Senior Aviation Master Planner

Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Southlake (TX); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking principal aviation planners to join the Transportation Division Aviation Directorate.

You will lead airport master planning projects nationwide, including airside, landside, terminal, and cargo facilities, with regulatory coordination and aviation technology integration. This hybrid role in the Dallas–Fort Worth area (Southlake, TX) requires 3 days/week in office and travel; 10–20% travel to project sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Planning, or Civil Engineering; master’s preferred.
• 12+ years of increasingly complex experience in airport master planning, airport regional planning, or aviation capacity planning.
• Strong understanding of FAA/ICAO standards, airport operations, and airspace fundamentals.
• Proficiency in planning software tools (GIS, AutoCAD, AviPlan, simulations).

Responsibilities

• 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 FAA/ICAO compliance.
• 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 with phasing strategies, cost estimates, and development programs.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement with airport leadership, airlines, community groups, and government agencies.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and planning documents.
• Support R&D of planning criteria for new aviation technologies including advanced air mobility and uncrewed systems.

Skills

Aviation planning

Airport master planning

Regulatory knowledge (FAA/ICAO)

GIS

AutoCAD

AviPlan

Simulation tools

Communication skills

Project management

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Planning, or Civil Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

GIS

AutoCAD

AviPlan

Simulation platforms

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking principal aviation planners to join the Transportation Division Aviation Directorate.

You will lead airport master planning projects nationwide, including airside, landside, terminal, and cargo facilities, with regulatory coordination and aviation technology integration. This hybrid role in the Dallas–Fort Worth area (Southlake, TX) requires 3 days/week in office and travel; 10–20% travel to project sites.