Specialist Airspace Modelling & Simulation

Listing reference: atns_000654
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 29 May 2025
Position summary
Industry: Aviation & Aerospace
Job category: Transport, Logistics and Freight
Location: Bedfordview
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
Applications are invited for the position of Specialist: Airspace Modelling and Simulation (Peromnes Grade 7) based at Head Office, Bruma. The successful applicant will be reporting to the Manager: ATM Planning and Technology Adoption. Purpose To design, develop (model) and validate airspace and airport models and fast-time simulations to optimise air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety and capacity and to use advanced simulation tools to analyse current and future airspace structures, airspace operations, and ATM processes and procedures and provide data-driven recommendations
Job description

Airspace and Airport Baseline Development  - Develop and maintain high-fidelity baseline models for airports and airspace using historical and regulatory data. Incorporating separation standards, rules and parameters for performance analysis; Design, develop (model) and validate airspace and airport models and fast-time simulations to optimise air traffic management, efficiency, safety and capacity; Plan and generate new projects in collaboration with the Manager ATM Planning & Technology Adoption; Validate baseline information by engagements with industry and the relevant Regulating Authorities (CAA, ACSA); Create layouts, flight schedules, SIDs/STARs, sectorisation, and flow management; Validate simulations against operational environment and activities and ensure compliance with regulatory standards; Create new usage files to organise projects and store projects in appropriate directories; Generate baselines and scenario models according to published and regulatory documents and validate to ensure the reliability of the output and results; Set up different software scenarios to illustrate how ATM operations can benefit ATNS and stakeholders.

Simulation Execution and Analysis - Conduct scenario-based simulations to assess the impact of new technologies, procedures or regulatory changes on the aviation industry and to identify and resolve current challenging situations in the ATM systems; Design and incorporate vectoring areas and holding stacks to align with operational environments; Design and apply flight-level allocation schemes relevant to the specific scenarios; Develop rigorous configuration and version control measures to baselines and projects iterations/scenarios; Perform bottleneck analyses, delay prediction, and optimisation studies for airports and terminal airspace; Record and reference changes and enhancements to projects; Translate conceptual solutions developed by ATM specialists; Analyse project-related data (supplied) to ensure that simulations are accurate reflections of proposed solutions and concepts; Run and debug multi-scenario simulations to assess conceptual ATM solutions; Process simulation outputs using queries and generate visual reports with simulation software, e.g., AirTOP, TAAM, etc; Investigate operational challenges and propose alternatives through simulated testing or modelling; Draft reports with findings and present findings to stakeholders (ATNS, CAA, airlines, ACSA, etc.) via simulation and modelling; Develop simulations in alignment with ICAO standards, regulations, and ATNS safety policies; Supply stakeholders with simulation output to assist them in their decision-making process; Develop videos from simulation information to improve the understanding of new ATM concepts and improve the decision-making process.

Radar Data Integration - Extract and process radar data for playback, incident investigations, and future scenario overlays; Use ATM visualisation tools/software to compare historical data and proposed simulations; Conduct and develop airport/airspace capacity reviews with simulated and/or modelling data-driven insights; Conduct and develop approach/area (procedural) control optimisations with data-driven insights; Assist Instrument Flight Procedure design, airspace design, and obstacle evaluation with historic radar data; Identify ATM-related challenges with the aid of simulations and modelling by reviewing historic air traffic operations.

ATM Capacity Declarations - Conduct stakeholder workshops to define capacity parameters for runway and airspace; Review operational capacity considering safety and efficiency and execute/run baseline and alternate consulted simulations to revise declared capacities; Develop collaborative reports and submit them for regulatory approval; Develop forecasted capacity needs based on historical and real-time data; Knowing the maximum cut off number of aircraft that can be safely controlled at a point is vitaly important for air traffic operations.

Research - Benchmark with other modelling and simulation units/analysts to determine the requirements for ANSP to utilise simulations and modelling to make well-informed decisions, better plan, manage and deliver safe, efficient services to meet strategic targets and objectives; Gather and analyse data for simulation projects (Aeronautical Information Package, Aeronautical Information Circular, Station Standing Instruction, ICAO, EUROCONTROL publications, etc.); Maintain expertise in global ATM trends, simulation software, and regulatory standards; Attend industry forums to align ATNS with international best practices; Collaborate with system specialists to ensure radar data compatibility for ATM visualisation tools; Maintain and upgrade simulation software and databases; Ensure that all simulations comply with published regulations and standards to ensure safety is considered while ensuring efficiency of operations.

 General Duties - Participate in cross-functional initiatives (URS development, procurement processes, tender processes, business case development, etc.); Contribute to team development, QMS/SMS compliance, and budget planning.

Minimum requirements

Minimum Formal Qualifications:

        ATCO3

       Diploma in Aviation (Airline) Management/Airport Management/Air Traffic (Airspace/CNS) Management/Engineering/Computer Science/Mathematics/IT and Quality Management Systems

 Minimum Years of Experience:

        At least 5 years of experience in Approach/Area (Surveillance) Control which include at least 3 years of Aerodrome Control experience

                                                                     OR

       At least 5 years of experience in airspace modelling and simulation

If you have not been contacted within 3 weeks of the closing date of this advert, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

ATNS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to achieve a diverse workforce broadly representative of our people. This position will be filled in line with the objectives of ATNS’ Employment Equity Plan and therefore candidates from designated groups as per the Employment Equity Act of 1998, are encouraged to apply.

 People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Our website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our use of cookies.