Research & Development Graduate Scheme

Closing date - 26th October 2025

What is NATS?

NATS is the UK’s leading Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). Every year we handle 2.6 million flights and keep 250 million passengers safe whilst in UK airspace. We provide air traffic management (ATM) services to 15 airports in the UK as well as providing these services around the world spanning Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America.

We’re shaping the future of ATM through our focus on ‘advancing aviation and keeping the skies safe’ and believe that the size and diversity of our business makes us an exciting choice for undergraduates considering their future careers.

What will the Research & Development Graduate Scheme involve?

This 2-year programme will be based at our Head Office in Whiteley (Hampshire) or in our Air Traffic Control Centre in Swanwick (Hampshire) however we have adopted ‘agile working’ which will enable you, where possible, to have the opportunity and flexibility to work in our modern office facilities as well as at home.

You will have a chance to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while working on meaningful projects. The main tasks and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
• Exploring topics like artificial intelligence, sustainability, digital twins, and emerging airspace users (e.g., drones and eVTOLs). Refer to https://www.nats.aero/about-us/research/ for some of our current & previous projects;
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including experts from academia and industry, helping you build strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Investigating digital innovation trends and identifying opportunities to apply them in real-world aviation settings through horizon scanning.
• Contributing to the design, testing, and delivery of new tools and concepts that support safer, smarter air traffic management.
• Participating in workshops and project reviews, embedding innovation and continuous improvement across the business.
• Learning about governance, safety, and compliance in a regulated industry while contributing to global aviation advancements.
• Developing your leadership, problem-solving, and analytical skills through impactful, purpose-driven work.

Why choose NATS?

You’ll be working at the heart of our organisation, alongside other graduates, undergraduate students and professionals. You’ll gain valuable insight into our business and make a tangible contribution to our success. Your placement experience will be unique to you so you can build on knowledge you have gained at university. We are committed to your personal and professional development and will help you achieve your goals.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for driven, proactive and committed individuals who will embrace the challenging targets that we’ve set ourselves over the next few years. You’ll need to have achieved a minimum of 2:2 in a relevant degree within the last 2 years (or be on track to graduate in 2026) and have a demonstrable interest in your field outside of your studies.  

Additional requirements such as:

• Currently undertaking an undergraduate or integrated master’s degree in a STEM discipline
• A strong interest in research, innovation, and emerging technologies
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn
• Ability to manage tasks and deliver outcomes within agreed timelines

Desirable but not required:

• Awareness of AI and data analysis tools and techniques
• Understanding of sustainability, digital twins, or automation in a technical context
• Previous experience with research, innovation, or technology projects, including through academic studies

You’ll also need to pass NATS pre-employment security clearance checks.

Additional vacancy information:

If you’ve applied and have met the minimum requirements for our scheme, you will be invited to complete a variety of online tests. If you are successful in passing this stage, you may have the opportunity to attend one of our virtual assessment centres!

Assessment centres slots will be available to book onto between the 12th - 14th November. They will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams from the 2nd – 12th December.

What’s in it for you?

Competitive salary - £31,000 per annum + £1,000 welcome bonus

28 days of holiday entitlement plus Bank Holidays

Market-leading defined contribution pension scheme  

For more information on the benefits we offer, please visit: https://www.nats.aero/careers/early-careers/

Please note that NATS reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Diversity and Inclusion at NATS

We celebrate the diversity of our colleagues. We thrive because we are all brilliantly different yet united in our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe. For more information on our commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.nats.aero/careers/why-nats/ 

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.

We want you to be able to perform at your best, so please email earlycareers@nats.co.uk if you’d like to discuss any reasonable adjustments.