CAA Technical Lead – Command and Control Link – sUAS News – The Business of Drones
Salary: £61,295 to £81,679
Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract – Full time
The CAA is a critical partner in the delivery of the Future of Flight Plan, which will impact the entire aviation ecosystem and enable a paradigm shift in UK society at large. To deliver against this plan, the CAA has embarked on an ambitious programme of work, supported by our partners in government and industry, that encompasses many novel technical, social and infrastructure challenges.
The Role
The Command and Control (C2) link is a vital part of any Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). The regulation and safety of C2 links is a key part of growing the RPAS industry and enabling the benefit to society that RPAS can provide.
As C2Link Technical Lead You will lead cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams to build understanding and knowledge and deliver solutions to varied technical and regulatory challenges. You will be responsible for delivering vital parts of the CAA’s Strategic Outcomes within the Future of Flight Programme.
You will work with a range of industries including mobile network operators (MNOs), satellite communication providers and the RPAS industry. Additionally, you will partner internationally, working alongside international governing bodies to ensure we’re aligned where appropriate.
This role will be instrumental in helping to delivery the aims and objectives of the UKs Future of Flight Plan. If being part of this unique opportunity is exciting, we want to hear from you.
Key Accountabilities
You will be a key member of the programme governance team, participating in project control boards and governance meetings to ensure that the programmes objectives are met. In the role you will:
- Lead multi-disciplinary teams to deliver technical workstreams.
- Act as the focal point for internal and external stakeholders on all technical aspects related to C2 within the Future of Flight programme.
- Lead in the design, development and delivery of strategic roadmaps that define the UK CAA’s approach and timelines related to the integration of new processes, systems, and technologies into the aviation ecosystem.
- Lead in risk analysis activity, including the deployment of tools and techniques that allow the CAA to better gauge the likely impacts of regulatory and technological change.
- Manage, as part of the project control board, the delivery of elements of the budget that related to the delivery of the technical aspects of the programme, including the commissioning of academic research
- Represent the CAA, at conferences and forums globally, leading working groups both at a national and international level.
- Ensure the UK’s strategy is aligned with our international partners.
- Build and leverage national and international networks of subject matter experts and influential decision makers in industry, government, other regulators, and standards bodies to generate insight and perspective on the programme, its goals, and associated challenges.
About you
Essential Experience:
- Experience in one or more of the following: AMS(R)S SATCOM, 4G/5G LTE communications networks, high integrity RLOS communications systems, critical national infrastructure associated with computer telecoms and computer networks.
- Have led and managed a diverse team in an ambiguous environment.
- Able to deliver complex projects and programmes.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex subjects and provide clear direction.
- Confident coach, mentor, and guide.
- Broad experience in regulation, or an aviation specialism, such as airspace, airworthiness, air traffic management, flight operations, UAS, or another safety related industry.
- Degree level education or equivalent industry experience.
Desirable:
- Background in RF engineering (with an appropriate degree or equivalent industry experience).
- Some knowledge of communications in the aviation domain, such as ACARS, CPDLC, ADS-C, VHF voice and data communications.
- Practical experience in communications service provision, including service level agreements (SLA) and quality of service (QoS).
- Good cyber security awareness, particularly in the networks and RF communications domain.
- Good understanding of spectrum allocation and licensing, including the role of OFCOM, the WRC, GSMA and other comms industry bodies.
- Understanding of the role of the ITU, ETSI Standards.
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 and SC 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 visit the CAA website.
Additional Information
The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to declare any interests that may be relevant owing to the role change.
Closing Date: Sunday 31st March 2024.
Interview Dates: Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
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.