Flightdeck & Airspace Technology Engineer

Flightdeck & AirspaceTechnology Engineer

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 79,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Flightdeck & Airspace Technology Engineer for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. The Flightdeck & Airspace Technology Engineer is the primary POC and staff SME on the development of technical specifications, standards, and policies on flight deck-related technologies. This includes radar altimeters and the associated issues of aviation spectrum policy, aircraft flight deck cybersecurity, and flight deck technologies that advance safety or otherwise interact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) technologies. The position serves as the staff SME on airspace modernization initiatives involving aircraft and ATC system upgrades including technologies such as ADS-B, Data Communication, and Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), and their interaction with air traffic control systems.

The engineer monitors and supports the Association's actions on the development of consensus on industry standards, airspace modernization plans, proposed regulations, and policies at both the strategic and tactical levels. They provide staff coordination and liaison with government, industry, and professional groups on behalf of the ALPA Air Safety Organization (ASO); other Association committees and Master Executive Councils (MECs); and, the Engineering & Air Safety department, as assigned. They provide coordination and subject matter expertise support for a wide variety of technical issues across the air traffic control subject area, including frequency interference and aviation spectrum management, avionics standards development activities, evaluation of emerging technologies and innovative operations, and other areas of importance to the membership.

They must be able to understand, evaluate, and effectively communicate the benefits and concerns that emerge from constantly changing processes, technologies, and air traffic control systems, for both current and planned operational improvements to the airspace system; effectively represent the Association by interacting with government and industry safety officials on a continual basis and build and maintain a network of contacts for that purpose; and, in coordination with pilots, department management, and other staff, develop and coordinate written communications to membership, government, and industry groups outlining ALPA positions on a wide variety of air traffic-related and other issues.

The position represents the Association to government agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada (TC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), NAV CANADA, and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). Working with members of ALPA's Air Safety Organization, the position works to advance Association policies, initiatives, and goals in the areas of ATC modernization and the associated flight deck technologies, as well as cybersecurity. The position also supports ALPA ASO pilot representatives on relevant internal and external committees and assists in conducting meetings between ALPA and industry/government stakeholders on areas of assigned work.

Local, national, and international travel: 10 - 20%.

ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace. We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws. We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

ALPA is a member-driven, staff supported, union with two internal professional unions.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in relevant area, e.g., Engineering, Avionics, Air Traffic Management, Aviation Science, or other related discipline, from an accredited college or university required; or, the equivalent combination of education and practical aviation experience. Additional applicable aviation experience may be substituted for the academic requirement.
• Expertise in airline flight deck technology development and advancements, aviation industry standards development processes, and airspace modernization initiatives that affect aircraft flight deck technologies, is highly desired.
• Five (5) years of relevant aviation industry experience required, ten (10) or more years strongly preferred.
• A private pilot's license (or higher) with instrument rating and/or air traffic controller certification preferred.
• Expertise in U.S. and Canadian Aviation Regulations (FARs and CARs), aviation standards (RTCA, SAE) and knowledge of ICAO and/or international ATC systems, rules, and procedures desired.
• Strong technical writing and public speaking skills required.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with internal staff, external contacts, and pilots.
• Software: Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Physical Demands:

Note: The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position; move about the office and the local metropolitan area; determine what others have said or written; and, converse with others and exchange accurate information.

Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally, nationally, and internationally). May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases.

Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.). While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)

ALPA offers competitive salaries with terrific benefits, including:

• 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 11% plus2% into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan after 180 days of employment. No employee contribution required! The 401k plan includes a Roth option and 4-year vesting schedule.
• Generous health care benefits on day one - PPO, Kaiser (where available), and a High Deductible Health Plan which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for employee, spouse, and/or dependent children;
• 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year;
• Generous sick and bereavement leave;
• Competitive parental leave;
• Company-paid premiums for disability and life insurance;
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
• Retiree health plan;
• Education Assistance Program; and,
• Optional benefits including pet insurance, excess life insurance, legal plan, and qualified transportation fringe benefits, where available.
• Partial remote work opportunities.

PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $ 91,454.00 - $ 159,738.00

Relocation not provided.

Sponsorship not available for this position.

PM19