Senior Aviation Planner; AAM - Hybrid

Position: Senior Aviation Planner (AAM) - Hybrid
Job Description

Overview

Atkins Realis is looking for a Senior Aviation Planner (AAM)- Hybrid, with a focus on advanced air mobility (AAM). This position is based in either our Melbourne, FL;
Orlando, FL;
Auburndale, FL; or Tampa, FL office, and works alongside other staff to plan and coordinate strategic AAM projects in Florida and nationwide. Occasional airport planning support outside of the AAM practice may be required.

Your role

* Leads and supports the development, evaluation, and delivery of airport and AAM planning projects using tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, AviPLAN, and other industry-standard software.

* Applies expert knowledge of FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs), guidance, airspace determinations, updates to Airport Master Records, and regulatory standards to ensure airfield, heliport/vertiport, and landside concepts meet current and emerging requirements.

* Analyzes and interprets aviation data related to aircraft operations, runway and airspace utilization, airfield geometry, and multimodal integration to inform planning recommendations.

* Reviews existing aviation policy and provide 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, collaborating with communications professionals to ensure messaging is accurate, accessible, and aligned with broader outreach strategies.

* Collaborates closely 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 Atkins

Réalis' ethics, quality standards, and professional conduct in all aspects of project delivery and client engagement.

* Serves as staff augmentation for interested clients.

* Attends and make presentations at conferences and other events on topics such as advanced air mobility.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

About you

* Requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Planning or related field.

* Requires a minimum of five (5) years' experience since a Bachelor's degree, or four (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.

* Ability to research, interpret, and synthesize airport and aviation data to support planning studies and informed decision-making.

* Working knowledge of AviPLAN is preferred, with the ability to apply modeling outputs to planning and operational analyses.

* Experience with Canva or similar visual communication tools is desirable to support presentation-quality…