Air Operations Expert - European Union Aviation Safety Agency (AD5, Cologne)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Union Aviation Safety Agency on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Lead or contribute to assigned rulemaking, safety promotion and research tasks within areas of expertise, in line with the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS)
• Develop and draft regulatory material, guidance material, acceptable means of compliance, and other relevant non-binding products related to air operations standards
• Apply the Agency's rulemaking procedures and contribute to the continuous improvement of methods, processes and ways of working
• Act as a focal point for assigned technical domains within air operations standards, providing expert input and ensuring consistency of technical and regulatory positions
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including the European Commission services, to support the development, consultation, communication and implementation of regulatory outputs
• Lead or support expert groups, stakeholder discussions, public consultations, workshops and meetings
• Prepare briefing notes, reports, analyses, presentations and other material to support decision-making, communication and stakeholder engagement
• Represent the Agency in meetings, workshops, conferences and other relevant fora

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: University studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma in relevant subjects in scope of the profile
• Experience: After obtaining the university degree, at least two (2) years of professional experience acquired in relevant areas. Professional experience in air operations regulation, oversight, standardisation, safety management or safety analysis. Proven track record in drafting, reviewing or implementing technical or regulatory aviation material
• Languages: EU language (C1), EU language (B2), English (C1 or B2)
• Key skills: Rules Development Process, Basic Regulation, English Drafting of Technical Documents, ICAO Annex 6 - Operation Of Aircraft, Air Operations, EU Air Operations Regulations, Flexibility & Change Adaptability, Professional & Technical Expertise, Communication, Teamwork
• Eligibility: Be a national of a Member State of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Entitled to the full rights as a citizen. Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws on military service. Meet the character requirements for the duties involved (police certificate confirming the absence of any criminal record). Physically fit to perform the duties linked to t…

Selection process

The notice describes the following selection steps:

• Assessment of Professional Skills and Behavioural Competences
• English oral and written skills assessment
• Further language assessment may be organised where necessary
• Mandatory pre-employment requirements verification

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 5 years contract as Temporary Agent 2 (f) with possibility of extension.

Working arrangements: Cologne, Germany (relocation is required). 40 hrs per week (on a full-time working pattern). Flexible working arrangements.

Hiring unit: EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency).

Position details

Reference

EASA/AD/2026/1126

Vacancy Notice

Download PDF

Last Verified

16 September 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Air Operations Expert at EASA based in Cologne at the AD5 grade level (Temporary Agent). The vacancy reference is EASA/AD/2026/1126. The role falls under the All Domains domain.

Type of Selection:Internal and External

Contract Type:Temporary agent

Deadline for application:18/10/2026 at 23:59 CET

Experience Level:Professional

Approx. number of candidates on reserve list:5

Location:Cologne, Germany

Monthly gross compensation (€):6,152.64 - 6,411.17

Our employees are our most valuable asset. We therefore offer a wide range of benefits.

EASA is the leading aviation authority in Europe. A career at EASA means contributing to our vision for an ever safer and greener civil aviation. As an EASA employee, you will be making a difference to the lives of about 500 million fellow Europeans: this is our shared purpose and it could be yours, too. From our headquarters in Cologne, Germany, you will work with top experts in a multicultural work environment.Diversity and Inclusion are part of our DNA and innovation is at the heart of what we do. We ensure that aviation is safe in all phases: beginning with the certification of the aircraft to the rules for the air operation and crew. For more information about the Agency please consult ourwebsite and take a look at ourorganisation structure.Are you interested to contribute to our mission? Then see below what it takes to accomplish the role.

We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and non-discrimination. To further enhance the diversity of our workforce, we particularly encourage applications from female candidates.

Job Overview

The Air Operations Expert will support the implementation of rulemaking, safety promotion and research activities under the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS). In this role, the post-holder will contribute to the development of effective, proportionate and forward-looking air operations standards, working closely with internal and external stakeholders across the European and international aviation system.

The position requires the ability to lead complex technical activities and facilitate stakeholder discussions. It is suited to a professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks within a structured rulemaking environment.

