UK CAA – RPAS Technical Inspector – sUAS News

Salary: £55,000 up to £65,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: CTC

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.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), otherwise known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), is one of the most dynamic, technologically innovative, and generally ground-breaking forces in aviation today. As a member of the RPAS team, within the RPAS business unit, you’ll have the unique opportunity to influence this burgeoning area of the aviation landscape.

The Role

As an RPAS Technical Inspector your main responsibility will be to assess RPAS Operating Safety Cases, conduct oversight and inspection activity of authorised operations. This primarily involves auditing the safety of RPAS organisations/operators, in line with Performance Based Regulation (PBR) principles, while also assessing their compliance with relevant regulations.

The ever-expanding application of RPAS in our society means that the CAA is constantly presented with novel operations from the RPAS community. Often the circumstances proposed may have no precedent and require that our Inspectors think creatively, problem solve and innovate new best practice solutions. This vital work assists the CAA in achieving its aims regarding RPAS, their safe use and the establishment of the UK as a world leader in the application of RPAS technology.

This is an outstanding opportunity for someone with a passion for RPAS, and who wants to build a career that influences the direction of the industry. Those with a background as an RPAS/UAS Ops Manager, Aircrew, Engineering, Airworthiness or Safety Management would be best suited to this role. If this feels like a good fit for you and you want to tackle a career that will apply your understanding of aviation safety, RPAS regulation and practical experience in novel and exciting ways then please apply.

About You

You should possess:

• Proven expertise in, and detailed knowledge of, the functioning of RPAS regulation, including knowledge of any relevant national rules
• Awareness of wider aviation regulations and subject matter, awareness of fixed-wing, rotary-wing and eVTOL aircraft desirable but not essential
• Any of the following;
• Educated to Degree level in an Engineering or aeronautics degree desirable
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s License or equivalent experience
• Background in aircraft operations, such as RPAS/UAS pilot, CPL holder, Qualified Service Pilot or equivalent experience
• A proven ability to interpret regulation and navigate through regulatory material
• An ability to communicate effectively verbally and prepare suitable written work that is accurate, brief, concise and with an eye for detail;
• The ability to analyse and review systems design and documentation to ascertain suitability in intended application
• Proven ability to analyse complex subject matter, and produce simple, effective briefings and written explanations
• Strong IT literacy in MS Office
• Personal attributes of the post holder will include team worker with flexible and adaptable work ethos

Desirable

• Oversight/audit experience in a compliance or regulatory capacity
• Are familiar with the use and utilisation of airspace, including such topics as airspace change/design, provision of air traffic services etc
• Knowledge of SMS, Flight Safety and Human Factors
• Understanding of factors (e.g. environmental) that may affect structural performance
• Experience in the design, manufacture, or maintenance of RPAS, aircraft, battery systems or airborne systems/software
• Practical experience of operating RPAS operations, at varying levels of complexity
• An understanding of risk-based approaches, that support safety-based decision making
• Knowledge of product standards applicable to Unmanned Aircraft Systems and associated industry standards bodies

What Can We Offer You?

You’ll benefit from an organisation that is passionate about your development in this exciting area. As the RPAS sector continues to grow, within the UK and beyond, you’ll be able to drive its development and be a critical part of ensuring that unmanned aircraft operate safely in UK airspace. From assessing initial safety cases through to auditing sophisticated operations on site, you will be a key element in delivering the highest quality of safety-focused regulation to the industry.

Would you like the opportunity to influence this developing sector and work for a respected worldwide regulatory authority? If so, please get in contact.

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 this will need to be 3 years.

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

For more information on CTC clearance please visit – Vetting explained – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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.

Working With Us

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.

We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone.

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: Friday 18th October 2024

Interview Date: w/c Monday 28th October

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.