Job DescriptionJOB DESCRIPTIONWe are hiring an
Aviation Planning Lead to support our Aviation team. The Airport Planning Lead will spearhead long-term infrastructure planning, strategic asset utilization, and competitive market growth. This high-impact role requires a seasoned aviation planner and project manager to bridge the gap between complex technical airport planning and aggressive business development. The ideal candidate will leverage over a decade of industry relationships to manage and secure strategic pursuits, identify emerging market segments, and oversee complex master planning initiatives.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Planning: Leads the development of Airport Master Plans, Airport Layout Plans, regional transportation plans, specialized studies, and capital improvement programs (CIP).
- Regulatory Compliance: Applies expert knowledge of FAA Advisory Circulars (Acs) and federal/state aviation regulations to ensure planning and conceptual designs for airfields and vertiports meet safety and land-use standards.
- Technical Analysis: Conducts complex data analysis for aviation forecasting, facility requirements, capacity, development alternatives, land use and airspace.
- Project Leadership: Oversees general on-call contracts and manages individual project budgets, schedules, and deliverables, often serving as Project Manager.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitates public hearings and coordinates with airport stakeholders and community groups.
Strategic Planning & Project Delivery- Lead the development of comprehensive airport master plans, facility layout revisions, and land-use compatibility studies.
- Direct capacity, airfield, and terminal infrastructure simulation modeling to support multi-year development horizons.
- Ensure all technical deliverables and master plans align with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circulars, ICAO/IATA standards, state and local requirements.
- Formulate and manage multi-million dollar capital improvement project budgets and economic feasibility analyses.
Business Development & Revenue Growth- Drive organizational expansion by identifying new geographic markets and supporting aviation planning contracts where Michael Baker currently has relationships.
- Formulate pursuit strategies, lead capture planning, and direct the composition of winning technical proposals and contract interviews.
- Manage and deepen relationships with top-tier partnering firms, FAA, state DOTs, and airport owners.
- Represent the firm at national aviation conferences and stakeholder events to build lead pipelines.
Leadership & Team Management- Mentor, train, and develop junior and mid-level planning consultants and business analysts.
- Act as the primary technical and commercial liaison between the company and aviation clients
JOB REQUIREMENTS- Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Aviation Management, or a related field.
- Experience: Requires 10+ years of post-graduate experience that includes Airport Master Plans, Airport Capital Improvement Planning, Project Management, and Airport Layout Plans
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in industry-standard software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and AviPLAN, plus and GIS/ArcView are preferred.
- Certifications: Certifications: CM - AAAE and/or AICP certification preferred, but not required
- Ability to resolve sophisticated client challenges by applying a nuanced, context-aware approach to conflict resolution
- Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills
COMPENSATIONThe approximate compensation range for this position is $160,000 to $200,000. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
BENEFITSWe offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
- Professional and personal development
- Generous paid time off
- Commuter and wellness benefits
#LI-HYBRID #LI-KR1
