Air Traffic Safety Technician CV: How to Build a Professional Profile
Also known as: ATSEP engineer, air traffic safety electronics technician, CNS engineer, air traffic safety electronics specialist, aviation electronics technician, ground-based navaids technician
Air traffic safety technicians are the silent guardians of the skies, ensuring that the complex web of radar, navigation, and communication systems remains operational around the clock. To land a top-tier role in this field, your air traffic safety technician CV must demonstrate a deep understanding of ATSEP standards and a proven track record of maintaining mission-critical electronics. This guide provides the technical frameworks and practical tips needed to showcase your expertise in aviation electronic systems and regulatory compliance.
What does an Air Traffic Safety Technician do?
These professionals are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of the electronic systems used for air traffic management. They work on a variety of systems including primary and secondary surveillance radars, landing systems like ILS and VOR, and ground-to-air communication networks. Their work is governed by strict international and CAA safety regulations to ensure that pilots and controllers have accurate, real-time data for safe flight operations.
Beyond routine maintenance, these technicians perform complex diagnostics and software updates to navigation systems. They often collaborate with aerospace engineers to integrate new hardware into existing airport infrastructures and conduct flight inspections to verify system accuracy from an airborne perspective.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Install and configure Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) equipment.
- ➜ Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on ILS, DME, and VOR systems.
- ➜ Monitor air traffic control automation systems for hardware or software failures.
- ➜ Conduct regular calibration of radar and radio equipment to ensure regulatory compliance.
- ➜ Coordinate with NATS and airport authorities during system outages to maintain safety margins.
- ➜ Troubleshoot fibre optic and copper networks supporting ATM data transmission.
How to write an Air Traffic Safety Technician CV
Your CV should focus on technical proficiency and your ability to work under pressure within high-stakes environments. Emphasise your understanding of ICAO and CAA standards while highlighting specific systems you have mastered.
01 CV Structure
A strong CV for this role should follow a reverse-chronological format. Start with a clear header, followed by a professional summary that highlights your years of experience. Dedicate a specific section to technical skills, grouping them by system type (e.g. Radar, Navaids). Follow this with your professional experience, education, and relevant certifications like an ATSEP qualification.
02 Professional Summary
Focus on your total years in aviation electronics and specific high-value systems you manage. Mention your commitment to safety protocols and your ability to reduce system downtime through proactive maintenance strategies.
Example Summary
Senior Air Traffic Safety Technician with over 12 years of experience maintaining CNS/ATM systems in high-traffic international airports. Expertise in Raytheon surveillance radars and Thales navigation aids, with a proven history of maintaining 99.98 per cent system uptime. Committed to ICAO Annex 10 standards and experienced in leading rapid-response technical teams during critical system failures.
Example Achievement Bullets
- ➜ Successfully led the migration to Mode S radar technology, improving aircraft tracking accuracy by 15 per cent.
- ➜ Reduced emergency repair response times by 20 per cent through the implementation of a new automated diagnostic protocol.
- ➜ Managed a £1.2 million upgrade of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at a major hub with zero flight delays.
- ➜ Achieved a 100 per cent pass rate for CAA safety audits over a five-year period through rigorous documentation and preventative maintenance.
Experience Guidelines
When listing your experience, focus on the impact of your actions. Instead of saying you fixed radars, describe how you improved reliability or integrated new technology without disrupting active flight operations.
Education Guidelines
Include degrees in Electronics Engineering, Aviation Technology, or related fields. If you attended specific manufacturer training (e.g. Northrop Grumman or Indra), list those details clearly.
Top Skills for Air Traffic Safety Technicians
These skills represent the core competencies required to manage the electronics that keep aviation safe.
CNS/ATM Systems
Technical Tools & Hardware
Compliance & Safety
Air Traffic Safety Technician CV Example
This example reflects a senior-level professional with deep expertise in both hardware maintenance and system upgrades.
Notes for adapting this example:
Adjust the specific radar and navigation systems in this example to match your own experience. If you have worked at smaller regional airports, emphasise your versatility across multiple system types.
CV Tips for Success
Explicitly list the brands and models of hardware you have worked with, such as Thales, Raytheon, or Honeywell.
Highlight your availability for shift work and emergency on-call duties, as these are inherent to the role.
Provide evidence of your troubleshooting methodology, such as 'root cause analysis' or 'fault tree analysis'.
Mention your experience with Flight Inspection procedures and coordination with pilots.
Ensure your ATSEP or similar regulatory licences are prominently displayed near the top of the CV.
Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to mention specific regulatory standards like ICAO Annex 10 or UK CAA policies.
Focusing purely on IT networking while ignoring specialised RF and radio equipment.
Omitting safety certifications or the ATSEP qualification, which are often mandatory requirements.
Using overly technical jargon without explaining the operational impact of your work.
Neglecting to mention 'soft skills' such as the ability to coordinate with Air Traffic Controllers during emergencies.
FAQ about Air Traffic Safety Technician CVs
What is the typical salary for an Air Traffic Safety Technician?
In the United Kingdom, the salary for this role typically ranges from £45,000 to £85,000 yearly. Senior technicians or those based at major hubs like London Heathrow or Gatwick may see higher compensation packages. (Source: Estimated market data)
Which certifications are most important for this role?
The most vital certification is usually the ATSEP (Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel) qualification. Additionally, specialised manufacturer training on systems like Thales or Indra is highly valued by UK employers.
Do I need a university degree to be an Air Traffic Safety Technician?
While many technicians start with an HNC/HND in electronics or military training (such as RAF), a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Aviation Technology is increasingly preferred for senior or lead positions.
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Build with VitaeLast updated: 12/21/2025