Project Description:

Maintain and extend the existing CAA internal satellite failure database with new information gathered through open source means as well as information supplied during licensing and monitoring activities. Interrogate and identify if there is any critical information gathered that can indicate missions with higher platform risk and any methods to de-risk these applications as part of the licensing process.

Take a horizon scanning approach to review emerging space products and extend the existing database with COTS systems to better understand the risks associated to UK platforms.

Aim is to improve the quality of information available to the CAA as part of regulatory licencing and monitoring decisions and activities for UK registered satellites to better.

The applicant by the end of the project will gain:

• An understanding of the platform layouts used for various missions from CubeSats to GEO buses.

• An Understanding of how platform risk affects mission safety and its impact on the regulatory licensing process.

• An Understanding of how different space environments impact satellite platform layout and subsystem design.

• A greater understanding of how hardware risk is managed in association with the ALARP principle.

• A greater understanding of how risk is managed from a regulatory perspective

• Research skills: analysis and problem solving, knowledge synthesis, collaboration

• Ability to present results and communicate effectively with technical stakeholders

• Exposure to the UK regulatory framework for Space operators

Should time allow we would also like the SPINtern to have the opportunity to work collaboratively on a STEM project and attend monthly engineering workshops in-person or virtually.

• Find out more about SPIN and explore FAQs here.

Applicant Specification:

• Engineering/Physical Science Graduate or Undergraduate.

Minimum requirements:

• Passion and enthusiasm for Space

• Engineering degree with mechanical focus (or working towards)

• Or Physical science degree with a hardware focus (or working towards)

• Comfortable working remotely

Desirable requirements:

• Knowledge of platform hardware

• General understanding of satellite platforms and subsystems

• Awareness of space environment and risks to platform hardware

Process details:

• 8 weeks minimum, with possibility to extend to 12 weeks fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate.

• In-person Induction Event to be held in June, and an in-person/hybrid Showcase Event to be held in August.

  Company Description:

  The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for the regulation of aviation and space safety in the UK. Our licensing and permissioning activities are designed to enable the emerging UK space sector whilst ensuring a safe and sustainable commercial space sector. In carrying out these regulatory functions we are committed to follow the principles of the wider CAA and the Regulators’ Code.

How we work:

We strive to create a high trust environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work – this helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture. Our shared values are critical to this:

• Do The Right Thing - We always do the right thing, not the easy thing, to achieve our Vision and Mission.

• Never Stop Learning - We're always open to challenging our thinking.

• Build Collaborative Relationships - We have common goals and we use our diverse experiences, skills and knowledge to achieve them.

• Respect Everyone - We know, and show, that everyone deserves respect.

Our four core values are at the heart of what we do and are the guiding principles of how we work. What is equally important to us is the wellbeing of everyone at the UK Civil Aviation Authority. When our staff feel well, they benefit, our work improves and our stakeholder experience is enhanced.

There is a dedicated wellbeing team to oversee this important strategy, safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of our people from signing the Time to Change pledge, through training Mental Health First Aiders and building a staff gym to supporting staff on their work-life balance.

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. If you have a disability or special need that requires adjustments, please let us know. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you didn’t tick.