Instrument Flight Procedure Designer

• Bring your specialist knowledge to enhance aviation safety

• Join the vibrant Aeronautical Services team

• Permanent position, Wellington based

By joining us, you will be part of a team where meaningful work, collaboration and innovation come together to help keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure.

At the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, we are constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing environment and the aviation industry.

Recent legislative changes, along with an organisational realignment, have opened exciting new opportunities across the Authority. These changes are part of a broader effort to better position our teams for the future by enabling us to be more collaborative, efficient and effective in everything we do.

As we step confidently into our role as a modern regulator, we are embracing intelligence-led, risk-based approaches that help us make a real difference for our people and the communities we serve – with a strong value-for-money ethos. We’re also committed to enabling aviation participants to support economic growth in New Zealand's aviation sector.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Instrument Flight Procedure Designer to join the Aeronautical Services Unit to validate Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) including SID, STAR, ILS, RNAV (GNSS/RNP/Baro-VNAV), and holding procedures. You will need to be familiar with ICAO PANS-OPS (Doc 8168) and possibly New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules or international rules and regulations. Participate in procedure design audits and provide technical advice during safety assessments and aeronautical studies. Collaborate with Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Operators, and Aviation Stakeholders on airspace and procedure design projects.

This role will report to the Team Leader Aeronautical Services and work collaboratively with other aviation technical specialists to influence positive aviation safety outcomes. This role will engage both domestically with aviation and non-aviation organisations as well as with the international aviation community where appropriate, to ensure safety and the CAA regulatory capability is maintained.

Currently, we are a team of specialists responsible for the safety and regulatory oversight of the main aviation technology, aerodrome and airspace infrastructure elements supporting the wider aviation system. 

What You’ll Bring

We are looking for a safety driven individual who has experience of the aviation industry. To be successful in this role, you will have,

• Proven years of experience in Instrument Flight Procedure Design in accordance with ICAO PANS-OPS criteria.
• Formal training and certification in IFP design (basic and advanced, including PBN and conventional procedures).
• Good knowledge of airspace management, terrain and obstacle evaluation, and ICAO Annexes 4 and 15.
• Familiarity with procedure design tools/software (e.g., GIS-based tools).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.

Desirable:

• Experience in a regulatory or oversight environment.
• Knowledge of New Zealand’s aviation system and geographic terrain.

The salary band for this position is circa $141,751. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader Authority for the same or similar roles.

About Us

Our Values – Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration – represent the standards of behaviour we uphold and guide how we work at the Authority. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive environment where our people feel respected, safe, and valued for their unique contributions. We recognise that our people drive our success. 

Apply directly by completing the online application form submitting your CV and Cover Letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

For more information on the role please view the position description or contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz

Applications close Monday 29 September 2025