Aviation Security Specialist (Cyber and Counter-UAS)

ALPA, the largest airline pilot union and non-governmental aviation safety organization (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines), seeks an experienced Security Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office.

About the role

The Security Specialist will focus on cybersecurity and counter-UAS (C-UAS) for civil aviation, providing technical support to ALPA pilot representatives engaged in government and industry working groups developing standards, policy, and regulatory recommendations. The role also covers aviation jumpseat and other security-related policy areas, including risk-based screening, FFDOs, inflight security, Rap Back, and insider threats, to provide backup and overlap with the Aviation Security Specialist.

The Security Specialist will represent ALPA in interactions with government and industry security officials, advocating for the Association’s priorities. In coordination with ALPA committees and staff, they will develop and coordinate written communications outlining ALPA positions on security issues, including cybersecurity and C-UAS.

Travel: 5% - 15%; sporadically, could be as much as 25% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to ALPA pilot representatives on cybersecurity and counter-UAS (C-UAS) policy areas.
• Engage in government and industry working groups developing industry standards, policy, and regulatory recommendations for cybersecurity, C-UAS, and aviation jumpseat.
• Develop expertise in additional security-related policy areas, including risk-based screening, FFDOs, inflight security, Rap Back, and insider threats.
• Represent ALPA and the department in interactions with government and industry security officials, advocating for the Association’s priorities.
• Develop and coordinate written communications to membership, government, and industry groups outlining ALPA positions on security issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity or a related field (e.g., aviation security or Unmanned Aircraft Systems) from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• Three (3) years of experience with aviation cybersecurity and/or counter-UAS technologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of U.S. and Canadian civil aviation operations, with a focus on airline operations preferred.
• Understanding of new entrants’ challenges, air traffic control, the airline industry, airline pilots, and relevant laws and regulations affecting security.
• Familiarity with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) rules and policies strongly preferred.
• Experience engaging with federal advisory committees, aviation rulemaking committees, and/or international aviation organizations (e.g., ICAO, IFALPA) preferred.
• Sound judgment and analytical thinking, with the ability to distill complex technical and regulatory information into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Strong technical writing skills; public speaking skills are beneficial.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective interaction with all levels of internal and external contacts.
• Ability to collaboratively work in a multi-disciplined team.
• Self-starter with professional maturity, capable of independent decision-making and proactive issue resolution.
• Exceptional time management skills; ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment and transition easily between projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and collaborative platforms/virtual meeting technologies.

Physical Demands

• Constantly operates a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
• Regularly required to maintain a stationary position; move about the office and local metropolitan area; communicate and exchange information.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally, nationally, and internationally).
• May include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, pushing, or pulling (e.g., to pack, unpack, or move items).
• Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, or retrieve items up to 10 lbs. (e.g., binders, books, boxes, files).
• While traveling, may be responsible for moving luggage weighing up to 50 lbs. (assistance may not always be available).

Benefits

• Retirement: 401k Plan with a 12% non-elective employer contribution plus a 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days. No employee contribution required. Employees can make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions. In-plan Roth conversions permitted. 4-year vesting schedule for the 401k; 3-year cliff vesting for the MBCBP.
• Health Care: Generous benefits starting on day one, including Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and Kaiser HMO Plan (where available). Covers medical, dental, and vision for employees, spouses, and/or dependent children. No premiums for the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or Kaiser HMO Plan.
• Paid Time Off: 15 days paid vacation, 13 holidays, and 2 volunteer days per year.
• Leave: Generous sick and bereavement leave; competitive parental leave.
• Insurance: Company-paid long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment coverage.
• Accounts: Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts.
• Retiree Benefits: Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (HRA) for eligible medical expenses in retirement.
• Education: Education Assistance Program reimbursing 100% of eligible expenses.
• Optional Benefits: Legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long-term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available).
• Remote Work: Partial remote work opportunities available after six months of service.

Pay

Projected annual salary range: $97,948 – $139,923.