Aviation Planner - Aviation Noise Analyst

HNTB Corporation; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

HNTB Corporation is seeking an aviation planner focused on aviation noise analysis, with expertise in AEDT, GIS, and data processing. The role involves preparing concise, defensible NEPA documents and presenting complex analyses to clients and regulators.

The candidate will collect noise data, analyze flight tracks, forecast aviation activity, and coordinate with regulatory agencies while contributing to diverse aviation planning projects. Excellent writing and communication skills required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Engineering or related field and 4 years of experience, or Master’s degree and 3 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze and prepare noise model input data from FAA data, airport monitoring systems and other sources.
• Analyze flight tracks and aircraft performance data for environmental analyses.
• Develop aircraft noise exposure maps using AEDT for NEPA/Part 150 and master plans.
• Perform advanced GIS analyses including population impact assessments and noise contour mapping.

Skills

Aviation noise analysis

Technical writing

Oral communication

Public presentations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Engineering

Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Engineering

Tools

AEDT

ArcGIS Pro

CAD

SQL

Python

R

VBA

Job description

What We’re Looking For

HNTB Corporation is currently seeking an aviation planner focused on aviation noise analysis. Specific duties include conducting analyses of aircraft noise impacts associated with airport operations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 14 CFR Part 150 studies and Airport Master Plans and other planning studies. The position requires working knowledge of FAA Orders 1050.1 and 5050.4B, 14 CFR Part 150, and other aviation environmental policy and guidance, as well as aviation and airspace systems. The ideal candidate should be experienced and proficient in the analysis of the range of available data used to perform environmental analysis of aircraft noise for airports and airspace using the FAA’s Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT), GIS software including ArcGIS Pro, CAD, and a range of database tools. Experience with SQL, Python, R, VBA, or other tools for processing and analyzing large aviation datasets is desirable. HNTB seeks a candidate with demonstrated excellence in technical writing and oral communication, and with preparing concise, defensible documentation and presenting complex analyses to clients, regulatory agencies, and the public.

• Collect, analyze and prepare noise model input data from various sources, including FAA data and airport noise and operations monitoring systems.
• Analyze flight tracks, aircraft performance data
• Participate in the development and evaluation of aviation activity forecasts and operational scenarios for use in environmental and planning studies.
• Develop aircraft noise exposure maps using AEDT.
• Evaluate noise impacts for NEPA, Part 150, and airport development projects.
• Perform advanced GIS analyses including population impact assessments, noise contour overlays, and preparation of publication-quality exhibits.
• Researching, writing and preparing detailed technical documents and clear and concise NEPA documents.
• Attend meetings with clients and regulatory agencies and present analytical methods, assumptions, and results.
• Explain technical noise analyses to non-technical stakeholders in public involvement activities including public workshops and public hearings.
• Coordinate and consult with Federal, State and Local regulatory agencies on scope and impact of projects.
• Maintain aviation databases and quality-control procedures.

In addition to noise analysis, the position may support a diverse portfolio of aviation planning and environmental projects, including Airport Layout Plan (ALP) preparation, aviation demand forecasting, operational and airspace simulation, air quality analysis, GIS-based spatial analysis, and airport development planning studies.

What You’ll Do:

• Research data sources, gathers data, and conducts analysis of data for use in projects.
• Identifies planning and analysis strategies using tools such as GIS, traffic, or safety software to manipulate data, assess scenarios, and perform project analysis.
• Investigates, evaluates, and provides recommendations on planning processes and technical solutions that best meet the project needs.
• Leads aspects of internal and external coordination with project team members, including other discipline areas involved with the project.
• Participates in client meetings and interactions.
• Leads preparation of maps, exhibits, and presentation materials for projects.
• Conducts or directs research on issues, policies, and concepts pertaining to planning, and formulates recommendations.
• Participates in the development of conceptual planning alternatives for urban and transportation planning projects.
• Writes major sections of and leads production of plans, studies, reports, and environmental documents for transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Participates in public process and stakeholder facilitation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Engineering, or related field and 4 years related professional experience, or Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Engineering, or related field and 3 years of relevant experience

What You’ll Bring:

Proficient at using software specific to planning jobs.

Aids Planners I and II in increasing their software proficiency.

Analyzes data to provide findings and recommendations to more experienced staff to move the project forward and determine solutions.

Provides direction on data resources to less experienced staff.

Uses judgement to appropriately identify research tools and sources to conduct technical analysis and assess the findings with some oversight by more experienced staff.

Drafts reports, including compiled materials from others, to create and substantiate findings.

Contributes to presentations and may present findings to the team.

Assists in preparing materials for client meetings by creating an agenda and organizing meeting materials.

Attends client meetings and takes minutes.

What We Prefer:

• Bachelor’s degree in Acoustics, Aviation Management, Civil or Environmental Engineering, or transportation or urban planning related field
• At least 5 years’ experience
• Experience with AEDT (experience in highway or transit noise modeling is a plus)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• PE, EIT, ACIP or CEP is desirable

Additional Information Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Locations:

Arlington, VA (Alexandria), Baltimore, MD, Bellevue, WA (Seattle), Boston, MA, Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, Houston, TX (Fannin), Los Angeles, CA (LA International Airport), New York, NY, Salt Lake City, UT, San Francisco, CA, Santa Ana, CA (Irvine).

The approximate pay range for Los Angeles Metro Area and Orange County, CA is $85,580.52 - $128,370.78. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

The approximate pay range for the California San Francisco Bay Area is $93,022.31 - $139,533.46. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

The approximate pay range for Washington is $89,301.41 - $133,952.12. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position based on all selected locations within the state at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

The approximate pay range for Colorado is $81,859.63 - $122,789.44. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position based on all selected locations within the state at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

The anticipated last day to apply is 02/07/2027. Please note that the job may be unposted prior to this date if the job is filled or no longer a need.

The approximate pay range for New York is $93,022.31 - $139,533.46. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position based on all selected locations within the state at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

The approximate pay range for Massachusetts is $89,301.41 - $133,952.12. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position based on all selected locations within the state at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

The approximate pay range for Maryland is $78,138.74 - $117,208.11. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position based on all selected locations within the state at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

The approximate pay range for Virginia is $85,580.52 - $128,370.78. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position based on all selected locations within the state at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES:

HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant’s resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.

At HNTB, we are harnessing the power of collaboration and innovation to establish a new vision for the future of mobility across our country. You don’t have to look far to see our impact. For more than a century, HNTB’s spark has connected people and places, expanded opportunity, and left a lasting impact on our communities. Our culture of integrity and inclusion, combined with groundbreaking solutions, has affirmed our reputation and positioned our firm as the industry leader in delivering extraordinary value. When you join HNTB, you are joining an employee-owned firm founded on the values of integrity, collaboration, personal accountability, respect for others, and the development of all employees. We are committed to the continual improvement of an inclusive workplace. We encourage our employees to bring their whole and authentic selves to work, provide them a meaningful welcoming environment where they are valued, celebrated and respected. Diversity of thought and unique perspectives drives innovation, engagement and retention, which makes HNTB better and brings value to our clients and our communities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

HNTB is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other status protected by law. We will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with a disability where appropriate.

Work Authorization

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we will only employ qualified individuals legally authorized to work in the United States (if the position is or will be one which is subject to U.S. law). Verification of employment eligibility will be required. HNTB participates in E-Verify Know your rights: Right to Work