Senior Aviation Planner – Master Plans & AAM (Hybrid)

Ara; Egg Harbor Township, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership (ESOP)

Job summary

Ara is seeking principal aviation planners to join our Transportation Division Aviation Directorate in the United States. You will lead master planning for airports, assess capacity and airspace, and integrate new aviation technologies into FAA guidance and airport plans.

The role requires 12+ years in aviation planning, strong FAA/ICAO knowledge, and proficiency with planning tools. Hybrid work with travel to project sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Planning, or Civil Engineering; master’s degree preferred; degree must be accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
• 12+ years of progressively complex experience in airport master planning, airport regional planning, or aviation capacity planning; combination preferred.
• Strong understanding of FAA/ICAO standards, airport operations, and airspace fundamentals.
• Proficiency in planning software tools (e.g., GIS, AutoCAD, AviPlan, simulation platforms).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and ability to present to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Interact with clients to capture new business through technical work and capability briefings.
• Lead and develop comprehensive airport master plans including 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) and ensure FAA/ICAO compliance.
• Coordinate with engineering, environmental, commercial, and operations teams for integrated planning.
• Analyze airspace constraints, runway/taxiway configurations, and aircraft performance data for improvements.
• Support capital improvement planning with phasing strategies and cost estimates.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement including airport leadership, airlines, 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

Communication

Presentation skills

Team management

Planning software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation/Planning/Civil Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GIS

AutoCAD

AviPlan

Simulation platforms

Job description

Ara is seeking principal aviation planners to join our Transportation Division Aviation Directorate in the United States. You will lead master planning for airports, assess capacity and airspace, and integrate new aviation technologies into FAA guidance and airport plans.

The role requires 12+ years in aviation planning, strong FAA/ICAO knowledge, and proficiency with planning tools. Hybrid work with travel to project sites is expected.