Main Accountabilities

- Lead or contribute to assigned rulemaking, safety promotion and research tasks within areas of expertise, in line with the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS). - Develop and draft regulatory material, guidance material, acceptable means of compliance, and other relevant non-binding products related to air operations standards. - Apply the Agency’s rulemaking procedures and contribute to the continuous improvement of methods, processes and ways of working. - Act as a focal point for assigned technical domains within air operations standards, providing expert input and ensuring consistency of technical and regulatory positions. - Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including the European Commission services, to support the development, consultation, communication and implementation of regulatory outputs. - Lead or support expert groups, stakeholder discussions, public consultations, workshops and meetings, including the preparation, conduct and follow-up of such activities. - Prepare briefing notes, reports, analyses, presentations and other material to support decision-making, communication and stakeholder engagement. - Represent the Agency, as appropriate, in meetings, workshops, conferences and other relevant fora. - Monitor operational, safety, technological and regulatory developments, assess their potential impact, and contribute to the evolution of the regulatory framework. - Contribute to the planning, monitoring and delivery of assigned tasks and outputs, ensuring alignment with milestones, quality standards and project objectives. - Contribute, where relevant, to tender specifications, the evaluation of bids, and the oversight of externally contracted research and study projects. - Support collaboration within the team, including providing back-up to peer Air Operations Experts during absences and key events.

Admission Criteria

The following constitute eligibility and essential criteria for the role and for being admitted to the selection process. Candidates not fulfilling these criteria by the deadline for applications,will be excluded from the selection:

- Have a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the European Union (at least level C1) and a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the EU to the extent necessary for the performance of the duties (at least level B2). One of the required languages shall be English*. - Be a national of a Member State of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. - Have completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma in relevant subjects in scope of the profile. - After obtaining the university degree, have at least two (2) years of professional experience acquired in relevant areas. - Demonstrate professional experience in air operations regulation, oversight, standardisation, safety management or safety analysis. - Have a proven track record in drafting, reviewing or implementing technical or regulatory aviation material.

The following constitute advantageous criteria for the role. Candidates not fulfilling these criteria will not be excluded from the selection process:

- Being or having been a qualified air operations inspector and/or RAMP inspector within an aviation authority. - Familiarity with chairing or facilitating technical working groups involving multiple stakeholders. - Familiarity with research, innovation or emerging technologies, safety risk management, safety analysis or operational risk assessment.

- English oral and written skills will be assessed throughout the assessment phase. Further language assessment may be organised, where necessary, to verify compliance with the requirement to demonstrate knowledge of two EU languages.

This vacancy is open as well to_Temporary Agents (2f) employed at EASA_, in the grade bracket AD5-AD9.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is based on the assessment of the Professional Skills and Behavioural Competences listed below. While these are considered critical to perform the role effectively, candidates who do not meet all criteria may still be considered.

Professional Skills

Rules Development Process

Basic Regulation

English Drafting of Technical Documents

ICAO Annex 6 - Operation Of Aircraft

Air Operations

EU Air Operations Regulations

Behavioural Competences

Flexibility & Change Adaptability

Professional & Technical Expertise

Communication

Teamwork

Critical Thinking

Mandatory Pre-Employment Requirements

Prior to recruitment, you will be requested to demonstrate that you:

- Are entitled to the full rights as a citizen - Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws on military service - Meet the character requirements for the duties involved (you will be asked to provide a police certificate confirming the absence of any criminal record) - Are physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post (you will be asked to undergo a medical examination in a centre indicated by EASA)

Conditions of employment

Contract:5 years contract as Temporary Agent 2 (f) with possibility of extension Working hours:40 hrs per week (on a full-time working pattern).Flexible working arrangements Salary:Step in grade upon recruitment based on years of work experience. Additional allowances depending on personal situation Location:Cologne, Germany (relocation is required)

Salary at this grade

Basic monthly salary at AD5 runs from €6,153 (step 1) to €6,961 (top step), giving an annual range of roughly €73,836 to €83,532 before tax and allowances. Steps increase automatically every two years; the figures here are taken from the salary grid in the EU Staff Regulations.

Eligible staff posted away from their country of nationality also receive an expatriation allowance worth 16% of basic salary (around €984 per month at step 1 of AD5) together with household, dependent-child, and education allowances where applicable. Take-home pay is then adjusted by the country correction coefficient for Cologne. For a worked example see our correction coefficients guide and the EU salaries overview.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 16 September 2026, today.

The application deadline is 18 October 2026, 31 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 16 September 2026.

Where to learn more

For full responsibilities, requirements, and career progression at AD5 see our AD5 grade page; for headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at EASA see the EASA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Cologne see our Cologne location page; for related vacancies in the All Domains field browse our All Domains domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.