Aircraft Control Position Operator

NATS is the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2 million flights each year. It provides air traffic control services from two control centres supporting airports all around the UK, as well as a wide range of commercial solutions to over 30 countries internationally. Our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.

Job Purpose:

NATS is currently recruiting for Aircraft Control Position Operators (ACPOs) on a permanent basis within the Simulation Unit at CTC (Hampshire). CTC Simulation Unit gives trainees and valid controllers an opportunity to train in the most realistic yet safe environment possible.

You will be joining our team at an exciting time, as the organisation focuses on delivering one of the biggest transformation and change programs ever undertaken for the NATS Air Traffic Control team. These entry level positions offer an excellent platform to establish yourself in NATS and develop your career.

Successful candidates will be responsible for the correct implementation of all Aircraft Control Position Operator (ACPO) related duties in support of Air Traffic Control simulation activities. You will be joining NATS at an exciting time as we focus on our vision to become a Top 25 UK company to work for by 2040.

Duties include but not limited to:

• You will act as pseudo pilots, interacting clearly and realistically via simulated communication link with participants, and inputting instructions and messages, in an accurate and timely manner, into the simulator in response to commands.
• Assisting in the correct set up and reconfiguration of the simulator and carrying out support duties in connection with non-simulation work at an appropriate level.
• To assist in the reporting of all simulator faults/observations following the relevant process.

Essential skills and experience

• Quick, accurate thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work positively and effectively as part of a team
• Able to adapt readily to changing situations and procedures with a flexible approach to the workload
• Strong IT skills

If you would like to see what it is like to be an ACPO, then please do click on the link to see a blog from one of our ACPO's - https://nats.aero/blog/2023/01/my-job-as-an-aircraft-control-position-operator/

Additional vacancy information:

• You must be a minimum of 18 years old when applying for this position.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.
• Applications without a covering letter will not be considered.
• Extensive on-the-job training will be provided.

All successful candidates will start on the salary of £27,001.79 and with progression and development you will increase your salary gradually to the maximum stated.

Assessments are due to take place on 20th / 21st June and 11th / 12th July. We can offer start dates as early as August 2026.

We are proud to offer a fantastic total reward package to help you thrive both personally and professionally. In addition to a competitive salary that's regularly reviewed, you'll also benefit from a wide range of other benefits which includes generous leave entitlement, a market-leading defined contribution pension scheme, a range of voluntary benefits and retail discounts, wellness support and a comprehensive learning and development offering.

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.