Careers

To learn more about Aerospace Industries Association, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

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Position Summary:

AIA is seeking a passionate and driven individual to join our legislative affairs division. The Vice President, Legislative Affairs will manage a dynamic portfolio of legislative initiatives and contribute to shaping AIA’s advocacy efforts.

The Vice President of Legislative Affairs will report directly to the Senior Vice President of External Affairs and serve as a strategic partner to fellow Vice Presidents in advancing our organizational mission. This leadership role oversees a team that includes two Senior Directors, one Manager, and a shared Coordinator in collaboration with the Communications Division.

The Vice President, Legislative Affairs will lead the development and implementation of AIA’s comprehensive legislative strategy to support the association’s policy, industry advocacy and membership goals. The incumbent will communicate the industry’s interests to members of Congress, White House and Administration officials, state and local leaders, and inform AIA members of key legislative policy developments and impacts. The Vice President is responsible for defining, shaping, and tracking legislation of interest to the aerospace industry; communicating legislative developments to members; presenting industry views and positions to Members of Congress and their staff; developing an engagement plan for the President and CEO, and serving as the principal staff contact for other organizations with overlapping legislative objectives. In this role the Vice President will manage AIA’s development and execution of our industry positions, strategies, and programs on all matters related to building and supporting a dynamic future workforce for the aerospace and defense industry and our member companies. The ideal leader in this role will have the ability to focus and refine a legislative strategy while emphasizing the professional development of the staff.

This position is also responsible for ensuring the association’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to federal lobbying. This includes, but is not limited to, a leadership role in staff training and education as well as review of the association’s quarterly reports under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.

In addition, the Vice President will develop the annual strategic objectives for legislative affairs, working closely with the SVP of External Affairs and other AIA senior leadership to ensure that strategy aligns with AIA’s mission, strategic plan, and specific objectives, in coordination with other departments. We’re looking for someone to ensure that AIA takes proactive actions to stay ahead of critical regulatory and legislative issues affecting our industry. It is expected that this position will involve registration and reporting as a federal lobbyist, as required by law, but not registration as a lobbyist before any state.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Executive in a company or association, with specific expertise in federal legislative advocacy or relations.
• 12+ years’ supervisory experience in government, an association, or aerospace-defense related corporation with responsibility over multidisciplinary functions.
• Experience in developing and managing departmental budgets.
• Superb interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collegially with others and with the highest standards of integrity.
• First-rate personal, political, analytical and organizational skills.
• Creativity and ability to quickly get up to speed on complex technical and regulatory issues.
• Excellent communicator with great interpersonal and presentation skills, both for policy experts and the layperson.
• Ability to work independently as well as a team player in a multi-task work environment while producing the highest caliber work product in a timely manner.
• Self-starter with a sense of humor and the ability to thrive in a fast moving and high pressure environment.
• Adept in motivating teams, fostering a positive organizational culture and employee engagement.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• Resume
• Cover Letter 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

o learn more about Aerospace Industries Association, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

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Position Summary:

We’re currently seeking a Senior Director to join our Civil Aviation division. This role is ideal for a passionate and strategic professional eager to drive meaningful impact across the Aerospace industry.

The Senior Director plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerospace systems and operations. This position is responsible for leading and advancing the full spectrum of priorities within the Civil Aviation portfolio, to include safety, certification, and operational initiatives. The Senior Director brings proven technical, organizational, interpersonal, and strategic expertise to anticipate and resolve issues impacting current and future aerospace products, including but not limited to transport category aircraft, rotorcraft, UAS, AAM, avionics, and related technologies. The Senior Director oversees the priorities of AIA industry committees and working groups, develops industry positions, and represents AIA before domestic and international bodies, both public and private.

This position reports directly to the Vice President of Civil Aviation.

