System Engineer – Radar Data Processing (RDP)

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: £64,856.53 – £86,475.37

Closing Date: Sunday 23rd August 2026

JOB PURPOSE:

To be responsible for / support engineering aspects of the procurement, safety management, and bringing into service of relevant ATC Systems. 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.

This Systems Engineer role is for a specialist in Radar Data Processing (RDP) systems within the surveillance domain, supporting air traffic operations across the UK. RDP systems are critical to the fusion, processing and distribution of surveillance data from multiple sources, ensuring accurate and reliable information is presented to air traffic controllers. 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.

You will bring experience of complex, data-driven or real-time processing systems, ideally within surveillance, radar or safety-critical industries. The role involves supporting engineering activities, contributing to deployments and upgrades, and assisting with system performance monitoring, assurance and change for live operational systems. You will work closely with senior engineers and stakeholders to help ensure surveillance data remains accurate, timely and trusted by operational users.

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.

AUTONOMY:

• As directed by their line manager, commits resources within their direct control to achieve project deliverables within agreed financial limits.
• Assists in identifying the strategic aims of assigned projects and works tactically to deliver agreed customer solutions.
• As Engineering Authority will pro-actively recommend activities and resources required to address asset support issues.
• Responsible for up to 3 direct reports. Plays a co-ordinating role for subcontractors.

SCOPE OF JOB:

• 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 to restore equipment into service. In support of this the post holder may be asked to attend airport sites at short notice.
• 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.

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:

1. 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).
2. 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 ANSP’s 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 –

• Works well as part of a team.
• Communicates difficult technical and / or operational concepts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Applies a calm, methodical, analytical and systematic approach to define/resolve complex incidents and dynamic risk management.
• Interprets and effectively communicates technical information into business language and vice versa.
• Can undertake a range of work, sometimes complex and non-routine, in a variety of environments.
• Plans, schedules and monitor work progress of (and that of others where applicable) competently within limited deadlines.
• A strong understanding of the system types used in the relevant technical domain and how they are used in operation.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate tactfully yet firmly with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to continuous professional development, both technical and personal.
• Skil