System Design Authority NSL
Delegated technical authority role at NATS (UK air navigation service provider): owning design baselines, safety sign-off and the strategic technology roadmap for airport surveillance systems such as radar, MLAT/WAM, SMR, ADS-B and digital towers, while mentoring a small team of up to 3 engineers. Based in Whiteley, Hampshire with hybrid working flexibility.
- Compensation
- £77.5K–£103.3K / yr
- Location
- Whiteley, Hampshire, GB, PO15 7FL
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Design
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Professional engineering qualification to HNC (Level 4 or SQF Level 7) in Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Science or other relevant engineering discipline
- OR relevant lower-level engineering qualification (e.g. apprenticeship) plus demonstrable engineering experience in a relevant field (RAF, Navy, Rail, other safety-critical environment)
- OR substantial experience gained in a relevant transferable environment (such as ATSEP) over a significant period
- Strong technical background in radar, MLAT, ADS-B, sensor fusion, surveillance data processing or related surveillance technologies
- Demonstrable systems engineering or technical leadership capability within safety-critical environments
- Proven expertise in managing complex systems
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage a small team of engineers
- Demonstrable understanding of system design, safety assurance, and operational context
- Knowledge of regulation and legislation and the work of regulatory bodies, preferably aviation (ICAO, EASA, UK CAA SARG)
- Collaborative working style with clear focus on delivering business outcomes
- Strong problem-solving capability with ability to find innovative solutions
- Excellent verbal and written communication and stakeholder engagement skills with high attention to detail
- Eligibility for and maintenance of UK Security Vetting and Clearance (SC)
Nice to have
- Good understanding of ATC practices, procedures and working within an ATC operational environment
Full description
NATS is the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2.4 million flights each year. We provide air traffic control services from two control centres and at airports around the UK. We also provide a wide range of commercial products and solutions internationally. Our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.
Salary: £77,480.13 - £103,306.83Closing Date: Monday 9th November 2026
Purpose of the Job:
The System Design Authority (NSL) in NSL is accountable for providing technical leadership and acts as delegated technical authority across a subset of Air Traffic Management systems; accountable for the system of system integration (where applicable), assurance, transformation and safety of in-service system(s); accountable to review and sign-off of designs and safety assurance documents, ensuring equipment is safe for operation and compliant with regulatory standards.
The role is accountable for ensuring the assets’ replacement and strategic technology roadmap are defined, credible and deployable.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing engineering team as a System Design Authority (SDA) for Airport Surveillance systems. As the delegated technical authority for a portfolio of surveillance capabilities, including Primary and Secondary Radar, Multilateration (MLAT), Wide Area Multilateration (WAM), Surface Movement Radar (SMR), Digital Towers, ADS-B and associated surveillance data services, you will provide technical leadership and direction across some of the most critical systems supporting air traffic operations at UK airports.You will be responsible for defining the long-term technical strategy and roadmap for your systems, ensuring they remain safe, compliant, supportable and fit for purpose in an evolving operational and regulatory environment. Working closely with engineers, operational stakeholders, suppliers and regulators, you will provide technical assurance, governance and direction across the full system lifecycle, from concept and design through to deployment, operation and future transformation. The role offers a unique opportunity to influence how airport surveillance capabilities evolve to meet future operational demands while maintaining the integrity and resilience of today's services. We are looking for an experienced surveillance engineer with a passion for aviation and a strong technical background in radar, MLAT, ADS-B, sensor fusion, surveillance data processing or related technologies. You will be recognised as a technical leader, capable of balancing strategic thinking with practical engineering knowledge, providing mentorship and guidance to engineers across the organisation. In addition to shaping technology strategy, you will help define the skills, competencies and future capability required within the surveillance community, helping to develop the next generation of engineers while driving innovation and continuous improvement across the airport surveillance portfolio.