Air Traffic Safety Electronics Engineer

Bournemouth Airport; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Life assurance

Free on-site parking

Free airport parking for holidays

Job summary

Bournemouth Airport is seeking an Air Traffic Safety Electrical Engineer to maintain and support safety-critical CNS, AGL and meteorological systems. You will diagnose faults, perform planned maintenance and contribute to system upgrades within a regulatory-compliant infrastructure.

The role requires strong fault-finding abilities, a safety-focused mindset and the ability to work both independently and as part of a small, highly skilled team.

Qualifications

• Strong fault-finding and diagnostic skills for electrical, electronic or communications systems.
• Experience interpreting electrical schematics and maintenance documentation.
• Full UK driving license and eligibility to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair CNS, AGL and meteorological systems to regulatory standards.
• Conduct planned and corrective maintenance, testing and fault diagnostics.
• Support upgrades, installations and engineering projects in a live airport environment.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and safety-related documentation.
• Coordinate with ATC and other departments to minimise disruption.

Skills

Fault-finding

Diagnostics

Maintenance planning

Microsoft Office

Teamwork

Independent working

Education

HNC or higher in Electrical/Electronic/Telecommunications

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in engineering

Tools

ATSEP training

Job description

Bournemouth Airport is looking for a motivated, technically skilled and safety-focused Air Traffic Safety Electrical Engineer to join our Air Traffic Engineering team.

This is an excellent opportunity to work at the heart of a busy operational airport, maintaining and supporting the critical engineering systems that enable safe and efficient aircraft operations.

You will play an essential role in ensuring the reliability, availability and regulatory compliance of our Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) systems, Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL), meteorological equipment and associated aviation infrastructure.

Working alongside our experienced engineering and operational teams, you will be involved in everything from planned maintenance and fault diagnosis to system upgrades, technical projects and operational incident response.

Previous aviation experience is desirable but not essential. We welcome applications from suitably qualified engineers with transferable skills from industries such as the military, rail, telecommunications, electrical and electronic engineering.

With comprehensive specialist training, competitive pay and opportunities for career progression, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills within a challenging and rewarding aviation environment.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Air Traffic Engineer, you will be responsible for the installation, inspection, maintenance, testing, fault diagnosis and repair of safety-critical air traffic engineering systems and associated infrastructure.

You will work in accordance with regulatory requirements, approved engineering procedures and the airport's Safety Management System, helping to maintain the highest standards of safety, operational resilience and technical compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Engineering & Maintenance

• Maintain and support Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) systems, navigation aids and associated technical infrastructure.
• Inspect, maintain and repair Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) systems, including runway, taxiway, approach and stop bar lighting, illuminated signage and associated electrical systems.
• Maintain meteorological data gathering systems and other equipment within the Air Traffic Engineering function.
• Undertake planned preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, testing and inspections in line with approved engineering schedules.
• Diagnose, investigate and rectify electrical, electronic and communications equipment faults using approved testing and diagnostic procedures.
• Monitor equipment performance, identify potential failures and respond promptly to technical faults, system outages and operational incidents.
• Support the installation, commissioning, modification and upgrade of airport engineering systems and technologies.
• Maintain accurate engineering records, technical documentation, maintenance logs and safety-related information.

Operational Support & Resilience

• Work closely with Air Traffic Control, Airside Operations and other airport departments to coordinate engineering activities.
• Respond effectively to equipment defects and technical failures within a live operational airport environment, helping to minimise disruption.
• Provide engineering support during airfield emergencies, operational incidents and degraded mode operations.
• Participate in shift working and engineering on-call arrangements once appropriately trained and qualified.
• Liaise with contractors, suppliers, regulators and other operational stakeholders.
• Contribute to infrastructure improvement projects, engineering developments and continuous improvement initiatives.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure engineering activities comply with applicable UK CAA requirements, CAP 670, EASA 2017/373, ICAO standards and relevant airport procedures.
• Follow approved safe systems of work, permit-to-work arrangements, engineering standards and applicable Codes of Practice.
• Operate in accordance with the airport's Safety Management System (SMS), compliance monitoring framework and engineering assurance processes.
• Support safety risk assessments, management of change activities, audits, inspections and regulatory investigations.
• Promptly identify and report safety hazards, incidents, defects and emerging operational risks.
• Maintain appropriate technical, safety and competency documentation.
• Maintain personal training and competency records in accordance with applicable requirements, including CAP 1649.
• Promote a positive safety culture and actively challenge unsafe practices.

About You

We are looking for an engineer with strong technical ability, excellent fault-finding skills and a proactive approach to safety.

You will be practical, adaptable and able to work confidently both independently and as part of a small, highly skilled team.

You will also understand the importance of maintaining reliable engineering systems within a safety-critical operational environment.

• HNC qualification or higher in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications or a related engineering discipline; or
• Successful completion of a relevant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship within an operational engineering environment, such as the military, rail or a comparable industry.
• Strong fault-finding and diagnostic skills involving electrical, electronic or communications systems.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, electrical schematics, engineering manuals and maintenance documentation.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Competence using Microsoft Office applications.
• Flexible approach to shift working, including nights, weekends and on-call duties once qualified.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Previous experience within an Air Traffic Engineering or aviation engineering environment.
• Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) qualification or relevant training.
• Experience working with CNS equipment, navigation aids or airfield electrical infrastructure.
• Knowledge or awareness of UK CAA CAP 670, ICAO Annex 10 and EASA 2017/373 requirements.
• Relevant Health & Safety qualifications or experience working with safe systems of work.
• Experience maintaining equipment within a regulated or safety-critical industry.

Don't have aviation experience?

If you have a strong electrical, electronic or telecommunications engineering background and are interested in moving into the aviation industry, we encourage you to apply.

We provide a comprehensive specialist training programme to help you develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to work on our safety-critical airport systems.

What We Offer

Joining Bournemouth Airport means becoming part of a team that plays a vital role in supporting safe airport operations.

We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive training and a range of employee benefits.

Salary & Career Development

• Starting salary of £56,000 per annum, based on a 40-hour working week.
• Salary increase to the current Air Traffic Engineering salary rate following successful completion of Level 2 training on equipment.
• Additional on-call retainer.
• Comprehensive technical training and professional competency development.
• Opportunities for long-term career progression within aviation engineering.

Employee Benefits

• Company pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Sick pay.
• Free on-site parking whilst on duty.
• Free airport parking when travelling on holiday, subject to availability.
• Discounts on Fred. Olsen holidays.
• Discounts with airport retailers, including the Bourne and Acre Restaurant.
• Regular employee sales at World Duty Free.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

Why Join Us?

At Bournemouth Airport, the Air Traffic Engineering team is fundamental to keeping the airport safe and operational.

As an Air Traffic Safety Electrical Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work with specialist aviation equipment, develop industry-specific qualifications and build a rewarding career within a highly technical and safety-critical environment.

You will be part of a close-knit team where your skills, judgement and commitment to engineering excellence make a genuine difference to day-to-day airport operations.

Whether you are an experienced aviation engineer or a skilled engineer looking for a new challenge, we want to hear from you.

All applicants must:

• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Be willing to undertake a criminal record check.
• Be able to provide five years of checkable referencing history.