Principal Aviation Planner
About The Position
ARA is seeking principal-level planners with significant aviation infrastructure experience to join our Transportation Division Aviation Directorate. This position provides an opportunity to work on aviation, airport, uncrewed systems, and advanced air mobility planning projects with regulatory agencies and airports throughout the United States. The successful candidate will grow an aviation planning practice focused on integration of new aviation technologies into FAA guidance and airport master plans. We are looking for a motivated planner who thinks strategically to apply technical understanding of airport systems to solve complex problems by optimizing capacity, safety, efficiency, and sustainability. ARA employee-owners are actively involved in all aspects of research and consulting, applying technical knowledge, professional judgement, and innovation to develop high-quality solutions for our clients.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Planning, or Civil Engineering; master’s degree preferred. Degree program must be accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
- 12+ years of increasingly complex experience in airport master planning, airport regional planning, or aviation capacity planning. A combination of two or more of these specialties is preferred.
- Strong understanding of FAA/ICAO standards, airport operations, and airspace fundamentals.
- Proficiency in planning software tools (e.g., GIS, AutoCAD, AviPlan, simulation platforms).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in the English language.
- Strong presentation skills and ability to convey technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
- Ability to manage complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability and willingness to travel to work at project sites.
- Candidates selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Nice To Haves
- A combination of two or more of these specialties is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Interact with clients and potential clients to capture new business through technical work and capability briefings.
- Lead and develop comprehensive airport master plans, including airside, landside, terminal, cargo, and support facilities.
- Conduct capacity analyses, demand forecasting, and operational assessments to inform long‑range planning decisions.
- Prepare and update Airport Layout Plans (ALPs) and ensure compliance with FAA, ICAO, and other regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate with engineering, environmental, commercial, and operations teams to develop integrated planning solutions.
- Analyze airspace constraints, runway/taxiway configurations, and aircraft performance data to recommend improvements.
- Support capital improvement planning by developing phasing strategies, cost estimates, and actionable development programs.
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement, including airport leadership, airlines, community groups, and government agencies.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and planning.
- Support research and development of planning criteria related to new aviation technologies including advanced air mobility and uncrewed systems.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
