Airport Planning Discipline Lead - Aviation
Apply NowCompany: LJA Engineering Inc
Location: Sparks, NV 89436
Description:
Title: Aviation Planning Discipline Lead
Division: Aviation
LJA recognizes that our success depends on the quality of the people we hire. We are currently seeking highly talented individuals that take pride in their work, function exceptionally well in team environments, and contribute to the overall success of the company. As a 100% employee-owned company, we promote an entrepreneurial spirit that helps drive the bottom line and the long-term professional and financial success of our employees. With more than 70+ office locations, LJA is growing and ready for talented people to help us build our future.
Summary: This essential leader will drive the development of LJA's airport planning discipline and function as program manager for all airport planning projects. Airport planning initiatives typically deliver a higher return on investment, and lower expenses compared to engineering projects. Not all competitors in the aviation discipline offer both planning and engineering services, giving LJA a competitive advantage.
This role will integrate airport planners and engineers to ensure planning projects are both constructible and cost-effective. Airport planners with piloting experience bring a unique and valuable perspective to airport planning projects. Their firsthand understanding of aviation operations allows them to design plans that are not only functional but also aligned with the practical needs of pilots and airport users. This expertise sets them apart from competitors, offering airport sponsors the advantage of collaborating with planners who deeply understand both the operational and strategic aspects of aviation. This dual insight can be a powerful differentiator in the competitive consulting landscape.
Planners will collaborate closely with engineers to align proposed construction projects with FAA standards, safety requirements, airspace protections, and design minimums. The Airport Planning Discipline Lead will guide this discipline, replicating its success across LJA's market regions, and positioning LJA as a leader in comprehensive airport planning and engineering solutions.
General Responsibilities:
Required Education:
Required Experience:
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Division: Aviation
LJA recognizes that our success depends on the quality of the people we hire. We are currently seeking highly talented individuals that take pride in their work, function exceptionally well in team environments, and contribute to the overall success of the company. As a 100% employee-owned company, we promote an entrepreneurial spirit that helps drive the bottom line and the long-term professional and financial success of our employees. With more than 70+ office locations, LJA is growing and ready for talented people to help us build our future.
Summary: This essential leader will drive the development of LJA's airport planning discipline and function as program manager for all airport planning projects. Airport planning initiatives typically deliver a higher return on investment, and lower expenses compared to engineering projects. Not all competitors in the aviation discipline offer both planning and engineering services, giving LJA a competitive advantage.
This role will integrate airport planners and engineers to ensure planning projects are both constructible and cost-effective. Airport planners with piloting experience bring a unique and valuable perspective to airport planning projects. Their firsthand understanding of aviation operations allows them to design plans that are not only functional but also aligned with the practical needs of pilots and airport users. This expertise sets them apart from competitors, offering airport sponsors the advantage of collaborating with planners who deeply understand both the operational and strategic aspects of aviation. This dual insight can be a powerful differentiator in the competitive consulting landscape.
Planners will collaborate closely with engineers to align proposed construction projects with FAA standards, safety requirements, airspace protections, and design minimums. The Airport Planning Discipline Lead will guide this discipline, replicating its success across LJA's market regions, and positioning LJA as a leader in comprehensive airport planning and engineering solutions.
General Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership and strategic direction for the firm's airport planning practice, aligning with company goals and industry trends.
- Serve as the senior client-facing representative for major aviation planning projects, including airport master plans, ALPs, terminal and airfield planning, feasibility, and sustainability plans.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with airport sponsors, FAA and state aviation representatives, and other stakeholders across regions.
- Oversee project teams to ensure technical excellence, quality control, and timely delivery of planning documents and reports.
- Lead the pursuit of new planning opportunities, including strategy, proposal development, and interviews.
- Mentor and develop internal planning staff, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth.
- Coordinate with internal departments including CAD design center, operational support lead, engineering, environmental, architecture, survey, and GIS to integrate planning initiatives across disciplines.
- Represent the firm at state and national industry conferences (e.g., AAAE, ACC, ACI-NA) and in client engagements.
- Monitor regulatory updates and industry trends to ensure alignment with FAA guidelines and evolving planning standards.
- Serve as a thought leader, contributing to white papers, best practices, and planning innovations.
Required Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Airport Planning, Urban Planning, Aviation Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
- Master's degree preferred (e.g., Aviation, Planning, or Public Administration).
- AICP certification, PMP, or aviation-related accreditation is a plus.
Required Experience:
- 10 or more years of progressive experience in airport or aviation planning, with a strong portfolio of FAA-funded and airport planning projects.
- Proven leadership in national or multi-regional aviation planning efforts, with demonstrated client development experience.
- Deep knowledge of FAA Advisory Circulars, ACIP processes, and regulatory frameworks affecting U.S. airports.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex project schedules.
- Track record of successful business development, client relationship management, and proposal leadership.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including report writing, presentations, and stakeholder facilitation.
- Familiarity with planning tools such as ESRI GIS, AutoCAD, and forecasting models is beneficial.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)