Systems Engineer - Multilateration; MLAT

NATS is the UK's leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2.4 million flights each year. We provide air traffic control services from two control centres and at airports around the UK. We also provide a wide range of commercial products and solutions internationally. Our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.

Salary: £64,856.53 - £86,475.37

Closing Date:
Monday 7th September 2026

To be responsible for / support engineering aspects of the procurement, safety management, and bringing into service of relevant ATC Systems. Typically, these will be minor / less complex systems and projects, focusing on simpler systems or specific equipment. May be required to undertake Engineering Authority roles in supporting relevant ATC Systems through the entire equipment life cycle.

This Systems Engineer role specialises in Multilateration (MLAT) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) surveillance systems used in Wide Area Multilateration (WAM) and airport surface surveillance applications, supporting air traffic operations at UK airports. Working as part of a specialist engineering team, you will contribute to the delivery of engineering projects and provide technical support across the lifecycle of MLAT and ADS-B systems, from specification and deployment through to operational support, performance monitoring and ongoing improvement within a safety-critical environment.

You will bring technical knowledge of sensor-based or networked systems, ideally including MLAT, ADS-B, radar, communications or equivalent technologies used in regulated industries. The role involves supporting engineering activities, contributing to site deployments, analysing system performance and reliability, and assisting with investigations and change to operational systems. You will work closely with senior engineers, project teams and stakeholders, developing your technical expertise while helping to ensure surveillance data remains accurate, resilient and trusted by operational users.

• Negotiate and coordinate project requirements and timelines with stakeholders.
• Produce technical specifications for minor systems and support major system specifications.
• Support production of engineering estimates for project bids.
• Advise and assist with tender evaluations and assess technical solutions.
• Contribute to project planning in line with delivery milestones.
• Act as Change Lead for minor projects, ensuring change assurance activities are completed.
• Manage day-to-day project activities including installation and commissioning.
• Perform acceptance testing and produce test reports.
• Produce and review maintenance and operating procedures.
• Ensure engineering deliverables are met according to the project plan.

• Prepare and maintain support documentation for allocated equipment and systems.
• Respond to customer technical enquiries and manage Corrective Action Requests.
• Monitor operational systems and conduct investigations into issues and faults.
• Plan and implement modifications to correct issues and faults with minimal disruption.
• Maintain awareness of industry developments affecting airport systems.

• Manage direct reports within the section.
• Allocate team resources to projects and activities.
• Ensure team competency and identify training needs.
• Review performance of direct reports periodically.
  
  Identify and support development needs of team members.

• As directed by their line manager, commits resources within their direct control to achieve project deliverables within agreed financial limits.
• Assists in identifying the strategic aims of assigned projects and works tactically to deliver agreed customer solutions.
• As Engineering Authority will pro-actively recommend activities and resources required to address asset support issues.
• Responsible for up to 3 direct reports. Plays a co-ordinating role for subcontractors.

• The post holder is required to contribute to delivery of multiple projects at any one time involving…