The IAA seeks a highly motivated individual for the role of UAS Inspector (Non-Certified Ops). The purpose of this role is to enact the IAA's program for the promotion and regulation of drones, to maximise competitive and socio-economic benefits while ensuring the highest level of safety, security, and protection for citizens.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
* Issuing, amending, suspending, limiting, or revoking certificates of competency of remote pilots
* Issuing, amending, suspending, limiting, or revoking operational authorisations and LUCs
* Verifying completeness, issuing confirmations of receipt, and issuing confirmations of completeness for operational declarations
* Creation and Maintenance of UAS Geographical Zones and the associated AIP entries and common unique digital format
Carry out risk-based oversight and audits of:
* UAS operators that have submitted a declaration, hold an operational authorisation, or an LUC
* Recognised entities
* Model clubs and associations that hold an authorisation
* Economic operators with respect to market surveillance
* Investigate incidents of non-compliance by:
* UAS operators operating in the 'open' or 'specific' categories
* Recognised entities
* Economic operators with respect to market surveillance
Provide information and support (includes giving advice on regulations and standards) to UAS operators for the purpose of:
* Safety promotion
* Clarification
* Policy announcement
* Technical information
* Accident information
Perform appropriate checks on the characteristics of Class Identified UAS on an adequate scale:
* Documentary
* Physical
* Laboratory
* Assist in the maintenance and preservation of documents, records, and reports concerning UAS operational authorisations, declarations, certificates of competency of the remote pilots, LUCs, recognised entities, and economic operators with respect to market surveillance
* Advise the UAS Manager on specific or general matters concerning UAS and provide technical advice and support to other departments internally
* Periodic meetings with UAS pilots, operators, industry, recognised entities, and economic operators
* Exercise corrective action (administrative and if necessary legal measures) to ensure compliance with the required standards
* Assist in the provision of technical advice in the development of safety standards and in the development of regulations in relation to UAS
* Represent the UAS Manager, where required
* Provide OJT to other UAS Inspectors
* Assist with the functions of the Market Surveillance Authority role of the IAA
* Assist with maintaining a database of economic operators to record test reports, certificates of conformity, etc
* Assist in establishing procedures and processes
* Co-ordinate with other State MSAs and Customs
* Actively participate with counterparts in other member states though EU Commission UAS Administrative Cooperation Group
This job description is not exhaustive, other items may be added from time to time at the discretion of the Manager UAS.
The successful candidate should have the following qualifications and skills:
Required
* A relevant third level qualification or equivalent aviation experience
* At least five years' experience working in UAS operations and/or regulation
* Experience and understanding of safety standards and regulatory requirements
* Detailed knowledge of relevant International, EU and Irish regulatory requirements and standards
* Detailed knowledge of the framework of international organisations with which the IAA works including, ICAO, EASA and ECAC
* Familiarity with the working of the Aeronautical Information Management
* Familiarity with Airspace Management
* Have knowledge of future UAS requirements and developments
* Ability to work effectively as part of a team
* Ability to undertake work in a diligent, conscientious, and meticulous manner
* Ability to investigate and to reach justified conclusions
* Ability to cope concurrently with several tasks and to work under time pressure
* Willingness to travel extensively
* Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce coherent and well-constructed reports
* Excellent personnel management and organisational skills together with the ability to deal with the UAS industry at the highest level
* Excellent IT skills, including the full range of O365 is a prerequisite. Ability to familiarise and become proficient with specialist software is also required.
Desirable
* Have held a maintenance engineer's licence, or a graduate engineer in an aviation related subject, or equivalent level of qualification/expertise
* UAS design / manufacturing / maintenance experience
* Airworthiness experience
KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE
For assessment of applicants the following competency model will be used. This model reflects the changing and more complex environment in which those at this level operate. Each competency is supported by a list of key performance indicators set out below.
EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
* Leadership Potential
* Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making
* Management & Delivery of Results
* Interpersonal & Communication Skills
* Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development
Salary Rate
Salary range €75,676 to €104,055.
Probation Period
The position is subject to a probationary period of 6 months from the date of actual commencement and is subject to the provision of satisfactory performance during that period.
Hours of Attendance
Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 41 hours gross per week. The successful candidate will be required to work additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of their duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.
Annual Leave
Annual Leave excluding public holidays is 26 days per annum rising to 30 days after 5 years' service.
Pension
The successful candidate will on date of joining become a member of the Irish Aviation Authority pension scheme details of which will be communicated to the successful candidate on offer of appointment.
Other Benefits
* Access to cycle to work scheme
* Tax free Bus/ Luas/ Rail to assist with travel costs to and from work
* Access to Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to IAA health and wellbeing initiatives
* Learning and Development opportunities
Location
The IAA is based in the Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 near Trinity College. We are convenient to all Luas lines; several Dublin Bus routes and are about 5 minutes from Tara Street Railway Station. We are also just minutes from O'Connell Street and St. Stephen's Green.
Hybrid working arrangements may be agreed in line with IAA Remote Working Policy.
Application
Applications must consist of the following to be considered for shortlisting:
* A letter of motivation (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position
* A comprehensive CV
Complete applications including a CV and letter of motivation
should be received no later than 5pm Thursday 11th December 2025.
Eligibility
Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, the UK and those with an IRP with stamp 4. To qualify candidates must be citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or have an IRP with stamp 4 on the date of application.
The IAA are not in the position to offer sponsorship for this role.
The IAA promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups including, but not limited to, ethnic minority and people with disabilities. IAA firmly believes that such diversity enriches our workplace culture and drives innovation.