Airspace Infrastructure Principal

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Date: 21 Aug 2026

Location:

Gatwick, GB

Salary: £65,000 to £78,000 (Dependent on experience)

Contract Type:
Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: BPSS

Location:

Gatwick – min 2 days in the office per week

Visa Restrictions:
This position does not offer visa sponsorship

Closing Date:
Friday 4th September 2026

Interview Date: w/c Monday 21st September 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 Airspace Infrastructure Principal is responsible for the evolution of assigned technologies that enable routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations within the UK airspace environment. Working at the forefront of aviation innovation, airspace modernisation, and regulatory development, you will ensure that policies, safety assurance frameworks, and data-driven oversight approaches evolve cohesively to support the safe integration of advanced air mobility, unmanned aircraft systems, and emerging aviation technologies.

• Lead a diverse, multi-disciplinary team of safety, regulatory, airspace and technical specialists to tackle some of the most complex challenges associated with emerging aviation and aerospace technologies.
• Devise and deliver the technical elements of strategic programmes that drive changes to policy, regulation, and safety frameworks required to support BVLOS and UAS operations.
• Collaborate with managers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and stakeholders across AATMI and SARG to develop and implement innovative policies, oversight frameworks, and regulatory solutions.
• Lead a team of regulatory specialists and subject matter experts, both directly and through matrix management structures.
• Lead the development of assigned technology and policy areas, from concept and strategy through to implementation and operational delivery.
• Set the direction and approach for safety oversight, safety assurance, and risk management to ensure the CAA maintains high safety standards while delivering significant programmes of change and airspace modernisation.
• Ensure robust second and third line assurance processes are in place, adhering to regulatory best practice and providing independent verification of programme deliverables.
• Develop and implement new regulations and policy frameworks through research, industry engagement, operational testing, and international collaboration.
• Design and implement innovative approaches to risk management and approval processes, including data-driven oversight models supported by airspace characterisation and operational intelligence.
• Provide expert input into the legislative and regulatory framework to enable the safe integration of emerging aviation technologies into the market.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across the CAA, government departments, regulators, aviation stakeholders, and international standards bodies to promote collaboration and industry alignment.
• Work closely with strategy and policy leads to ensure alignment with wider CAA strategic objectives, innovation programmes, and future aviation initiatives.
• Establish and chair both internal and external technical working groups, steering committees, and industry forums to support decision-making and programme delivery.

• Proven ability to lead diverse, multi-disciplinary teams in complex and ambiguous environments where regulations, standards, and priorities are evolving.
• Experience delivering complex projects, programmes, or transformation initiatives within aviation, aerospace, transport, or other safety-critical industries.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and regulatory concepts for a range of audiences.
• Strong understanding of safety management, risk management, and assurance principles within regulated or safety-critical environments.
• Experience with Air Traffic Management (ATM), Air Navigation…