in electric and autonomous flight technologies.

The specialist will also be working with a broad range of organisations including the consortia which have received funding from the Future Flight Challenge, the National Police Air Service, and many other industry stakeholders.

Core Accountabilities will include:

• Building and managing relationships with industry as their primary point of contact with the CAA
• Identifying what support the industry requires from the CAA, and create technical proposals that document the support offering
• Managing project teams of individuals across different CAA regulatory functions
• Working closely with industry; Clarifying the regulations that are applicable to their innovation; Giving advice on processes to seek regulatory approval and planning roadmaps in conjunction with industry to achieve the objectives of their project
• Connecting industry to the right subject matter experts within the CAA; Mediating discussions and facilitating workshops between industry and the CAA regulatory teams
• Providing expert advice and guidance on regulatory expectations to maintain safety, security, and consumer protection
• Facilitating testing in a Sandbox environment to build the evidence supporting regulatory approvals for trials
• Analysing and interpreting findings from projects with industry
• Contributing to crafting regulatory guidance and regulatory principles

About You

We are looking for someone with technical and regulatory expertise in an aviation specialism like airspace, airworthiness, air traffic management, artificial intelligence, new propulsion technologies, UAS, software development or flight operations.

• Having an interest in technology and innovation in areas such as airspace integration, urban air mobility, electrification and battery technologies, digitization, and automation.
• Applying a risk-based and principles-led approach where there are currently no standards or regulations will be essential.
• Having experience in managing projects and small teams, preferably in a research or innovation environment
• Customer-centric, focusing on creating the best experience for customers and building relationship with customers
• Critical mindset with the strength to challenge industry and CAA regulatory teams
• Inquisitive mindset who can analyse, make sense, interpret, and communicate insights gained through innovation projects
• Planning and prioritising cases across multiple partners, being able to understand challenges with new aviation technologies and be flexible and adaptable in your approach are some of the key skills you’ll need

What Can We Offer You?

You’ll be working with a team of dedicated specialists with a wide range of experience and skills across the aviation and innovation arenas. We are breaking new ground in the ways we work and have a dynamic and pioneering approach to addressing the challenges facing us.

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 we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. This can either be 3 years or 5 years depending on the level required (CTC or SC). If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application. For more information please visit – Vetting explained – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Given the impact of Covid-19, it’s likely that you will work remotely to begin with as we plan for a return to work within the government guidelines.

Working With Us

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!

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 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. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: Wednesday 9th February 2022

Interview Date: W/C Monday 28th February 2022

Please note that due to the current Covid-19 situation, all interviews will be conducted online by video conference using Microsoft Teams.

No recruitment agencies please.

Job Segment: Law, Testing, Legal, Research, Aviation, Technology

Apply here