Regional Aviation Planning Manager

McFarland Johnson; Freeport (ME); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision insurance

ESOP (employee stock ownership)

401(k) match

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Job summary

McFarland Johnson is seeking a Regional Aviation Planning Manager to lead a diverse team of airport planners and technicians across Northeast office locations. You will collaborate with airport stakeholders and agencies to deliver master plans, layout plans, and planning studies, guiding projects from definition through execution.

Desired candidates bring 10+ years in airport planning, 3+ years of staff leadership, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Aviation Management, Architecture or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive airport planning experience.
• 3+ years managing staff delivering aviation projects
• Experience managing multiple, simultaneous aviation assignments & technical staff.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with AutoCAD AviPlan and/or AirTOPS preferred.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Possession of an industry certification, professional license, or pilot's license is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead and manage a team of technical staff and project managers working on multiple simultaneous aviation planning assignments.
• Oversee the execution of various aviation planning projects, including airport master plans and layout plan sets, project definition documents, and facility/terminal planning studies.
• Manage Airport planning efforts for airside and landside components at airports of all sizes, from general aviation to small/non-hub to large hub commercial service facilities.
• Identify and interpret regulatory requirements from FAA and state aviation departments related to airport operations and development.
• Evaluate proposed airport improvements to ensure regulatory compliance and advise clients on best practices and implementation practices.
• Develop projects scopes, budgets and associated contract/work authorization documents.
• Support and identify project pursuit and proposal development activities throughout the region.

Skills

Aviation planning

Staff leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning/aviation

Tools

AutoCAD AviPlan

AirTOPS

Job description

At McFarland Johnson (MJ), you'll own your future. We're a 100% employee-owned firm with 80 years of experience delivering innovative engineering, planning, environmental, technology, and construction solutions that make a lasting impact on the clients and communities we serve.
Certified as a Great Place to Work, our employee-owners describe MJ's culture as collaborative, people-focused, and supportive. Join us, and help shape the future of infrastructure, together.
We're looking for a Regional Aviation Planning Manager to join our growing Aviation division in one of our Northeast office locations, including various locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. This is more than just a job ' it's a chance to shape your career, grow alongside a collaborative team, and help design the future of infrastructure solutions across the country.

About The Opportunity

The Regional Aviation Planning Manager will work closely with a diverse team of airport planners and technicians, as well as airport stakeholders and local, state, and federal agencies, to ensure airport planning and development projects are completed efficiently and effectively based on strategic thinking and technical analyses. MJ is recognized for its innovation and client-focused services, offering a unique environment where employee-owners are empowered to deliver quality solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently lead and manage a team of technical staff and project managers working on multiple simultaneous aviation planning assignments.
• Oversee the execution of various aviation planning projects, including airport master plans and layout plan sets, project definition documents, and facility/terminal planning studies.
• Manage Airport planning efforts for airside and landside components at airports of all sizes, from general aviation to small/non-hub to large hub commercial service facilities.
• Identify and interpret regulatory requirements from FAA and state aviation departments related to airport operations and development.
• Evaluate proposed airport improvements to ensure regulatory compliance and advise clients on best practices and implementation practices.
• Develop projects scopes, budgets and associated contract/work authorization documents.
• Support and identify project pursuit and proposal development activities throughout the region.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Aviation Management, Architecture or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive airport planning experience.
• 3+ years managing staff delivering aviation projects
• Experience in managing multiple, simultaneous aviation assignments & technical staff.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with AutoCAD AviPlan and/or AirTOPS preferred.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Possession of an industry-appropriate certification, professional license, or pilot's license is a plus.

Why Join MJ?

• Be part of an award-winning, employee-owned firm that values innovation and client-focused service.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of experts committed to delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions.
• Enjoy a supportive, growth-oriented work environment with opportunities for professional development.
• Enjoy flexible schedules, generous PTO, and a culture that values balance so you can thrive both professionally and personally.
• For experienced professionals, MJ offers the chance to mentor emerging talent, share your expertise and leave a lasting legacy on the industry.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary between $120,000 and $165,000 with performance-based incentive payment plan/bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental & vision insurance
• Generous Paid time off including Paid Parental Leave
• Fully contributed Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) match
• Technical training and professional development opportunities

Join Us and Make a Difference

Join a team where your work has purpose, your ideas are valued, and your growth is personal.