Engineer - Defence Safety Authority, Military Aviation Authority

Location

Filton, South West England, BS34 8QW

Salary

£46,040

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Job grade

Senior Executive Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

MOD - Head Office & Corporate Services - DSA-MAA

Type of role

Analytical, Audit, Digital, Engineering, Health and Safety, Other

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Job summary

In the context of this role Programmable Elements is defined as systems containing safety related software, airborne electronic hardware, multicore processors and cyber security for airworthiness.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to join the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) as a subject area lead for Programmable Elements within the Certification Division. The division is responsible for developing regulations and certifying all new military air systems, as well as major changes to type designs, in accordance with established regulations. Our diverse portfolio spans fast jets, helicopters, large aircraft, uncrewed/remotely piloted air systems (UAS/RPAS), and Air Traffic Equipment.

In this role, you will lead certification projects that often involve cutting-edge technology, ensuring air systems are developed to recognised standards. Comprehensive training will be provided to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to fulfil your responsibilities effectively. You will also be granted the authority and flexibility needed to achieve your objectives, while remaining accountable to the Head of Branch for delivery.

We are committed to supporting your personal and professional development, offering excellent growth opportunities. Additionally, we have a vibrant social and entertainment programme throughout the year, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Job description

The Programmable Elements role is a unique position that differs significantly from traditional IT roles. It is ideally suited to an aerospace engineer (though other engineering disciplines will be considered) with some prior experience or knowledge of Programmable Elements, looking to transition into cyber/software certification. Alternatively, it may appeal to a Computer Science, Software, or Cyber professional seeking a career change into the aviation certification domain.

To clarify, this role does not involve:

• Software development, testing, or code verification
• Network security or network configuration design
• Server management
• Vulnerability scanning
• Managing IT security alerts, incidents, or assessments
• Computer repairs, software/security updates
• Penetration testing
• Any other typical IT-related tasks

What the Programmable Elements Certification role
does
involve:

The role focuses on the technical analysis of aircraft systems by reviewing certification artefacts (primarily reports) to ensure that the software, complex electronic hardware, and cyber properties of these systems do not compromise aircraft safety.

The ideal candidate should possess a combination of technical and non-technical knowledge, including (training will be provided as needed):

• Familiarity with Civil and MOD regulations, policies, and both civilian and military standards
• Understanding of software standards such as DO-178C/ED-12C (and associated supplements)
• Knowledge of airborne electronic hardware standards like DO-254/ED-80
• Awareness of cyber security standards, including DO-326A/ED-203A, DO-355A, and DO-356A
• A background in aviation technologies and systems
• Experience or knowledge of civil and military aircraft certification processes
• An understanding of aircraft safety principles

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing expertise in military aircraft certification, providing advice and guidance on Programmable Elements (PE) certification
• Leading the development of PE certification policy and contributing to Defence Standard amendments
• Engaging with the MMAC manual to understand and support certification processes

Training and Development:

Comprehensive training will be provided in primary certification standards, certification processes, and the safety assessment of aircraft systems/safety management. While prior knowledge or experience in Programmable Elements and the air environment is desirable, it is not essential.

To become a fully qualified Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the MAA, you depending prior knowledge and on experience, may need 3–4 years of work experience, supplemented by further courses and training. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in a highly specialised and critical field.

How does the MAA fit into Defence?

As part of the Defence Safety Authority (DSA), the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) is the organisation responsible for regulating, overseeing, inspecting, and assuring Defence aviation activities. The MAA ensures the safe design and operation of military Air Systems and serves as the single authority for all aspects of Air Safety across Defence.

With full oversight of all Defence aviation activity, the MAA provides critical assurance to the Director General of the DSA (DG DSA) that appropriate safety standards are upheld while enabling the delivery of operational capability. Through independent audits and continuous surveillance, the MAA works to maintain and enhance safety standards.

The MAA is the military equivalent of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Person specification

You will be responsible for:

• Providing certification assurance of aviation programmable elements in UK military registered Air Systems.
• Providing advice to airworthiness process owners on aviation programmable elements issues relating to integrity management.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the MAA to ensure coherent, effective, and appropriate delivery of assurance and related services.
• Engaging in the development and review of MAA regulation and policy, influencing changes to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose and reflect advances in technology and design practices.
• Supporting the overall outputs of the team, including those of the wider MAA, to improve the delivery of our services across Defence.
• Line management of 1x C2/HEO civil servant and 1 x OF2/Flt Lt military team member.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Experience

The ideal applicant should have an engineering background within the programmable elements, aircraft safety, or avionics subject. Prior Certification experience is desirable, though tailored training is available as required.

You should also be (or be able to become) professionally registered (to Incorporated Engineer status).

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Airworthiness ACS001 Core Function (Practitioner)
• Engineering Aerospace AEFC2.3 (Practitioner)

Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 10th November 2025