Summary
General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is seeking a Senior Specialist to assess aviation security screening equipment and support its procurement, design, certification, and operational readiness. The role evaluates equipment performance and compliance with ICAO requirements and UAE regulations, develops technical standards, and supports acceptance testing, reporting, and stakeholder coordination. It also covers emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and technical knowledge transfer to inspectors and airport security teams. Applicants should have at least 5 years of relevant civil aviation security experience; ICAO National Inspector certification is mandatory, and a relevant degree or professional qualification is preferred. The role is based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The posting
As published on gcaa.gov.ae. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Technical Assessment & Compliance
- Review and provide technical input on airport security equipment specifications during procurement and design stages.
- Review existing aviation security screening equipment and relevant systems (passenger, cabin baggage, hold baggage, cargo, and mail, supplies etc.).
- Assess compliance with: ICAO Annex 17 | ICAO Doc 8973 | UAE NCASP and associated regulations.
- Identify technical vulnerabilities, performance gaps, and risks.
Equipment Performance & Capability Evaluation
- Evaluate detection capabilities of: X-ray | Explosive Detection System (EDS) | Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) | Body (Security) Scanner | Metal Detection Equipment (MDE) | Liquid Explosive Detection System (LEDS) | Walk-through metal detectors (WTMD) | Hand-held metal detectors (HHMD)
- Assess image quality, detection and performance settings, alarm resolution, throughput, and reliability.
- Develop and maintain UAE national technical specifications and standards for aviation security equipment
- Development of Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for each type of equipment.
Regulatory & Certification Support
- Support the development or refinement of: Equipment certification/performance standards, type-approval criteria, acceptance test and routine test procedures including standard test piece for each category of equipment.
- Align national technical specifications with international benchmarks.
Operational Readiness & Human Factors
- Assess: Operator interface usability, alarm resolution decision-making, ergonomics and fatigue factors
- Provide recommendations for operator performance optimization.
- Participate in or oversee acceptance tests and site acceptance tests for security equipment where required.
Emerging Technologies & Future Readiness
- Advise on: Next-generation detection systems, AI-based detection, and automated target recognition (ATR), integration of cybersecurity controls for AVSEC equipment etc.
- Develop a future aviation security equipment readiness roadmap.
Training & Knowledge Transfer
- Deliver focused technical knowledge transfer to: GCAA inspectors | Quality Control personnel | Airport security technical teams.
- Support development of technical guidance materials.
Reporting and Documentation
- Review departmental policies, processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
- Ensure that all functional reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet GCAA requirements and quality standards.
- Prepare comprehensive reports and statistical summaries on aviation security equipment and emerging technologies.
- Maintain oversight over document control and records management practices within the section.
Stakeholder Coordination
• Support the Manager in stakeholder communication and coordination on aviation security equipment and emerging technologies.
• Liaise with relevant technical committees and support national regulatory collaboration efforts.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- Preferably a degree from a University/College or professional qualification aviation security with 5 years’ experience in the relevant discipline.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in civil aviation security, including oversight or regulatory roles in certifications and approvals.
- ICAO National Inspector certification (mandatory)
- Good knowledge of ICAO Annex 17, Doc 8973, and international AVSEC regulatory practices.
- Experience in reviewing, approving, or auditing AVSEC training programmes, personnel, or security systems.