Key Responsibilities:

The Senior Director is a highly motivated individual who will engage on an array of initiatives associated with the safety, design, manufacture, and operation of traditional and emerging aircraft and associated products. The ideal candidate will also have experience with relational topics such as spectrum, automation, and AI. The Senior Director will lead policy development, track industry trends, and advocate for regulatory and/or process changes which support innovation in commercial aviation. Key focus areas also include safety and quality management systems, certification processes, and integration of new or novel technologies into the National Airspace System. The role also includes staying current in relevant technical areas and leading educational initiatives for AIA staff and members.

The Senior Director will collaborate across the Civil Aviation team and internal departments to guide strategic efforts, including those that intersect with other divisions. The ideal candidate will build and maintain partnerships with AIA members, government agencies, other relevant associations, and international organizations, serving as a trusted liaison and advocate. The role includes aligning industry positions, managing meetings and logistics, and supporting broader AIA initiatives beyond commercial aviation. The Senior Director also advises senior leadership on policy implications, fosters cross-departmental collaboration, and engages with stakeholders across government, industry, and academia. This role demands a high level of professionalism, consensus-building ability, and commitment to advancing the interests of the U.S. aerospace manufacturing sector.

The Senior Director will work with relevant individuals and teams to identify strategic opportunities for AIA to amplify the industry’s voice and impact, especially related to maintaining U.S. leadership is aviation safety and innovation. This includes preparing for and moderating discussions at high-level aviation summits and conferences, interviews with the press, and serving as an industry representative on government advisory boards and committees. Additionally, the Senior Director represents U.S. manufacturing interests in multilateral and international forums, ensuring alignment with global standards and advocacy efforts.

Qualifications and Experience:

Experience

• A minimum of ten years’ prior experience in aerospace-related positions.
• Experience managing, developing, or advocating positions on issues related to aviation products, systems, emerging technologies, operations and/or infrastructure.
• Experience with or in US government agencies (such as FAA/DOT) and/or Congressional committees that oversee civil aviation issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of commercial aviation regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated success in bringing stakeholders together to resolve issues.
• 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.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in an aviation discipline such as, but not limited to, aerospace engineering; other academic backgrounds will be considered based on resume and experience.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• Resume
• Cover Letter 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

To learn more about Aerospace Industries Association, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

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Position Summary:

The Senior Director, Procurement Policy supports the Vice President for National Security Policy on all matters relating to DOD procurement policy, including but not limited to, contract management and pricing policy matters. The incumbent represents AIA on these and related issues to AIA membership, outside organizations, the Department of Defense (DOD), other executive branch agencies, and Congressional committees and member offices.

Building on their experience, judgment, and network, the incumbent works with and seeks input from member companies, councils, and committees, and is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, proposing, and advocating for legislation, regulation, and policies concerning defense procurement; monitoring implementation of such rules; and other related areas.

Key Responsibilities:

The Senior Director, Procurement Policy serves as AIA’s primary defense contracting policy resource. The incumbent responds to inquiries from member companies, government officials, military personnel, the public, and the press.  These inquiries may range from general questions to highly technical requests requiring significant effort to assemble data and related background information.  The incumbent also may prepare Congressional testimony on association positions for AIA leaders.

The Senior Director, Procurement Policy maintains regular contact with government officials and representatives of the DOD, Executive Branch agencies, and other offices.  The incumbent may accompany the Vice President for National Security Policy and other senior AIA leaders to meet with senior Administration officials, members of Congress and staff, AIA member company Chief Executive Officers and other executives, and other senior individuals in and out of government.

The Senior Director, Procurement Policy may be called upon to present AIA’s views orally and in writing to government and industry officials and to the media; to represent AIA in coalitions that are formed to present a unified approach on national security policy issues of mutual interest; and to represent AIA positions as a spokesperson at conferences and seminars.  The incumbent will contribute articles and news items to AIA publications, highlighting issues and developments within the NSP division’s portfolio, and prepare summaries of such issues for use during AIA or outside meetings.

The Senior Director, Procurement Policy will support the Vice President for National Security Policy by leading and coordinating the activities of AIA’s acquisition-focused councils, committees and working groups, primarily the Acquisition Policy Council, Cost Principles Committee, Contract Management Committee, Aerospace and Defense Controllers Committee, Cash Flow Committee, and others.

