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 80,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Staff Engineer for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office.  The Staff Engineer provides project coordination, subject matter expertise, and analysis in support of the activities, programs, and safety initiatives of the Association in the areas of aviation safety and security related to current and future flight deck technologies and avionics of civilian transport category airplanes, and for aircraft intended for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations.  

This staff engineer’s daily work focuses on policies, regulations, and standards that include the development of future avionics, the architecture of the flight deck environment, and other related topics. The position actively participates in activities that involve continuing airworthiness of avionics systems, proposed rules related to airplane avionics and flight decks, and associated policies.  The position also participates in the development of industry standards at organizations such as RTCA, and ASTM, for the next generation of avionics and airline flight decks that will be utilized by ALPA members.

The Staff Engineer coordinates with and acts as a liaison between ALPA and appropriate government agencies and the broader aviation industry, creating and expanding their network of government and industry contacts.  They develop written communications to the membership, to governments in response to their requests for comments, and to industry groups on flight deck-related safety and security issues, as needed, and in coordination with relevant Association leadership, Committee representatives, and staff.  

This position supports the Association’s representation to government agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada (TC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and NAV CANADA.  They also support ALPA Air Safety Organization (ASO) pilot representatives on relevant internal and external committees and assist in conducting meetings between ALPA and industry/government stakeholders on areas of assigned work.

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.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with specialization in one of the following: avionics, avionics technician, flight deck architecture, or avionics engineering.  Coursework or training in avionics design and flight deck design is preferred from an accredited college or university, or the equivalent combination of education and practical experience. 
• Minimum three (3) years of previous work experience in the civil aviation industry working on transport category airplane flight decks and avionics, five (5) or more years strongly preferred.
• Must be able to demonstrate previous work related to the standards development and design of avionics and/or flight deck systems on civilian transport category airplanes, or, as an alternative, experience with new aircraft being designed and intended for AAM operations.
• An understanding of aviation industry flight deck and avionics standards development at RTCA, ASTM, SAE, or similar aviation standards organizations is strongly preferred.
• Former employment at airlines, the FAA, or an industry civil aviation segment in a relevant capacity is extremely helpful.
• Special expertise in U.S. and Canadian Aviation Regulations (FARs and CARs), policies pertaining to systems certification and continuing airworthiness, and standards development related to avionics and flight deck technologies for aircraft, AAM, and knowledge of ICAO and/or international safety data systems.
• The ability to learn quickly and seamlessly adapt to changing demands is extremely important.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with staff, pilot members, and external contacts
• Technical writing and presentation skills to communicate effectively with Association members and Executives, government and industry representatives and stakeholders, and staff.
• Able to work independently and to be proactive in identifying and responding to issues and problems.
• On a rotational basis, answers calls to the ALPA Worldwide Accident Hotline and the Pilot Peer Support line, including outside business hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Software:  Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Able to work flexible schedule on short notice as needed.   

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 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment.  No employee contribution required!  Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period; 
• Generous health care benefits on day one –  Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children. Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan;
• 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 coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment;
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
• Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA). Funds in the retiree health account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses in retirement;
• Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses;
• Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available); and,
• Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.

PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE:  $ 96,027.00  –  $ 137,179.00

Relocation not provided.

Sponsorship not available for this position.