Civil Aviation Authority
Design and Certification Specialist
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Design and Certification Specialist
Design and Certification Specialist Salary: Up to £72,000 plus a Market Related Supplement Contract Type: Full Time Permanent Security Level: SC Location: Gatwick / Hybrid Visa Restrictions: This position does not (currently) offer visa sponsorship Closing Date: 19th July 2026 Interview Date: 5th August 2026
About the Organisation
We are the UK’s aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities enable the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, with a focus on adapting to the ever-evolving aviation environment.
About the Role
As a Design and Certification Specialist, you will play a critical role in supporting the CAA’s overall business plan, with a specific focus on:
- Establishing and delivering the UK’s ICAO State of Design responsibilities.
- Reporting to the Manager of the Office of the Chief Engineer, overseeing:
- Standardisation and governance of certification, validation, and continued airworthiness of aircraft, systems, engines, and propellers across all civil aerospace domains, including:
- Commercial air transport
- General aviation
- Unmanned air vehicles
- Innovation projects
- Assuring the training, competency, and operational autonomy of the Design and Certification (D&C) team.
- Coordinating policy, rulemaking, and bilateral activities within the department.
- Standardisation and governance of certification, validation, and continued airworthiness of aircraft, systems, engines, and propellers across all civil aerospace domains, including:
Core Responsibilities
- Engage with industry and regulatory stakeholders to remain informed on:
- Future projects
- Emerging technologies (including electric/hybrid systems)
- Proposed regulatory changes
- Operate in alignment with CAA internal policies and procedures.
- Oversee organisational activities using Performance Based Oversight (PBO) frameworks, applying proportionality based on risk, complexity, and performance.
- Act as a liaison with:
- Other regulators
- Accident investigation bodies
- ICAO Annex 13 investigations
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About You
Essential Criteria
You must demonstrate:
- Proven expertise in certification (across one or more of the following disciplines):
- Propulsion / Propulsive Systems (including electric/hybrid systems)
- Software
- Flight Test / Aerodynamics
- Performance
- Structure and Materials
- Hydro-Mechanical Systems
- Electrical Systems
- Avionic Systems
- Power Plant Installations / Fuel Systems
- Cabin Safety / Environment Control Systems / Icing
- Noise / Emissions
- General Airworthiness / Project Certification Management
- Continued Airworthiness
- Human Factors
- Design assurance and safety assessments
- Independent System Monitoring
- Aviation policy and/or rulemaking development
- Achieved certification of Certification Signatory or Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) within industry, or
- Equivalent expertise from working within an Airworthiness Authority.
Additionally:
- Ability to analyze technical decisions on major safety issues.
- Experience working across multiple business areas within a D&C environment.
- Strong judgment skills and resilience to manage prioritisation.
- Fluency in articulating technical concerns考虑杜安面积组织和政治需求。
- Critical thinking to challenge assumptions and escalate issues.
- Expertise in clear, structured reporting and communication (with all levels of stakeholders).
- Commitments to ensuring aerospace products meet initial and continued airworthiness standards.
- Safety management expertise (e.g., aligning risks with CAA’s Regulatory Safety Management System (RSMS)).
- Ability to represent the CAA internationally on design and certification committees.
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Desirable Criteria
- Keen to upskill through project involvement and training.
- Willingness to support international travel (evidenced by viable passport status).
- Understanding of relocation logistics (location changes to 15-mile radius near Gatwick, no earlier than 2028).
Additional Information
- Security clearance: This role requires National Security Vetting (CTC/SC level). 5 years UK residency is mandatory for clearance checks.
- Ethical vetting: Any candidate invited for interview will be asked to complete a conflict of interest declaration.
- Benefits: Explore [CAA’s careers page](Insert Link) for details, including flexible working and career development.
CAA’s Commitments
- Inclusive hiring: Applicants meeting minimum requirements are guaranteed an interview. Disability accommodations are available.
- AI policy: Applications must be truthful and verifiable; AI-generated content is not permitted.
- Our Values:
- Do the Right Thing
- Never Stop Learning
- Build Collaborative Relationships
- Respect Everyone
We reserve the right to close early. Apply now to avoid missing opening.
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