Navigation Engineer

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Etihad Airways is seeking a Navigation Engineer to drive fuel efficiency, enhance safety, and support global network expansion from Abu Dhabi. You'll develop and validate navigation solutions, publish safety-critical information, assess airports and routes, and contribute to Performance-Based Navigation procedures while collaborating with flight operations, network planning and safety teams. The role requires strong AIS/ATM knowledge, ICAO annexes, IATA standards, and familiarity with flight planning systems and navigation databases, plus at least four years in navigation or flight operations engineering. A degree in engineering or aviation is desirable. To apply, tailor your resume to highlight fuel-saving initiatives, PBN projects, charting, and cross-functional collaboration, quantify impact, and show clear communication of technical concepts.

Job Description

At Etihad Airways, we are driven by a passion for innovation, operational excellence, and delivering extraordinary journeys. As a Navigation Engineer, you will play a critical role in enhancing flight efficiency, supporting operational safety, and enabling the expansion of our global network through advanced navigation solutions and technical expertise.

This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of aviation technology, collaborating with flight operations, finance, network planning, and safety teams to develop innovative navigation strategies that improve performance, optimise fuel consumption, and support Etihad's continued growth.

What You'll Do

As a Navigation Engineer, you will:

Drive Fuel Efficiency

• Conduct fuel and payload analyses for existing and future destinations to identify operational savings and efficiency opportunities.
• Deliver fuel-saving initiatives that contribute to Etihad's sustainability and financial objectives.

Enhance Operational Safety

• Analyse, develop, and publish safety-critical navigation information for flight crews, including terrain and obstacle avoidance procedures.
• Ensure navigation guidance and operational documentation meet the highest safety and regulatory standards.

Support Global Network Expansion

• Perform technical assessments of airports, destinations, and alternate aerodromes to determine operational suitability and compliance.
• Evaluate new route opportunities and provide expert navigational recommendations.

Deliver Navigation Excellence

• Ensure all aeronautical charting requirements are maintained accurately and efficiently across the network.
• Develop and validate Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) procedures and specialised routing solutions.

Collaborate Across Operations

• Participate in simulator validation sessions to test and refine specialised navigation procedures.
• Provide fuel valuation and forecasting assessments to support annual fuel budgeting and financial planning activities.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a highly analytical aviation professional who combines strong technical expertise with a passion for innovation, safety, and operational excellence. You thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy solving complex challenges, and are committed to delivering solutions that support world-class airline operations.

Qualifications

Essential Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of Aeronautical Information Services (AIS), Air Traffic Management (ATM), and international aviation regulatory frameworks.
• In-depth knowledge of ICAO Annexes and supporting manuals, IATA standards, resources, and processes, and regulatory requirements from authorities such as EASA/JAA and FAA.
• Sound knowledge of global airspace structures, air route systems, airport design criteria, and aircraft navigation capabilities.
• Experience with flight planning systems, navigation databases, and operational route assessment processes.
• Ability to analyse complex operational data and provide effective, safety-focused navigation solutions.

Qualifications

• Educated to High School level or equivalent.
• A Degree in Engineering, Aviation, Aeronautical Science, or a related discipline is desirable.

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of experience in a Navigation, Flight Operations Engineering, Flight Dispatch, or related aviation environment.
• Experience in flight planning and operational route analysis would be advantageous.
• Exposure to Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), aerodrome assessments, charting, or navigation procedure development is highly desirable.

Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to operational safety.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders across Flight Operations and technical teams.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear operational guidance.

Additional Information

Together, the full advert will position the role as a strategic aviation engineering opportunity rather than simply a technical support position, which is much more aligned with Etihad's premium employer brand and attraction strategy

Etihad Airways is more than the UAE’s national airline - we’re shaping the future of global aviation. From our hub in Abu Dhabi, we connect people across continents and cultures, while driving our “Journey 2030” ambition to double our fleet, expand our network and grow our people for a new era of excellence. Join us and become part of a vision where the world is your workplace and extraordinary experiences take flight.

To learn more visit www.etihad.com

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