Mid-Level Airport/Aviation Planner

About the Opportunity

Cignus Consulting, a leading SBA-certified aviation consulting firm headquartered in Leesburg, VA, is seeking a Mid-Level Airport and Aviation Planner to join our Leesburg, VA team. This is an opportunity to shape the future of some of the nation's most complex and dynamic airport systems through innovative planning and analysis. Our work spans airspace optimization, airside/landside planning, terminal design, and strategic master planning for major hub airports and federal agencies. If you're passionate about solving challenging operational problems and driving airport development forward, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Support and manage airport planning and analysis projects from concept through implementation
• Develop airport master plans that balance operational efficiency with long-term growth
• Prepare conceptual designs, Airport Layout Plans (ALPs), and facility development plans
• Conduct demand/capacity analyses using passenger terminal and airfield simulation modeling tools such as TAAM, AirTOp, and CAST to optimize airport operations
• Analyze aviation trends, forecast demand, and assess external factors impacting airport planning
• Support aviation data analytics and AI/ML-related projects
• Conduct Obstruction Analyses and collaborating with the FAA Obstruction Evaluation team
• Conduct FAR Part 77 airspace analyses to identify potential obstructions and assess impacts to airport operations and navigable airspace
• Collaborate directly with airport clients, airlines, air traffic control, and regulatory agencies
• Support both airside and landside facility planning initiatives
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to business development efforts

What You Bring

Required:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Urban Planning, or related field
• 6 years of progressive airport planning experience
• Project management capabilities (PMP certification preferred)
• Deep knowledge of FAA Advisory Circulars and ICAO/IATA design standards
• Understanding of airport protection
• Exceptional technical writing and client communication skills
• Strong understanding of 14 CFR Part 77 (Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace) and FAA advisory circulars
• Knowledge of Airport Layout Plan (ALP) development and FAA design standards (AC 150/5300-13)
• Proficiency with GIS software and spatial analysis tools (ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred:

• Experience with airside/terminal simulation tools (AirTOp, CAST, TAAM, etc.)
• Background working on FAA AIP-funded or federal aviation projects
• Business development or proposal writing experience

Location & Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Leesburg, VA.