Future Airspace - Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) Integration Lead

Salary: £68,000 – £78,000 - (dependent on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time
Security Level: CTC
Location: Gatwick – Hybrid
Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship
Closing Date: Friday 9th October 2026
Interview Date: w/c Monday 19th October 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

• Act as a technical lead supporting the safe integration of BVLOS operations within the UK aviation system.
• Support the identification and resolution of technical, operational and regulatory barriers affecting BVLOS activity, working across a range of CAA teams and stakeholders.
• Gather, assess and share operational learning from BVLOS activities and associated workstreams to inform future policy, regulatory and operational approaches.
• Develop and maintain awareness of related programmes and activities across the CAA and industry, identifying opportunities to align work, share learning and support the safe development of future aviation capabilities.
• Act as a source of expertise on airspace management, aviation operations, emerging technologies and integration challenges affecting future users of UK airspace.
• Support the development of evidence-based recommendations through the assessment of operational data, stakeholder feedback and emerging trends.
• Other tasks as directed by the BVLOS Facilitation Team Principal.

Accountabilities

• Support the safe integration of BVLOS operations and other emerging aviation activities within the UK aviation system.
• Identify, assess and help address operational, technical and regulatory barriers affecting the development and delivery of BVLOS activities, trials and demonstrations.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to understand emerging operational concepts and identify opportunities to facilitate safe and proportionate implementation.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations using relevant operational data, intelligence and stakeholder input to support future policy and regulatory development.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across the CAA to ensure that related policy, regulatory, safety, airspace and operational activities are appropriately coordinated.
• Develop and maintain awareness of current and emerging BVLOS initiatives, identifying interdependencies, risks, opportunities and lessons that may support future regulatory approaches.
• Actively liaise with Airspace Regulation and other relevant CAA teams regarding activities that may affect future airspace integration and BVLOS operations.
• Act as a technical specialist member for relevant meetings, workshops, groups and industry forums.
• Promote safe, equitable and proportionate access to airspace in support of wider Airspace Modernisation and Future Flight objectives.
• Maintain an objective and evidence-based approach when engaging with industry, ensuring activities remain consistent with the CAA's regulatory responsibilities.

Essential

• The job holder will:

  • Have significant experience in aviation, airspace management, air traffic management, uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), BVLOS operations, aviation regulation, flight operations or a related operational aviation discipline.
  • Have substantial technical knowledge and experience relevant to the integration of aviation operations within the UK airspace environment. This may have been gained through airspace management, ATM/ATC operations, flight operations, UAS operations, BVLOS activity, aviation regulation or related disciplines.
  • Have a broad understanding of the UK aviation operating environment and the factors that influence the safe integration of new and existing airspace users. This may include airspace structures, airspace access principles, BVLOS operations, Detect and Avoid (DAA), SORA methodologies, air traffic management or related areas.
  • Be able to analyse complex technical, operational and regulatory issues and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.
  • Have experience of working within complex regulatory or operational environments, applying sound judgement where established policy, process or precedent may not exist.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify connections, dependencies and opportunities across multiple workstreams and sources of information.
  • Be able to rapidly establish credibility with technical specialists, operators and regulatory colleagues, developing constructive and collaborative working relationships.
  • Be able to communicate complex technical, operational and regulatory information clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Demonstrate the ability to provide constructive challenge, articulate evidence-based viewpoints and influence outcomes whilst maintaining positive and professional working relationships.
  • Demonstrate sound judgement and professionalism when operating in complex, evolving environments, balancing technical, operational and regulatory considerations while maintaining objectivity and credibility.
  • Have high levels of commitment, reliability and flexibility, and be an excellent team worker with sound interpersonal skills.
  • Be innovative and able to develop novel solutions based on expert knowledge and detailed understanding of aviation operational and regulatory principles.
  • Be able to work with minimum supervision, be proactive and possess strong time management skills to meet deadlines.
  • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, and good negotiating and influencing skills.
  • Possess good organisational skills and the ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplined team.
  • Have experience of MS Office packages, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook.