Inspector ATS (EnRoute Operations)

Civil Aviation Authority; Manchester, Stirling; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Civil Aviation Authority is seeking an Inspector ATS (EnRoute Operations) to oversee ATM operations across UK ACCs and ANSPs. The role involves regular audits, licence assessments, and engagement with regulatory policy to ensure safety standards are met.

Travel frequency includes UK centres and occasional international assignments; a civil ATCO licence with ACS Endorsement is required. The position is permanent, full-time with hybrid office expectations at Gatwick/MANCHESTER/Stirling locations.

Qualifications

• Experience with UK En-Route ATS at Swanwick or Prestwick.
• Validated civil ATCO licence with an ACS Endorsement.
• Knowledge of UK/National Standards and CAP regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct audits/inspections for NATS ACCs and Airport ANSPs.
• Contribute to Performance Based Oversight as Technical Specialist.
• Assess competence for ATS licences, ratings and endorsements.
• Engage in regulatory policy discussions and cross-functional coordination.
• Assist investigations as required.

Skills

Regulatory oversight

Audits

Assessment of competence

Communication

Risk management

Auditing skills

Assessor Endorsement

Travel (UK/intl)

Education

Validated civil ATCO licence with ACS Endorsement

Tools

Auditing techniques

Risk management training

Job description

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Inspector ATS (EnRoute Operations)

Date: 8 Oct 2026

Location: Gatwick, GB

Salary: £65,000 up to £80,259 dependent upon experience + Market Related Supplement (MRS) £62,586 per annum.

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Security Level: CTC

Location: Gatwick, Manchester or Stirling – min 40% in the office per month.

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

Closing Date: 25th October 2026

Interview Date: w/c 2nd November 2025

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

The post holder conducts regulatory oversight of ATM arrangements at NATS’ Area Control Centres at Swanwick and Prestwick and at Airport Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) in the UK. Oversight is delivered on the basis of UK and International Standards, Recommended Practices, legislation and regulations.

As part of this role frequent travel to UK Air Traffic Control Centres, regular travel to Airport ANSPs and occasional travel to other CAA offices may be required. This role may also involve travel abroad in support of CAAi or Policy activities, or to deliver oversight in support of delegated Air Traffic Service (ATS) provision in adjacent states.

The post holder is accountable to Principal Inspector ATM for:

• The planning and conduct of audits and inspections as part of a programme of effective regulatory oversight of NATS Area Control Centres and allocated Airport ANSPs.
• Contributing to the CAA’s Performance Based Oversight process as Technical Specialist for allocated ANSPs.
• The assessment of competence of licensed operational staff at the NATS’ Area Control Centres and allocated Airport ANSPs for the renewal or issue of ATS licences, ratings and associated endorsements as required.
• Participating effectively (in a technical expert role) in discussions on matters of regulatory policy and procedures.
• Engaging with other functional areas of AAA or SARG (and on occasion with external organisations, other regulators and government) to optimise efficiency of safety regulation.
• Assisting (where technical expertise is required) in independent incident investigation by participating as a member of an investigations team.

About You

You will have a good understanding of the safety regulatory requirements associated with the planning, provision and operation of ATM systems and services in the UK. In this regard, familiarity with the following documents will be required (training will be made available as necessary to develop this understanding):

• UK (EU)Reg No 2017/373:Common Requirements for providers of air traffic management/air navigation services and other air traffic network functions and their oversight
• UK CAP 2331
• UK CAP 670
• Relevant sections of the UK Air Navigation Order
• You will have experience of UK En-Route ATS provision at Swanwick or Prestwick Area Control Centres, and will hold, or will have held, a validated civil ATCO licence with an ACS Endorsement. You will have gained practical experience in the assessment of competence of licensed personnel for the purpose of the award of ATC Ratings and Rating Endorsements.
• You will have a good understanding of the principles of Safety and Quality Management.
• You will be able to assess effectiveness of Safety Management within an operational ATC environment.
• You will be a good communicator, with a confident but approachable style and will be comfortable communicating with a range of colleagues and managers within and outside the ATC service provision domain.
• You will ideally hold, or will have held, an Assessor Endorsement.
• You will ideally have completed an appropriate training course in risk management techniques and have gained experience in the practical application of these techniques in an ATM environment.
• You will ideally have completed training in auditing skills and techniques.

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.For this role t his will need to be 5 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

The CAA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. To help ensure transparency and protect the independence and reputation of the CAA, candidates invited to interview will be required to complete a Declaration of Interests form, disclosing any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that could influence, or be seen to influence, their ability to perform the role objectively and impartial.

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 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, 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

Closing Date: 25th October 2026

Interview Date: w/c 2nd November 2025

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