Aviation Data Systems Modernisation – Technical Lead

Internally, this role is known as System Wide Information Management (SWIM ) – Technical Lead

Salary Range: Up to £75,000 Subject to experience

Contract: Full Time Permanent

Location: Gatwick / Hybrid

Visa: This role currently does NOT support visa sponsorship

Security level: BPSS

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 you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For more information on BPSS clearance please visit -BPSS clearance

Please include a cover letter with your application.

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.

You’ll be instrumental in shaping the skies of tomorrow. It’s more than a role; it’s a chance to be part of a groundbreaking journey in aviation. If you’re seeking a career that combines innovation, impact, and the thrill of progress, then join our team – where each member is a catalyst for change, in an environment that thrives on collaboration and visionary thinking.

The Role

System Wide Information Management (SWIM) is a key element of the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA’s) Airspace Modernisation Strategy and Future of Flight Action Plan.

SWIM an emerging global concept that this role will help drive forward within the UK aviation system.

SWIM seeks to determine standards, infrastructure and governance for Air Traffic Management (ATM) & Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) related information, facilitating the discoverability, accessibility and interoperability of accurately timely data to the whole aviation system, which is becoming increasingly digitally focused and enabled by data. SWIM is an essential component of achieving the UKs ambition of integrated Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, at scale. This role will focus on resolving target technical challenges related to SWIM and wider data management in the lower airspace as delegated by the SWIM Lead

The Role’s responsibilities include:

• Prepare and input into technical artefacts where required to progress the technical understanding of SWIM. Work with and review technical artefacts created by external parties where necessary.
• Work cohesively and collaboratively with other dependent streams of work such as Electronic Conspicuity (EC), Detect and Avoid (DAA) and Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) to determine the role SWIM plays within each workstream and map these technical dependencies connections in details.
• Resolve specific day to day technical challenges related to SWIM and wider data management in the lower airspace, as directed by the SWIM lead.

About you:

Essential

Working data and systems knowledge of at least one of the following:

• Traditional aviation systems, such as systems used in air traffic management (ATM) or air navigation services (ANS) or comms navigation surveillance and spectrum (CNSS)
• Uncrewed aviation systems, such as unmanned arial systems (UAS), unmanned traffic management (UTM) or detect and avoid (DAA)
• Data Architecture concepts in major systems, such as having experience as a solutions and systems architect
• Able to rapidly establish personal credibility with technical specialists and develop constructive relationships, with effective communication skills both written and oral in engaging with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Comfortable operating in a new and unknown environment.

Constructively challenge current thinking, present options in a way that facilitates decision making.

• Have a committed, reliable, flexible approach, and be an excellent team worker, whilst also being comfortable working independently
• 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.

Desirable

• Delivered and/or worked in a Service Oriented Architecture environment.
• Designing, testing, implementing solutions in the aviation system.
• Working within the drone industry as an operator, service provider within UTM/ ATM systems.
• Knowledge of Cyber Security.
• Knowledge of the CAA and UK aviation and Aerospace industry, supported by an understanding of key legislative factors influencing and determining the CAA’s role as an airspace regulator such as the Civil Aviation Act, Air Navigation Order, Rules of the Air Regulations and the appropriate MAA Regulatory Publications.
• Experience of working in a complex delivery environment.

Relocation & Property – The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House, Our Gatwick/Crawley Office. We are currently working to understand our needs before we start our property search, which is expected to be within a 15 mile radius of our current base, but we do not expect to move before 2028.

Inclusive Recruitment: 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.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require a reasonable adjustment, please let us know.

Working With Us: 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 offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

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

Closing Date: 31 Dec 2025

Interview Date: WC 12 Jan 2026

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.

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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