Salary: £47,500 up to £50,000 per annum dependent upon experience
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Security Level: CTC
Location: Gatwick – Aviation House
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.
Are you looking to contribute towards the safety of international aircraft aviation and live by the CAA tag line "Protecting People, Enabling Aerospace?
The Role
The role of Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Inspector (SAFA) reports to the Senior SAFA Inspector.
Undertake SAFA ramp Inspections with other members of a dedicated team. The target numbers for these inspections are agreed with Department for Transport (DfT) and CAA International (CAAi) annually.
Ensure with other members of the dedicated team that UK SAFA performance is comparable with other European member states. This performance will be assessed by the SAFA Principal and based on feedback from DfT, EASA and the European Commission as provided through the EASA SAFA Meetings and other on-line information.
Provide timely SAFA inspection reports to the operator’s subject to the EASA SAFA inspection process and enter in a timely and accurate manner details of the inspection on to the EASA SAFA database.
To maintain personal validity of competence as a SAFA inspector.
Assist in the development of Technical Procedures associated with the SAFA inspecting task.
Assist in supporting the undertakings of the EASA Standardisation teams as these appertain to SAFA.
Liaise with stakeholders such as DfT, CAA (SARG) & EASA regarding SAFA Standardisation inspection process and outcomes where necessary.
When competency established, act a SAFA mentor and trainer for other inspection colleagues, provide training to third parties as agreed with CAAi. These third parties might include, amongst others, new UK CAA SAFA Inspectors, other NAA SAFA inspection staff and third-party contract work established through CAAi contracts.
Core Accountabilities
- Undertake SAFA ramp Inspections with other members of a dedicated team. The target numbers for these inspections are agreed with Department for Transport (DfT) and CAA International (CAAi) annually.
- Ensure with other members of the dedicated team that UK SAFA performance is comparable with other European member states. This performance will be assessed by the SAFA Principal and based on feedback from DfT, EASA and the European Commission as provided through the EASA SAFA Meetings and other on line information.
- Provide timely SAFA inspection reports to the operators subject to the EASA SAFA inspection process and enter in a timely and accurate manner details of the inspection on to the EASA SAFA database.
- To maintain personal validity of competence as a SAFA inspector.
- Assist in the development of Technical Procedures associated with the SAFA inspecting task.
- Assist in supporting the undertakings of the EASA Standardisation teams as these appertain to SAFA.
- Liaise with stakeholders such as DfT, CAA (SARG) & EASA regarding SAFA Standardisation inspection process and outcomes where necessary.
- When competency established, act a SAFA mentor and trainer for other inspection colleagues, provide training to third parties as agreed with CAAi. These third parties might include, amongst others, new UK CAA SAFA Inspectors, other NAA SAFA inspection staff and third-party contract work established through CAAi contracts.
About You
Essential
- An appropriate level of aeronautical experience/qualifications in the field of aircraft operations or maintenance.
- Holds or has held a flight engineer license within the last 5 years.
- Has been licensed as maintenance personnel and preferably exercised the privileges of such a license.
- Good written and verbal communication skills in the English language.
- A good understanding of ICAO Standards and EASA Regulations.
Desirable
- Has an aeronautical degree or equivalent.
- It is desirable to have background experience in auditing and inspecting processes associated with ICAO Standards and EASA regulations.
Additional 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.
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.
If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.
For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance
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. 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: Friday 3rd July 2026
Interview Date: W/C Monday 13th July 2026
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.
Job Segment: Inspector, Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Safety Engineer, Quality, Engineering, Aviation
