Flightdeck & Airspace Technology Engineer

Air Line Pilots Association; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Flightdeck & Airspace Technology Engineer to enhance aviation safety and technology standards. This role involves developing technical specifications, engaging with government agencies, and supporting airspace modernization initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in flight deck technologies and air traffic control systems, along with exceptional communication skills to represent the organization effectively. This position offers opportunities for local and international travel, making it an exciting chance to contribute to the future of aviation safety and technology.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing technical specifications and standards for flight deck technologies.
• Strong understanding of air traffic control systems and cybersecurity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for flight deck-related technologies.
• Monitor and support development of industry standards and airspace modernization plans.

Skills

Technical Specification Development

Cybersecurity in Aviation

Air Traffic Control Systems

Communication Skills

Policy Development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

Master's Degree (preferred)

Tools

Radar Altimeters

ADS-B Technology

Data Communication Systems

Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)

Job description

External Description

Flightdeck & Airspace Technology Engineer

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 79,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Flightdeck & Airspace Technology Engineer for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. The Flightdeck & Airspace Technology Engineer is the primary POC and staff SME on the development of technical specifications, standards, and policies on flight deck-related technologies. This includes radar altimeters and the associated issues of aviation spectrum policy, aircraft flight deck cybersecurity, and flight deck technologies that advance safety or otherwise interact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) technologies. The position serves as the staff SME on airspace modernization initiatives involving aircraft and ATC system upgrades including technologies such as ADS-B, Data Communication, and Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), and their interaction with air traffic control systems.

The engineer monitors and supports the Association's actions on the development of consensus on industry standards, airspace modernization plans, proposed regulations, and policies at both the strategic and tactical levels. They provide staff coordination and liaison with government, industry, and professional groups on behalf of the ALPA Air Safety Organization (ASO); other Association committees and Master Executive Councils (MECs); and, the Engineering & Air Safety department, as assigned. They provide coordination and subject matter expertise support for a wide variety of technical issues across the air traffic control subject area, including frequency interference and aviation spectrum management, avionics standards development activities, evaluation of emerging technologies and innovative operations, and other areas of importance to the membership.

They must be able to understand, evaluate, and effectively communicate the benefits and concerns that emerge from constantly changing processes, technologies, and air traffic control systems, for both current and planned operational improvements to the airspace system; effectively represent the Association by interacting with government and industry safety officials on a continual basis and build and maintain a network of contacts for that purpose; and, in coordination with pilots, department management, and other staff, develop and coordinate written communications to membership, government, and industry groups outlining ALPA positions on a wide variety of air traffic-related and other issues.

The position represents the Association to government agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada (TC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), NAV CANADA, and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). Working with members of ALPA’s Air Safety Organization, the position works to advance Association policies, initiatives, and goals in the areas of ATC modernization and the associated flight deck technologies, as well as cybersecurity. The position also supports ALPA ASO pilot representatives on relevant internal and external committees and assists in conducting meetings between ALPA and industry/government stakeholders on areas of assigned work.

Local, national, and international travel: 10 - 20%.

ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace. We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any