Airspace Modernisation Safety Specialist

Civil Aviation Authority; Gatwick; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Civil Aviation Authority's Airspace Modernisation team is seeking an Safety Specialist to lead safety assurance for major airspace projects at Gatwick/Manchester hybrid. You will analyse safety data and develop coherent safety arguments.

The role focuses on collaboration with airspace authorities, pilots, and regulators, delivering changes in line with SMS and ICAO standards, and shaping the future of aviation safety.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering safety assurance work to support change and risk assessments.
• Broad knowledge of airspace change principals and UK ATM/ATC operations.
• Ability to communicate complex aviation policy to non-experts.

Responsibilities

• Act as focal point for safety advice to support project delivery.
• Coordinate creation of safety arguments through data interpretation.
• Work with airspace authorities and users to align changes with SMS and ICAO SARPS.
• Contribute to mid-air collision risk work and safety meetings.
• Collaborate to ensure compliance with international and national aviation safety regulations.
• Engage with external stakeholders and balance differing requirements.
• Explain complex aviation policy to non-aviation audiences.

Skills

Safety processes experience

Airspace change knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Policy and regulatory understanding

Communication skills

Job description

Airspace Modernisation Safety Specialist

Date: 17 Oct 2026

Location: Gatwick, GB

Airspace Modernisation Safety Specialist (5478)

Salary: Upto £53,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Full Time Permanent

Security Level: BPSS

Location: Gatwick/Manchester Hybrid.

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently 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.

Passionate about aviation and ready to redefine its future? Imagine being at the heart of pioneering the next era in aviation, where your work influences exciting projects such as the evolution of drones and advanced aerial technologies. This is your opportunity to join the UK Civil Aviation Authority, an organisation that is not just a regulator, but a visionary in an industry that connects the world.You'll be instrumental in shaping the skies of tomorrow. It's more than a role; it's a chance to be part of a groundbreaking journey in aviation. If you're seeking a career that combines innovation, impact, and the thrill of progress, then join our team - where each member is a catalyst for change, in an environment that thrives on collaboration and visionary thinking.

Core Accountabilities:but are not limited to:

• Act as focal point for all relevant safety advice to support the delivery of projects.
• Manage and coordinate the creation of coherent and compelling safety arguments through the identification, scrutiny, and interpretation of relevant safety data.
• Work with airspace controlling authorities and affected airspace users to ensure any proposed changes are fully considered in the context of existing Safety Management Systems and in line with ICAO SARPS and PANS.
• Contribute to the Civil Aviation Authority’s work in treating the Mid-Air Collision risk and promote this work in relevant safety focused meetings.
• Collaborate widely as you ensure the Airspace Modernisation Delivery Team adhere to all relevant international and national aviation safety regulations.
• The role involves engagement with external stakeholders who have specific interests in the outcomes of the deliverables and decisions made.
• Development of mutually trustworthy relationships with internal and external stakeholders whilst balancing differing requirements.
• Explain complex aviation policy and related requirements to non-aviation experts.

About you: Essential Criteria

• Strategically focused and comfortable working in ambiguity.
• A strong collaborator and able to establish personal credibility with technical specialists, developing constructive relationships.
• High level of understanding and experience of safety processes and procedures, including the delivery of safety assurance work to support change, SMS and quantitative and qualitative risk assessments.
• Broad experience and knowledge of airspace change principals, air traffic management, and air traffic control operations in UK airspace, gained through a similar, aviation-related position.
• Confident communicating in all formats, working collaboratively and inclusively.
• Proven ability to engage with a diverse level of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the UK Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS).
• Experience in an SMS focal point role or experience in chairing safety critical meetings.
• Knowledge of General Aviation and RPAS operations in the UK.
• Understanding of the Civil Aviation Authority and the UK aviation industry, along with key legislative factors influencing the Civil Aviation Authority’s role as an airspace regulator, such as the Civil Aviation Act, Air Navigation Order, Rules of the Air Regulations, and the appropriate MAA Regulatory Publications.

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 committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview. Find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme . If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Use of Artificial Intelligenceby 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, factuallyaccurateand taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has beenidentified(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

Explore What We Offer section on our careers website to find out about our benefits and how we support work-life balance.

Our Values

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