Aviation Planner/Research Analyst

Overview

Seeking a new career challenge? Then Woolpert is seeking you! Woolpert is hiring an AAM Planner to join our dynamic Aviation team! This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) research and planning projects for federal, state, and local clients. The role supports federal AAM and emerging aviation technology research programs, as well as AAM strategic planning efforts for state departments of transportation (DOTs), airports, economic development organizations, and corporate clients. You will collaborate with senior researchers, project managers, FAA and State DOT representatives, airport sponsors, and technical teams across a variety of Research & Development and aviation planning initiativeWe are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.  Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located. 

Responsibilities

• Support Project Managers and Senior Researchers in delivering a wide range of research and planning deliverables. 

• Leverage a consultant mindset:  

  • Critical and creative thinking to solve problems,  

  • Ability to determine the approach to an analysis and demonstrate the methods and rationale for their application,  

  • Develop spreadsheets or other tools to analyze, measure, and compare elements of a study,  

  • Display resourcefulness and ability to draw from a variety of materials, and  

  • Ability to distill knowledge and integrate it into practical applications. 

• Prepare and contribute to final deliverables such as technical reports, executive summaries, strategic roadmaps, and planning workshop and presentation materials. 

• Conduct data collection, research, and analysis related to airport operations, aviation facility planning, forecasting, airspace, and capacity. 

• Support stakeholder engagement and client meetings by preparing materials and presenting findings. 

• Stay informed on FAA Advisory Circulars and federal and state policies and planning procedures for emerging aviation technologies and incorporate them into project work. 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, timely project components. 

• Travel to airport and client locations for site visits, field research, meetings, presentations, or workshops, as needed. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Airport Planning, Urban Planning, Aviation Management, Civil Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
• 2–5 years of relevant experience in aviation planning and research, preferably in a consulting or public agency setting.
• Working knowledge of the AAM industry, FAA Advisory Circulars, and the airport planning process, including Airport Layout Plans (ALPs) and Airport Master Plans.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with GIS, AutoCAD, and/or other planning and visualization software.
• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter, work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical material clearly. Must submit technical writing sample.
• Familiarity with aviation system planning and/or statewide airport system plans is a benefit.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python or MATLAB) are beneficial. 

Preferred Experience: 

• Exposure to or interest in emerging aviation technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) or Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)
• Experience interfacing with FAA representatives, state aviation departments, and airport sponsors.
• Prior experience in a consulting environment. 

Unique Benefits

Certified as a Great Place to Work®, Woolpert is one of the fastest growing architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) companies in the world. With over 60 offices and countless projects around the globe, Woolpert makes a real difference at home and abroad. In addition to offering competitive pay, we provide employees with a robust set of unique benefits, including:

• Diverse experiences: Work on meaningful projects that improve quality of life around the world.
• Freedom to work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible vacation
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
• Paid sick time, fitnes