Technical Director, Civil Aviation at Aerospace Industries Association – Washington, D.C. metro area, Virginia

Position Summary:

As the voice of American aerospace and defense, AIA represents 95% of the aerospace and defense manufacturing interests in the U.S. Membership is comprised of a diverse group of companies from tier one/prime OEMs and integrators to family-owned small businesses who provide the systems, parts, materials, products, and services for commercial, military, and business aircraft, space systems, helicopters, and emerging markets such as Advanced Air Mobility.

The Technical Director for Civil Aviation reports directly to AIA's Vice President for Civil Aviation. The Technical Director is responsible for supporting and advancing the entire range of priorities within the Civil Aviation portfolio as well as cross division focus on other engineering and technical issues that impact or are expected to impact the aerospace industry. The Technical Director will bring their technical, organizational, political, and business acumen to bear in anticipating and/or resolving issues associated with current and future aerospace systems, products, and operations. A key focus may be associated with certification of new or modified progress and methodologies by which current processes/practices can be improved for greater efficiencies.

The Technical Director will advise the AIA Senior Leadership team of technical, operational, and regulatory implications of domestic and international policy initiatives that impact the aerospace manufacturing industry. The Technical Director will manage content and membership of relevant CCWGs for Civil Aviation. These bodies may take the initiative to formulate positions to be presented to the U.S. government, international bodies, and other industries. The Technical Director is expected to foster an environment of teamwork, professionalism, and outcomes.

• Bachelor's degree in an aerospace discipline, engineering, technology discipline, math, other related technical areas; an advanced degree or other additional education is preferred
• A minimum of 8-10 years prior experience in aerospace related public or private institution
• Experience managing, developing, or advocating positions on issues related to aviation/aerospace systems, emerging technologies, or infrastructure. A thorough understanding of civil aviation policy and regulation is preferred.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communications skills with the ability to write or oversee technical briefs, advocacy papers, and comments on rulemaking activities.
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience in customer service with high standards of timeliness and responsiveness.
• Demonstrated experience working in a highly collaborative environment where teamwork, collegiality, and self-motivation are necessary for success.
• Experience with or in US government agencies (FAA/DOT) and/or Congressional committees that oversee civil aviation issues, preferred.
• Natural ability to promote the value of AIA in the A&D environment