Systems Engineer Level 5 - Communications
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: £54,328.31 - £72,437.75
Closing Date: Thursday 19th November 2026
PURPOSE OF JOB:
To undertake supervised engineering activities in support of the lifecycle management of Air Traffic Management systems, including maintenance, installation, modification and project support tasks, ensuring that services required by NATS are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with appropriate Safety and Quality standards.
This role is for a Systems Engineer within our Communications (Comms) engineering team supporting air traffic operations at UK airports. You will support the engineering authority and contribute technical input across the system lifecycle, from specification and deployment through to operational support and continuous improvement within a safety-critical environment.
This is an entry‑level development engineering role that provides on‑the‑job learning alongside experienced Systems Engineers, supporting the progressive development of technical capability, systems knowledge, and professional confidence.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Engineering Support and Delivery:
- Support engineering lifecycle of the design, maintenance, modification, installation and support of ATM systems under supervision.
- Assist with problem investigation and basic rectification tasks in accordance with approved procedures.
- Provide support to project delivery activities including installation support, testing and commissioning tasks under instruction. Assist in the production and maintenance of technical documentation, records, reports and maintenance procedures as directed.
- Support acceptance testing activities and contribute to test evidence and reporting under guidance.
- Escalate technical, safety or operational concerns promptly and appropriately to supervising engineers or line management.
Safety, Compliance and Assurance:
- Comply fully with NATS safety management, quality and engineering procedures.
- Take responsibility for personal Health and Safety by adhering to H&S procedures and reporting hazards, incidents or unsafe conditions.
- Develop an understanding of safety critical systems and the impact of engineering activities on live operational services.
- Support in the preparation and maintenance of support documentation for equipment and systems as directed.
Learning and Development :
- Undertake structured training and competency development in line with agreed development plans.
- Build technical knowledge of relevant ATM systems, tools and processes through supervised task delivery.
- Demonstrate a proactive approach to learning, feedback and continuous improvement.
AUTONOMY :
- Works under close direction. Receives clear instructions, with work reviewed regularly at defined milestones. Has limited authority to make decisions and is expected to seek guidance when unsure. Identifies and escalates safety or operational concerns during all engineering activities.
SCOPE OF JOB:
- The post holder will support the delivery and maintenance of safety critical ATM systems across NATS operational environments.
- The role holder will undertake supervised engineering tasks in accordance with approved procedures, engineering instructions and safety requirements.
- Develops autonomy progressively as competence is demonstrated and authorisations are obtained, in line with agreed development pathways.
- The role may require attendance at operational sites supporting multiple activities concurrently, under the direction of senior engineers.
- The post holder will be required to undertake tasks within an operational environment therefore will need to demonstrate suitable behaviours.
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
- Professional engineering qualification to Higher National Certificate (Level 4 or SQF Level 7) as a minimum Electronics, Telecommunications or Computer Science or other relevant Engineering qualification discipline.
In lieu of the above qualifications the candidate will be required to demonstrate one of the following alternative criteria:
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Relevant lower-level engineering qualifications such as an Apprenticeship coupled with demonstrable engineering experience in a relevant field (May include but not limited to: RAF, Navy, Rail, other Safety Critical environment).
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Evidence of substantial experience gained in a relevant transferable environment (such as ATSEP) gained over a significant period.
- Experience of supporting systems and equipment similar to those used by ANSPs such as RAF, Navy, Rail, other Safety Critical environment and experience in maintenance engineering on this type of equipment.
- Shall demonstrate an understanding of safety critical systems and the impact they may have within our operational environment.
The post holder shall be able to demonstrate –
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Works well as part of a team.
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Communicates difficult technical and / or operational concepts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
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Applies a calm, methodical, analytical and systematic approach to define/resolve complex incidents and dynamic risk management.
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Assists experienced engineers in interpreting and communicating technical and business information, contributing to shared understanding.
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Carries out defined engineering tasks, including elements of complex or non‑routine work, under supervision and as part of a wider engineering team.
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Supports agreed work plans by contributing to task scheduling and progress monitoring, escalating issues and seeking guidance as required.
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Good interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate tactfully yet firmly with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.
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Commitment to continuous professional development, both technical and personal.
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Skilled in the use of IT systems for professional documentation production and for project management.
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Willingness to learn, develop and take on different tasks under the guidance of their line manager.
It is desirable for the post holder to have –
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An awareness and experience of relevant Air Traffic Management (ATM) legislation, standards and procedures.
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Completed Air Traffic equipment training such as ATSEP and OEM training courses.
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An awareness of Air Traffic Control practices and procedures.
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Awareness of the equipment and techniques used in providing all aspects of ATM at airports.
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An understanding of the system types used in the relevant technical domain and how they are used in operation.
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A passion for Safety and Air Traffic Management.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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'
All staff at NATS are subject to UK Security Vetting and Clearance (SC) and must maintain valid clearance throughout employment. We are unable to progress applications where an applicant does not meet eligibility requirements for clearance. For further guidance click here Security Clearance - 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.
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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Whiteley, Hampshire, GB, PO15 7FL