System Engineer - (Surveillance - Digital Tower)

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.

Closing Date: Friday 26th September 2025

Job Purpose:  

To be responsible for / support engineering aspects of the procurement, safety management, and bringing into service of relevant  ATC Systems including surveillance system, communications systems, navigation, meteorological and information systems, or any combination appropriate to the specific task. Typically, these will be minor / less complex systems and projects, focusing on simpler systems or specific equipment.

May be required to undertake Engineering Authority roles in supporting relevant ATC Systems through the entire equipment life cycle.

Responsible for engineering aspects of procurement, safety management, and commissioning of ATC surveillance systems, specifically Digital Tower Systems. 

Principal Accountabilities:

Project Delivery: -

• Negotiate and coordinate project requirements and timelines with stakeholders.
• Produce technical specifications for minor systems and support major system specifications.
• Support production of engineering estimates for project bids.
• Advise and assist with tender evaluations and assess technical solutions.
• Contribute to project planning in line with delivery milestones.
• Act as Change Lead for minor projects, ensuring change assurance activities are completed.
• Manage day-to-day project activities including installation and commissioning.
• Perform acceptance testing and produce test reports.
• Produce and review maintenance and operating procedures.
• Ensure engineering deliverables are met according to the project plan.

Undertake the Engineering Authority (EA) role for designated systems: -

• Prepare and maintain support documentation for allocated equipment and systems.
• Respond to customer technical enquiries and manage Corrective Action Requests.
• Monitor operational systems and conduct investigations into issues and faults.
• Plan and implement modifications to correct issues and faults with minimal disruption.
• Maintain awareness of industry developments affecting airport systems.

Team leadership and resource management: -

• Manage direct reports within the section.
• Allocate team resources to projects and activities.
• Ensure team competency and identify training needs.
• Review performance of direct reports periodically.
• Identify and support development needs of team members.

Additional Accountabilities:

• The post holder is required to contribute to delivery of multiple projects at any one time involving different project teams and locations. They may also be required to fulfil an EA role.
• The post holder is expected to resolve conflicting demands on their time and their direct reports, in consultation with their line management.
• There is little requirement for strategic planning in this post. However, the post holder is likely to play a role in advising managers on issues which may affect strategy.
• The post holder may be called on to advise and assist operational engineers in order to restore equipment. This may require short notice travel to remote sites.
• Where required, and where agreed, the post holder will deliver structured training and/or carry out structured Competency Assessment Checks within their field of expertise and in accordance with NATS procedures.
• The post holder will be required to undertake tasks within an operational environment therefore will need to demonstrate suitable behaviours.
• The post holder may be required to provide out of hours on-call support for specific systems as designated by the Head of section.

Qualifications/Skills:

• The post holder is expected to hold, as a minimum, a Higher National Certificate in an Engineering or Information Technology related discipline, and relevant experience. Job holders not holding the expected qualification but who have undertaken structured technical training (e.g. apprenticeship recognised by a professional body) with recognised qualification ideally to at least HNC equivalent level will also be considered.
• Proven ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate difficult technical and/or operational concepts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to apply a calm, methodical, analytical and systematic approach to define/resolve complex incidents and dynamic risk management.
• Ability to interpret and effectively communicate technical information into business language and vice versa.
• Ability to perform a range of work, sometimes complex and non-routine, in a variety of environments.
• Demonstrable ability to plan, schedule and monitor own work (and that of others where applicable) competently within limited deadlines.
• A good understanding and experience with relevant legislation, standards and procedures would be beneficial.
• Air Traffic equipment training such as ATSEP and OEM training courses will be beneficial. As well as a good understanding of ATC practices and procedures.
• A strong understanding of the system types used in the relevant technical domain and how they are used in operation. A wide knowledge of the equipment and techniques used in providing all aspects of ATS at airports.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate tactfully yet firmly with customers, suppliers and other sections, in pursuit of NATS’ business objectives.
• Demonstrable commitment to continuous professional development, both technical and personal.
• Skilled in the use of IT systems for professional documentation production and for project management.
• A passion for the Safety or Air Traffic Management and a willingness to learn, develop and take on different tasks under the guidance of their line manager.

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?

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. We also welcome discussions on flexible and part-time working arrangements. Find out more here.

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.