Role Overview
The Regulatory Associate will support StirlingX’s regulatory and safety activities across the UK and EASA regulatory environments. The role will assist with Operational Authorisation applications, operational documentation and supporting evidence under the UK SORA and EASA SORA 2.5 frameworks. It will also contribute to the Safety Management System (SMS) and the promotion of a Just Culture across the business.
This is a developmental role carried out under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Regulatory Manager, with training provided. The Regulatory Associate will not independently own regulatory decisions or occurrence investigations. Technical assessments, regulatory interpretations, changes to controlled operational documentation and regulatory submissions will be subject to appropriate review and approval.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with preparing and progressing applications for UAS Operational Authorisations.
- Help gather, organise and maintain supporting evidence for assessments under the UK SORA and EASA SORA 2.5 frameworks.
- Assist with updating Operations Manuals, Concepts of Operations, procedures and supporting compliance documentation under the guidance of the Senior Regulatory Manager.
- Help draft responses to regulatory queries and support engagement with aviation authorities and other stakeholders.
- Maintain authorisation records, compliance matrices and controlled documents, flagging discrepancies against approved conditions and limitations for review.
- Support the administration and maintenance of the SMS, including hazard reporting, safety registers, risk assessments and tracking of safety actions.
- Support the promotion of a Just Culture across the business through open reporting, constructive communication and a focus on learning and improvement.
- Support occurrence investigations under the direction of the Senior Regulatory Manager, including gathering evidence, maintaining records and tracking corrective actions.
- Work collaboratively with operational and technical teams to gather information, clarify documentation and resolve assigned actions.
- Track relevant regulatory updates and contribute to improvements in submission processes, templates and guidance under supervision.
Requirements
- An aviation background, or a strong interest in aviation with a willingness to learn and develop regulatory and safety knowledge.
- Awareness of risk-based UAS regulation and a willingness to develop practical knowledge of the UK SORA and EASA SORA 2.5 frameworks.
- Good written communication skills and the ability to prepare clear, accurate and well-structured documentation.
- Strong attention to detail when reviewing documents, maintaining records and handling supporting evidence.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage assigned tasks, track actions and work to agreed deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively with operational and technical teams, communicate clearly and seek guidance when needed.
The role may involve occasional travel to StirlingX sites, customer locations or regulatory meetings. Appointment may be subject to satisfactory background checks and any access requirements relevant to operational environments.
Desirable
- A degree in aviation, engineering, safety management or a related field.
- Experience supporting or obtaining UAS Operational Authorisations.
- Experience with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) or advanced UAS operations.
- Understanding of aviation SMS and Just Culture principles.
- Experience with the Airspace Change Process (ACP).
