Civil Aviation Authority
Design and Certification Specialist
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Design and Certification Specialist
Design and Certification Specialist – Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
Salary: Up to £72,000 plus a Market-Related Supplement (dependent upon experience) Contract Type: Full-Time Permanent Security Level: SC (Sensitive Compartmented) Location: Gatwick / Hybrid Visa Restrictions: Currently, this role does not offer visa sponsorship
Closing Date: 19th July 2026 Interview Date: 5th August 2026
About the Role
We are the UK’s aviation and aerospace regulator, recognised globally for advancing the highest safety standards in an ever-evolving aviation landscape.
As a Design and Certification Specialist, you will:
- Support the UK’s ICAO State of Design responsibilities, ensuring overall regulatory compliance.
- Report directly to the Manager of the Office of the Chief Engineer, overseeing technical governance and standards within the Design and Certification department.
- Drive standardisation and compliance across:
- Certification, validation and continued airworthiness of aircraft, systems, engines, and propellers.
- Civil aerospace domains, including:
- Commercial air transport
- General aviation
- Unmanned air vehicles (UAVs)
- Innovation projects
- Ensure team training and competency, while coordinating policy, rulemaking, and bilateral activities.
Your role will also involve industrial and regulatory engagement, ensuring the CAA stays abreast of emerging projects, novel technologies, and evolving regulations.
Compliance with CAA’s internal policies and procedures is mandatory, including oversight of organisations per Performance-Based Oversight (PBO) rules, aligned with organisation complexity, risk, and performance.
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The Role in Detail
You will be responsible for:
- Proactive governance of design and certification activities.
- Deep expertise in industry standards (e.g., Certification Signatory or Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) role).
- Policy, rulemaking, and technical assessments, including aviation safety initiatives like Continued Airworthiness and Human Factors.
- International compliance through bilateral coordination, research oversight, and ICAO Annex 13 investigations.
- Collaboration with global regulators, accident investigation bodies, and industry stakeholders.
About You
Essential Criteria
Proven specialist knowledge in at least one area:
- Propulsion / Propulsive systems (including electric/hybrid drives)
- Software & Systems
- Flight test / Aerodynamics
- Performance & Fuels
- Structures & Materials
- Hydro-mechanical systems (flight controls, anti-skid brakes)
- Electrical systems
- Avionics systems
- Power plant & fuel systems
- Cabin safety / Environmental control systems
- Noise / Emissions
- Continued airworthiness
- Human factors
- Design assurance & safety assessment
- Regulatory policy & rulemaking
With the ability to: ✔ Evaluate & manage complex technical decisions on safety-critical matters. ✔ Balance technical expertise with strategic business and political considerations. ✔ Initiate escalations for unresolved safety implications. ✔ Engage at all levels—conveying technical concerns to senior leaders, peers, and external partners. ✔ Clarify recommendations in detailed reports and concise communications. ✔ Drive improvements in airworthiness, addressing in-service issues while maintaining safety benchmarks. ✔ Propose research directions for critical airworthiness concerns—both domestically and internationally. ✔ Represent the UK in design-related councils, committees, and working groups.
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Desirable Additional Criteria
✔ Commitment to professional growth via project involvement and dedicated training. ✔ Valid travel passport with unrestricted international use. ✔ Flexibility for time away from home to support projects.
Additional Information
Vetting jurisdiction (SC clearance) requires:
- 5 years minimum UK residency prior to appointment.
Further committees here.
The CAA upholds high ethical standards. A declared interest form is required at interview.
Relocation & Moving
The CAA is relocating between Gatwick & new premises (15-mile radius), post-2028. Existing office will be sold; full relocation expected in 2028.
Inclusive Recruitment
The CAA is a Disability Confident employer. Modifications can be requested for accessibility during recruitment.
Use of AI by candidates must ensure all examples, statements, and achievements remain personally verified and factually true. Falsified or misrepresented content may void applications.
Working With Us
Explore the ** gittancaresers.com/explore-what-we-offer** “explore” page for:
✅ Benefit packages ✅ Work-life balance initiatives ✅ CAA’s core values:
- “Do The Right Thing”
- “Never Stop Learning”
- “Build Collaborative Relationships”
- “Respect Everyone”
No recruitment agencies please.
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