Date: 19 Feb 2026
Location: Manchester, GB
Company: Civil Aviation Authority
Salary:Up to £65,000 per annum, plus a Market Related Supplement ( MRS)
Contract Type: Full Time Permanent
Location: Gatwick / Hybrid
Security Level: CTC
Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently 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.
The Role
We are excited to be recruiting for several Airworthiness Surveyors to join an established and growing team. Dependent on competencies, you will be managing the CAA oversight, via the functions listed below, for assigned airworthiness organisations including: continuing airworthiness management organisations (including those of air operators), maintenance organisations, production organisations, maintenance training organisations and licensed engineers.
You will be:
* Investigating initial approval applications and recommending, when acceptable, the issuance of an organisation approval
* Investigating applications for change to organisation approvals and recommending, when acceptable, the issuance of the changed approval
* Performing periodic and unannounced oversight activities of approved organisations, in accordance with the agreed oversight plan, and determining if or when the oversight plan requires variation (performance-based oversight)
* Conducting routine oversight activities of the organisation, for example, facilities, privileges, sites, core processes, sub-contracted functions
* Assessing the effectiveness of the organisation's management system
* Advising the organisation of any deficiencies (findings or safety risks) and requesting corrective action
* Following up on deficiencies to ensure appropriate action is taken in a timely manner
* Submitting reports on oversight activities completed
* Reviewing and approving, where applicable, an organisation's documentation to determine it is accurate and available to those requiring it
* Keeping informed of an organisation's development and changes and determining if changes are required to the planned oversight
* Recommending, when acceptable, the continuation of the organisation's approval
* Reviewing and, when appropriate, approving the airworthiness aspects of specific approvals for air operators, in conjunction with the CAA Flight Operations department
* Approving aircraft maintenance programmes and assess training programmes
* Undertaking aircraft surveys, including the physical inspection of aircraft and review of aircraft records, prior to issuing certificates of airworthiness to support the import and export of aircraft and aircraft registration or as part of the ongoing ACAM (aircraft continuing airworthiness management) programme
* Assessing applications for aircraft maintenance licenses or ratings and undertaking oral examinations
* Identifying, assessing, and monitoring the effectivity of mitigations of industry safety concerns
* Investigating confidential reports and determining whether safety action is needed
* Carrying out engineer licence assessment and investigations and update of the CAA exam question database
* Taking enforcement action when necessary to ensure compliance with airworthiness requirements is maintained
* Assisting with the airworthiness investigation into reported occurrences and, upon request of the AAIB, supporting the investigation of aircraft accidents
* Application and improvement of technical knowledge and skills to perform safety oversight duties
About you
Essential Criteria:
* You will have relevant engineering skills, knowledge, or qualifications such as aeronautical, mechanical, electrical, avionic, or other studies relevant to the maintenance and continuing airworthiness of aircraft or aircraft components, or in the production of aircraft or related aeronautical parts.
* For maintenance and continuing airworthiness, you will hold an aircraft maintenance technician qualification with additional education.
* For production, you will be experienced in the production of aircraft or related aeronautical parts or have held a relevant role related to the production of aircraft or related aeronautical parts demonstrating the application of safety standards and safe operating practices (this may include experience gained during training to meet the above qualification requirements).
* For engineering licensing and training, you will be experienced in training school activities and/or held a nominated role in a training school.
* In either case, you will have experience in at least one of the following:
* aircraft continuing airworthiness management; or,
* the actual performance of maintenance, repair and modification of aircraft, engines and aircraft systems or components; or
* related to production; or
* certifying as airworthy aircraft or parts after maintenance has been performed in accordance with national regulations; or
* the requirements for issuing a maintenance release for maintenance work performed; or
* delivering/managing maintenance training; or
* previous regulatory experience.
* A confident leader of people and effectively managed and lead a team
* A clear and confident communicator who works collaboratively, stays impartial, and delivers complex information in an accessible and well‑understood way, always with professionalism and diplomacy.
* Application of technical expertise
* Demonstrated ability in problem solving, decision making, and applying critical thinking to drive successful outcomes.
* Able to demonstrate the capability to manage time and multiple priorities.
* Self-motivated with the ability to manage your own workload effectively to meet deadlines, and able to stay focused without direct supervision
* Able to proactively seek solutions whilst maintaining focus and momentum when working independently
Desirable requirements
* Experience of auditing techniques, systems thinking, application of risk management
* Knowledge of quality, compliance monitoring, safety management systems
* Knowledge of a relevant sample of aircraft types (achieved during formal training)
* Subject matter expert with skills to enhance the overall capabilities of the airworthiness department
* Have preferably held the position of a nominated postholder in a continuing airworthiness, production, maintenance, or maintenance training organisation.
Additional Security 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.If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.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. For more information on CTC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK )
Relocation & Property: The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years' time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational, and environmental considerations. We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers. We are now 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.
Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process: We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.
Working With Us: 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 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
Our Values: Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone –
Closing Date: 05 March 2026
Interview Date: From WC 9 March 2026, Aviation House - Gatwick
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.
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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