Join to apply for the UI/UX Designer role at Civil Aviation Authority.
Salary: £52,143 up to £65,000 dependent upon experience.
Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time.
Security Level: SC.
Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
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.
As aviation evolves, so does the way we regulate. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is committed to delivering intuitive, user‑centred digital services. By adopting and embracing the Government Digital Service framework, adapting the GOV.UK Design System to CAA standards, and implementing modern design practices, we are transforming how our customers interact with aviation regulation, making our digital services easier, simpler and quicker.
The Role
We are seeking a User Experience Designer to join our customer experience team. This pivotal role involves designing and prototyping services that align with GDS standards, ensuring accessibility, usability and inclusivity. As a champion for user‑centred design, you will influence decisions, inspire colleagues, and embed a culture of accessibility and continuous iteration across the organisation through coaching and best‑practice advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
* Apply the GOV.UK Design System and GDS prototyping tools to create digital services that meet the GDS Service Standard.
* Design wireframes, interactive prototypes, and mock‑ups to communicate and test ideas.
* Interpret user feedback, research findings, and behavioural insights to refine designs continuously.
* Ensure all services meet WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards (or the latest version).
* Collaborate with researchers, developers, testers, and product managers to co‑design solutions.
* Present and explain design decisions to senior leaders and non‑technical audiences.
* Contribute to GDS service assessments and ensure outputs meet regulatory needs.
About You
You are a skilled UX Designer with a passion for creating accessible, UX‑driven services. You combine your creativity and technical ability with strong communication skills, enabling you to influence decisions and inspire colleagues across disciplines.
* Significant UX design experience in an agile, multidisciplinary environment.
* Demonstrable application of GDS frameworks, GOV.UK Design System, and prototyping tools.
* Expertise in wireframing, prototyping, and interaction design.
* Proficiency with design tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.
* Understanding of WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards and inclusive design.
* Evidence of using user research and analytics to inform iterative design.
* Ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at all levels.
* Experience working in a regulated environment, Civil Service, or aviation industry.
* Previous experience working alongside, or as part of, a development team.
* Awareness of emerging tools, methods and technologies in digital service design.
What Can We Offer You?
This is an exciting opportunity to shape digital services that impact millions of people. You will be part of a supportive, forward‑looking team with the freedom to innovate and deliver solutions that make a real difference.
We value continuous learning and professional growth, offering you the chance to shape the future of digital service design in public service.
Additional Information
For many appointments within the CAA, the role requires access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or nationally protected information. The post holder must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance. To be vetted we usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK; for this role this will need to be 5 years. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application. For more information on SC clearance please visit Vetting explained ‑ 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.
Relocation & Property
The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. We will move to a new local home, up to a 15‑mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for colleagues and customers. We are working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, 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 an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.
Working With Us
We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where 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 opportunities to develop and grow your career with us. We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to discussing what works for each individual. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work‑life balance.
Benefits
We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, a free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, an 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
Sunday 28th December 2025
Interview Date
W/C Monday 5th January 2026
Other Details
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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