Procedure Design Trainee (PANS-OPS Instrument Flight Procedure Design)

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 - £36,409.48 - £45,511.85
Closing date - Monday 17th August 2026

Job Purpose:

Help shape the way aircraft move through the sky.

At NATS, we design the invisible structures that keep air traffic safe, efficient and sustainable. Every departure, arrival and route is carefully engineered using advanced modelling, precision geometry and international standards.

We are looking for analytically strong, detail-oriented individuals to join us as Procedure Design Trainees, entering a structured development programme leading to a career as a qualified Instrument Flight Procedure Designer.

What you'll be doing:

You will follow a structured training programme (approximately 24 months), combining formal courses with on-the-job learning alongside experienced designers.

You will:

• Learn to support the design and development of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) used by pilots worldwide
• Apply mathematics, geometry and spatial reasoning to real-world aviation problems
• Use specialist CAD and GIS tools to model terrain, airspace and flight paths
• Develop knowledge of international procedure design standards (e.g. ICAO, Eurocontrol, UK CAA)
• Contribute to design work and technical tasks under supervision
• Build towards providing technical advice and design expertise to stakeholders

Over time, you will progress towards independent design capability and regulatory approval.

Who we’re looking for:

You don’t need a background in aviation. We’re interested in people who enjoy solving complex problems and working with precision.

Essential:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Mathematics to GCSE level (including trigonometry)
• Ability to understand spatial or geometric concepts
• Good IT skills, including Excel
• Strong attention to detail
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in aviation, engineering or a related technical field

Desirable:

• A-Level (or equivalent) mathematics or higher
• Experience with CAD, GIS or technical modelling tools
• Aviation knowledge or operational experience
• Experience working with technical stakeholders or complex data

Why join us?

• Work in a highly specialised and globally respected field
• Structured development including formal training and on-the-job experience
• Clear pathway to becoming a qualified Procedure Designer
• Opportunity to contribute to work that directly impacts aviation safety and efficiency
• Supportive, collaborative technical environment

Ready to apply?

If you enjoy solving complex problems, working with precision, and developing specialist technical expertise, we’d love to hear from you.

Additional Vacancy Information: 

Please attach a cover letter when applying for the role, any applications without a cover letter will be sifted out.

Multiple positions available.

Please note that this role requires attendance at a formal 12-week training course, which may be delivered overseas. During the training period, you will also be expected to attend our Whiteley office regularly for on-site learning and development. 

Upon successful completion of the training programme and qualification requirements, employees may progress to a higher grade with an associated increase in salary, subject to meeting the relevant criteria.

We are proud to offer a fantastic total reward package to help you thrive both personally and professionally - for more information on what NATS can offer you please visit - Why NATS? - NATS

We have adopted agile working to provide greater flexibility and increased choice over working arrangements, with the opportunity for this role to work in our modern office facilities as well as remotely.

If you share our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe – we would like to hear from you whatever your age, sex, race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, visible or invisible disability. Individuals that bring different perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds help us be at the forefront of our industry. 

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