Senior Aviation Planner (AAM) - Hybrid

About the role

The Senior Aviation Planner (AAM) is responsible for planning and coordinating strategic Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) projects in Florida and nationwide. The role involves developing, evaluating, and delivering airport and AAM planning projects using specialized software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and AviPLAN. Expertise in FAA Advisory Circulars, airspace determinations, and regulatory standards is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develops and evaluates airport and AAM planning projects using tools like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and AviPLAN.
• Applies expert knowledge of FAA Advisory Circulars, guidance, and airspace determinations to ensure compliance with current and emerging requirements.
• Analyzes and interprets aviation data related to aircraft operations, runway and airspace utilization, and multimodal integration to inform planning recommendations.
• Reviews existing aviation policy and provides recommendations for improvement on topics such as advanced air mobility, infrastructure permitting, or funding.
• Contributes technical expertise to AAM initiatives, including heliport/vertiport planning, facility siting, airspace considerations, and integration with or upgrade of existing airport infrastructure.
• Prepares and reviews high-quality technical reports, planning studies, exhibits, and client deliverables, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency with project objectives.
• Supports client-facing communications by drafting or reviewing proposed media statements, briefing materials, and speech or presentation talking points on AAM topics for delivery by senior leadership.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, project managers, and clients, working both independently and collectively to meet schedules and deliverables.
• Mentors junior staff by sharing technical knowledge, reviewing work products, and supporting professional development.
• Stays current with evolving AAM concepts, FAA policies, and best industry practices, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance project approaches and outcomes.
• Upholds AtkinsRéalis' ethics, quality standards, and professional conduct in all aspects of project delivery and client engagement.
• Serves as staff augmentation for interested clients.
• Attends and makes presentations at conferences and other events on topics such as advanced air mobility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Planning or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience since a Bachelor's degree, or 4 years' experience post a Master's degree.
• Demonstrated knowledge of AAM: state of the industry, industry trends, industry players, etc.
• Demonstrated familiarity with airside and landside aviation planning projects, including airports and emerging AAM facilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs), guidance, and regulatory standards relating to airport/heliport/vertiport design.
• Demonstrated knowledge of aviation infrastructure permitting processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to produce clear, well-organized technical writing and professional communications for both internal teams and clients.
• Demonstrated interdisciplinary experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with working groups, committees, and advisory groups.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and CAD-based software to support analysis, documentation, and planning deliverables.
• Experience with Canva or similar visual communication tools is desirable to support presentation-quality graphics and client-facing materials.
• Working knowledge of AviPLAN is preferred, with the ability to apply modeling outputs to planning and operational analyses.

Qualifications

• Ability to research, interpret, and synthesize airport and aviation data to support planning studies and informed decision-making.
• Knowledge of aviation infrastructure permitting processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to produce clear, well-organized technical writing and professional communications for both internal teams and clients.
• Demonstrated interdisciplinary experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with working groups, committees, and advisory groups.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and CAD-based software to support analysis, documentation, and planning deliverables.
• Experience with Canva or similar visual communication tools is desirable to support presentation-quality graphics and client-facing materials.
• Working knowledge of AviPLAN is preferred, with the ability to apply modeling outputs to planning and operational analyses.

Skills

• Expertise in FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs), guidance, and regulatory standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and CAD-based software.
• Experience with AviPLAN and Canva.

Benefits

AtkinsRéalis offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits, employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, Paid Time Off, leaves of absence options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits.