At Aquila Air Traffic Management Services (ATMS), we are dedicated to creating a workplace where innovation, collaboration, and excellence thrives. As a joint venture between NATS and Thales, we combine the expertise of leading air traffic control services and global systems integration to deliver cutting-edge solutions in air traffic management.
Join us in shaping the future of air traffic management, and together, we will elevate aviation safety and efficiency worldwide!
We are looking for a Flight Simulator Operator to join our team at RAF Shawbury.
This role supports the delivery of realistic military Air Traffic Control simulation exercises using Aquila's Air Traffic Control simulators. Based at the Defence College of Air and Space Operations, you will contribute to the training and development of military Air Traffic Controllers for the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Foreign and Commonwealth personnel. The role is critical to delivering realistic, challenging and dynamic simulation exercises that help prepare Trainees for operational Air Traffic Control duties.
As a Flight Simulator Operator, you will create and manage realistic Air Traffic Management scenarios, support training delivery, and work closely with Trainers, Trainees and fellow Flight Simulator Operators to deliver high-quality simulation exercises.
This is a hands-on role where you will work within a professional training environment, respond to developing scenarios, and contribute to the successful delivery of military Air Traffic Control training programmes.
Safety, Compliance and Risk Management
- Operate the Aircraft Control Positions (ACPs) in accordance with approved procedures, training requirements and operational instructions to support the safe and effective delivery of training exercises.
- Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail when managing simulator activity, ensuring simulation outputs remain aligned to exercise objectives and training standards.
- Comply with all applicable safety, security, quality and compliance requirements, promptly reporting hazards, incidents, procedural concerns or simulator anomalies through the appropriate channels.
Delivery, Quality and Customer Focus
- Deliver realistic, accurate and effective Air Traffic Control simulation activity that supports trainee development and the achievement of training objectives.
- Operate allocated simulator positions professionally and in accordance with exercise requirements, adapting simulator activity as necessary to support changing training scenarios and learning outcomes.
Collaboration, Culture and Values in Action
- Work collaboratively with Flight Simulator Operators, Exercise Supervisors and DCASO Trainers to support the effective delivery of simulation exercises and training objectives.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, demonstrating professionalism, respect, integrity and Aquila's Core Values in all interactions.
- Contribute to a positive learning environment by actively engaging with feedback, sharing knowledge and supporting the development of team capability.
- Support wider team and business activities by performing other duties as assigned, consistent with the responsibilities of the position and the needs of the Company.
Innovation, Improvement and Future Capability
- Maintain and develop competence across simulator disciplines, applying learning and best practice to support continual improvement in simulation delivery.
- Identify and raise opportunities to improve processes, training delivery or simulator effectiveness, contributing ideas that enhance operational performance and trainee experience.
- Support the ongoing development of simulator capability through constructive feedback and participation in improvement activities as required.
Leadership, Direction and Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent Aquila professionally when engaging with trainees, trainers and other stakeholders, helping to maintain confidence in the quality and effectiveness of the training environment.
You are someone who enjoys working in a structured yet dynamic environment and can maintain focus while responding to changing situations. You work effectively both independently and as part of a team, communicate information clearly, and take a practical approach to problem-solving.
You do not need previous Air Traffic Control experience to be successful in this role. We are interested in people who can learn new skills, use technology effectively, process information accurately and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
The ability to communicate information clearly and accurately in spoken and written English.
The ability to interpret and respond appropriately to information from multiple sources within a time-sensitive environment.
The ability to learn new systems, processes and procedures and apply them effectively in practice.
The ability to use computer-based systems and technology with confidence
The ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
The ability to adapt to changing priorities, instructions or working situations while maintaining performance standards.
You also:
Promote Aquila's Just Culture, reporting incidents, safety non-compliance or potential issues in an appropriate and timely manner.
Consistently demonstrate behaviours aligned with Aquila's core values and leadership behaviours in all actions and decisions.
Essential Criteria
This role includes a staggered structured training and assessment programme during the first seven months of employment. The programme is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and practical experience required to perform the role successfully.
Successful completion of the training programme, including the end-of-course assessment, is a requirement of the role.
Candidates should be aware that attendance throughout the training period is important. Extended periods of absence, including annual leave, during this initial training phase may affect an individual's ability to complete the programme and achieve the required standard within the expected timescales.
Application Closing Date: 9 August 2026
Applications will be reviewed after the closing date and shortlisted candidates will be contacted on 10 August 2026 regarding an invite to interview.
Candidates must be available to attend an interview on either:
The selection process will consist of:
A 45-minute competency-based interview using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format.
A 30-minute skills assessment designed to assess the key capabilities required for the role.
Shortlisted candidates will receive an information pack in advance providing further details about the skills assessment and how to prepare.
201 hours (approx. 27 days) annual leave + 1 Company Day to be used at Christmas (Excluding Bank Holidays).
Time off to volunteer (up to 3 days per annum)
Company Pension Plan (Aquila contribution = employee contribution + 1%, up to 7%)
Life Assurance (2x basic salary or up to 8x if in the pension scheme)
Income Protection
Company paid Healthcare Cash Plan
Gain Share Incentive Plan (discretionary bonus)
Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support and counselling
Through Aquila’s flexible benefits platform, you can tailor your package, including:
Enhanced Maternity pay
Enhanced Paternity leave & pay
Enhanced Occupational Sick pay
Mental Health First Aiders
Recognition through Altair Award
Employee referral bonus
Due to the nature of the work that we do, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance- United Kingdom Security Vetting – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Aquila ATMS is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made fairly and without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, or any other characteristic protected by law.
