Are you passionate about aircraft accident investigation?

Are you looking for a high profile role at the leading edge of aviation safety?

If so, this is a unique opportunity to join the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) as an Inspector of Air Accidents (Engineering), and we’d love to hear from you.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is part of the Department for Transport (DfT). The AAIB’s purpose is to improve aviation safety by determining the circumstances and causes of aircraft accidents and serious incidents and promoting safety action to prevent re-occurrence. We investigate accidents and serious incidents to civil aircraft in the UK (including UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) and overseas where there is a UK interest.

For further information about our work please visit www.aaib.gov.uk.

Job description

Working as part of an investigation team, Inspectors of Air Accidents (Engineering) will manage the investigation of all engineering related aspects of an aircraft accident or serious incident including the initial ‘on site’ examination, detailed examination of wreckage and components at specialist facilities, examination of maintenance and airworthiness issues and the drafting of Safety Recommendations and reports. You will be required to conduct interviews with a range of individuals, including technical personnel from operators, maintainers, manufacturers, and regulators.

Due to the nature of AAIB operations, you will be exposed to situations, information and material of a sensitive or traumatic nature (video, photographs) and recordings which may be distressing. You will be required to speak with potentially traumatised accident victims and witnesses, as well as bereaved relatives, using tact and compassion. It is essential that applicants consider these requirements before applying for the post as they will be required to participate in a wellbeing and traumatic stress risk review in advance of their recruitment interview (Potential applicants are welcome to contact the AAIB for further information - contact point below).

Responsibilities

This is an important role at the leading edge of aviation safety. You will be instrumental in determining the circumstances in which civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents take place worldwide, identifying factors which influenced the outcome and highlighting areas where change would improve safety.

You will provide assistance and expertise to the international air accident community to improve aviation safety globally, including support to foreign safety investigation authorities and the UK’s Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.

AAIB Inspectors are primarily responsible for the determination of factors in aircraft accidents and serious incidents. As part of a multidisciplinary team you will conduct the investigation of all engineering aspects, including the initial ‘on site’ examination phase, exploring relevant human factors and the detailed forensic examination of evidence culminating in the production of detailed reports and Safety Recommendations.

You will debrief the Chief Inspector of Air Accidents on your return from field deployments and give expert technical evidence in Coroner’s Courts and other legal proceedings. You may also provide technical investigative assistance to Service Inquiries into military accidents when required.

About you

You will be expected to apply sound judgement and strong leadership skills. You will be highly motivated and assertive, inquisitive and a critical thinker. You must be able to work under pressure, and be comfortable working in a team or independently. You must show integrity and tact and will require considerable diplomatic skills. Key to success in this role is your ability to work with stakeholders, both inside and outside the AAIB team, to establish mutual respect and trust, and to subsequently communicate thoughts, ideas, and decisions in a clear and concise manner.

You should have a proven analytical capability and a breadth of knowledge across a wide range of aircraft engineering subjects, regulatory requirements and aircraft operations and be able to apply these skills to aircraft accident investigation.

You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be capable of producing accurate and clear written reports and have good presentation skills. You will be computer literate.

Closing date: 12 September 2021.