Aircraft Control Position Operator

CompanyNATS

LocationPrestwick, Scotland, United Kingdom

Posted At1/16/2026

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Analytics are greyed out due to low classification confidence (40.0%).

Occupation Type

Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers

Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£80,400 (£41.23 per hour)

Occupation rate applies

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Description

Closing date is Friday 6th February 2026

NATS is the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2 million flights annually. We provide Air Traffic Control (ATC) services from 2 control centres supporting airports across the UK and a wide range of commercial solutions to over 30 countries. Our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.

Job Purpose

We are looking for Aircraft Control Position Operators (ACPO) to join our Simulator team at Prestwick Centre. You will be joining at an exciting time, as the organisation continues delivering one of the biggest transformation and change programs ever undertaken for the NATS ATC team. These entry level positions offer extensive on-the-job training and an excellent platform to establish yourself in NATS and to develop your career.

You will have responsibility for the implementation of all ACPO related duties in support of ATC simulated activities. The purpose of these activities is to simulate real life scenarios and provide high quality training for Air Traffic Controllers and/or demonstrate potential changes to airspace design.

Principle Accountabilities

Acting as aircraft pilots, interacting clearly and realistically, listening, implementing, and reading back the Air Traffic Controllers commands via a simulated communication link with the participants of the activities, inputting instruction messages into touch screen simulator systems in response to those commands
Ensuring timely and accurate inputs to the ACPO system, mainly supported by scripted materials, to create realistic scenarios on the radar, to ensure the participant remains focused and a professional service is provided
Work with colleagues to assist in the correct set up and configuration of the simulator
Support the Data Preparation and Project Specialists with scenario data preparation and testing
Carrying out related support/admin duties as required
Working in a team to ensure all activities run smoothly

Essential Skills

Excellent communication skills, incl. a clear speaking voice and good diction
Quick, accurate thinker
Works positively and effectively as part of a team
Adapts well to change
Flexible approach to workload
Working knowledge of Microsoft IT packages

Nice To Have

Experience delivering theory and practical training
Knowledge of Radio Telephony phraseology, incl. the phonetic alphabet
Knowledge of aircraft performance and appreciation of ATC procedures
Experience in and working knowledge of an ATC environment

Do you want to find out more about this role? Click on the link to read our blog ' ‘A Day in the Life of an ACPO’

Additional Information

This position is a 2-year Fixed Term Contract
Applications without a covering letter will not be considered
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to provide sponsorship
Starting salary: £27,001.79
The position involves a rotating shift pattern covering early and late shifts, as well as weekend work.

Assessments are scheduled to take place in March 2026 at the NATS office in Prestwick.

We are proud to offer a fantastic total reward package to help you thrive personally and professionally. In addition to a regularly reviewed competitive salary, you'll also receive a wide range of benefits including 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 th

e 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.