Role Description
Cranfield Airport is located between Bedford and the City of Milton Keynes and has annual movements of circa 35,000. The Airport provides Aerodrome and Procedural Approach control from the UK’s first operational digital control tower, which opened in December 2018. A project to install and commission surveillance radar is in progress, with commissioning due in 2025.
Situated in busy Class G airspace, Cranfield manages a variety of traffic types ranging from single engine training aircraft to BAe146 and ATR-72, and is home to several companies which provide commercial flight training, maintenance, and research and testing for industry and government projects.
We currently have a vacancy for an Air Traffic Controller who, as an integral part of the tower team, will provide ATS in accordance with regulation, and be pivotal in the co-ordination and deployment of the support staff/operators across the business. This ATCO will also be responsible for simulator training requirements for new systems implementation, including the radar, and leading on ATS elements of a national facility project. In addition, you will liaise with the Aerodrome Authority on operational matters, and support the Manager of Air Navigation Services, SATCO, and Airport Manager as required in the smooth running of the airport.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing airport and provide a safety critical function within the airport business. To be successful in this role you must hold an Air Traffic Controller’s Licence with ADI rating, ICAO Level 4 English as a minimum, and a CAA Class 3 medical, and will be expected to maintain this standard for the duration of your employment. You will be a flexible, resilient individual with well-developed communication skills, able to cope with the pressures and demands of this safety critical role, and adapt your approach to different customers you will meet.
ADI and APP ratings, and OJTI and Assessor endorsements, are essential. It would be advantageous if you could further contribute to the business by having line management experience in an ATC environment, a Met Observer’s qualification, operational experience as a Unit Safety Officer, acting as a project lead, and in-depth knowledge of UAS regulation and procedures.
Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS Criminal Record check and provide a significant work reference history.
At Cranfield, we value Diversity and Inclusion, and aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect and realise their full potential.
Apply online now or contact us for further details on E: or T: +44 (0)1234 754951. For any enquiries, please quote reference number 5106
Closing date for receipt of applications: 3 August 2025