Senior Aviation Master Planner - Airports & New Tech

ARA; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ARA is seeking principal-level planners with significant aviation infrastructure experience to join our Transportation Division Aviation Directorate. This position focuses on aviation, airport, uncrewed systems, and advanced air mobility planning projects with regulatory agencies and airports nationwide.

The successful candidate will grow an aviation planning practice, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to innovative regulatory and master planning efforts while frequently traveling

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Planning, or Civil Engineering; master's degree preferred and accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
• 12+ years of airport master planning or aviation capacity planning experience.
• Strong understanding of FAA/ICAO standards 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.
• Willingness to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop comprehensive airport master plans across airside, landside, terminal, cargo, and support facilities.
• Conduct capacity analyses, demand forecasting, and operational assessments for long-range planning.
• Prepare and update Airport Layout Plans (ALPs) meeting FAA/ICAO requirements.
• Coordinate with engineering, environmental, commercial, and operations teams to develop integrated planning solutions.
• Support capital improvement planning with phasing strategies, cost estimates, and development programs.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement with airport leadership, airlines, communities, and government agencies.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and planning documents.
• Research planning criteria related to new aviation technologies including advanced air mobility and uncrewed systems.

Skills

Project leadership

Strong communication

Technical aviation knowledge

Regulatory understanding

Team collaboration

Education

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

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GIS

AutoCAD

AviPlan

Simulation tools

Job description

ARA is seeking principal-level planners with significant aviation infrastructure experience to join our Transportation Division Aviation Directorate. This position focuses on aviation, airport, uncrewed systems, and advanced air mobility planning projects with regulatory agencies and airports nationwide.

The successful candidate will grow an aviation planning practice, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to innovative regulatory and master planning efforts while frequently traveling