Civil Aviation Authority
Airspace Infrastructure Principal
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Salary: £65,000 to £78,000 (Dependent on experience) Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time Security Level: BPSS Location: Gatwick – min 2 days in the office per week Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship Closing Date: Friday 4th September 2026 Interview Date: w/c Monday 21st September 2026
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 Airspace Infrastructure Principal is responsible for the evolution of assigned technologies that enable routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations within the UK airspace environment. Working at the forefront of aviation innovation, airspace modernisation, and regulatory development, you will ensure that policies, safety assurance frameworks, and data-driven oversight approaches evolve cohesively to support the safe integration of advanced air mobility, unmanned aircraft systems, and emerging aviation technologies.
- Lead a diverse, multi-disciplinary team of safety, regulatory, airspace and technical specialists to tackle some of the most complex challenges associated with emerging aviation and aerospace technologies.
- Devise and deliver the technical elements of strategic programmes that drive changes to policy, regulation, and safety frameworks required to support BVLOS and UAS operations.
- Collaborate with managers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and stakeholders across AATMI and SARG to develop and implement innovative policies, oversight frameworks, and regulatory solutions.
Core Accountabilities
- Lead a team of regulatory specialists and subject matter experts, both directly and through matrix management structures.
- Lead the development of assigned technology and policy areas, from concept and strategy through to implementation and operational delivery.
- Set the direction and approach for safety oversight, safety assurance, and risk management to ensure the CAA maintains high safety standards while delivering significant programmes of change and airspace modernisation.
- Ensure robust second and third line assurance processes are in place, adhering to regulatory best practice and providing independent verification of programme deliverables.
- Develop and implement new regulations and policy frameworks through research, industry engagement, operational testing, and international collaboration.
- Design and implement innovative approaches to risk management and approval processes, including data-driven oversight models supported by airspace characterisation and operational intelligence.
- Provide expert input into the legislative and regulatory framework to enable the safe integration of emerging aviation technologies into the market.
- Build and maintain strong relationships across the CAA, government departments, regulators, aviation stakeholders, and international standards bodies to promote collaboration and industry alignment.
- Work closely with strategy and policy leads to ensure alignment with wider CAA strategic objectives, innovation programmes, and future aviation initiatives.
- Establish and chair both internal and external technical working groups, steering committees, and industry forums to support decision-making and programme delivery.
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About You
Essential Skills:
- Proven ability to lead diverse, multi-disciplinary teams in complex and ambiguous environments where regulations, standards, and priorities are evolving.
- Experience delivering complex projects, programmes, or transformation initiatives within aviation, aerospace, transport, or other safety-critical industries.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and regulatory concepts for a range of audiences.
- Strong understanding of safety management, risk management, and assurance principles within regulated or safety-critical environments.
- Experience with Air Traffic Management (ATM), Air Navigation Services (ANS), Communications, Navigation, Surveillance and Spectrum (CNSS) systems, electronic conspicuity technologies, or supporting ground infrastructure.
- Knowledge of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), drone operations, Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), Detect and Avoid (DAA) technologies, or advanced air mobility concepts.
- Critical thinking skills with the confidence to constructively challenge assumptions, influence decision-making, and drive continuous improvement.
- Experience working within a regulatory environment, either in aviation (airspace, airworthiness, flight operations, aviation security, UAS or consumer protection) or another highly regulated, safety-critical sector.
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
Desirable Skills:
- Understanding of how airspace users access and utilise operational, safety, and airspace information to support safe and efficient operations.
- Working knowledge of international aviation regulatory frameworks and standards, including ICAO, EASA, JARUS, and related industry bodies.
- Experience interpreting international regulatory developments and translating these into organisational, programme, or policy impacts.
- Experience contributing to the development of aviation policy, regulation, safety assurance frameworks, or governance processes.
- Knowledge of airspace modernisation, future flight technologies, integrated airspace operations, or emerging aviation ecosystems.
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.
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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 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, 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
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 Click Here
Closing Date: Friday 4th September 2026 Interview Date: w/c Monday 21st September 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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