Policy Leadership (40%)

• Representing AIA to all stakeholders across the federal contracting community.
• Leading AIA input to, comments on, and communications regarding defense procurement policy matters, including executive orders, regulatory actions, policy memoranda, and other guidance affecting defense procurement.
• Analyzing industry challenges and opportunities and synthesizing concepts and ideas coming from government contacts and AIA’s council, committee and working group activities into cohesive policy positions.

Collaboration & Advocacy (40%)

• Advocating for the association’s acquisition and procurement priorities and agenda in collaboration with internal AIA staff, including senior directors for Communications, Legislative Affairs, Civil Aviation, Space Systems, and other divisions.
• Providing regular input and advisory support to the Washington Procurement Committee and informing AIA legislative goals and activities.
• Building industry consensus among member companies on relevant and timely defense industry topics and issues and serving as staff liaison to relevant internal and external groups.

Industry Advocacy (20%)

• Overseeing arrangements and content for periodic council and committee meetings (including developing the agenda, assembling background information and materials, arranging for speakers and other participants, and ensuring that minutes are prepared), and managing expenses associated with all council and committee meetings.
• Assisting with the planning and execution of major association events, including Executive Committee and Washington Representatives meetings, and semi-annual Board of Governors meetings,
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

Experience

• The Senior Director, Procurement Policy must be a known and respected practitioner in the defense acquisition community, with focused experience in defense contracting policies and practices.
• The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of the U.S and international defense ecosystem, with a minimum of 12 years of experience in the DOD, the U.S. Congress, a DOD supplier, and/or a relevant trade association.
• The combination of both industry and DoD experience is highly valued.
• The incumbent must have excellent writing, research, speaking ability, superior attention to detail, and be skilled at working within large groups with divergent views to build consensus.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree, preferred.
• Specialized acquisition credentials and certifications, and/or a Juris Doctor or Master’s degree with contracting, business, or national security concentration are preferred.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• Resume
• Cover Letter 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

To learn more about AIA, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

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Position Summary:

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), based in Arlington, VA, has been a leading voice for the American aerospace and defense industry for over 100 years. We’re hiring a Director of Technical Policy to support our Engineering & Technology division. This role will lead policy efforts across engineering management, product support, and quality assurance, working closely with AIA committees and stakeholders to shape national policy and industry standards.

This position reports to the Vice President of Engineering & Technology. The median salary for this role is $140,000 annually.

Key Responsibilities:

The Director of Technical Policy, Engineering & Technology is a strategic leader with expertise in space, national defense, and civil aerospace markets. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to build consensus among aviation industry stakeholders. Success depends on influencing without direct authority, and candidates should be able to share examples of applying this skill effectively.

The Director will lead technical policy discussions with industry, government, and regulatory stakeholders, develop consensus-based positions, and support advocacy through proposals and communication materials. They will also monitor relevant legislation, represent AIA in policy forums, and maintain relationships with key decision-makers.

Internally, the Director will coordinate across AIA divisions to ensure consistent messaging and collaboration, including enhancing information exchange, supporting cross-functional initiatives, and aligning technical efforts with organizational objectives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, public policy, or a related field. An advanced degree, preferred.
• 6 years of experience in policy development, with a focus on technical policy issues and challenges.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in at least one technical domain such as digital thread, quality assurance, or engineering practice.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collegially with others and with the highest standards of integrity, contributing to a positive organizational culture.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong leadership, management, and organizational skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse and high-performing team.
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including government and regulatory agencies, industry associations, and other policy organizations.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

To learn more about AIA, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

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Position Summary:

The Coordinator, Communications and Legislative Affairs, serves as the operational backbone for two critical divisions of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). Reporting through senior directors to the division’s senior vice president and vice president, the coordinator supports the strategic and tactical goals of AIA’s advocacy and outreach teams — key functions of the leading trade association for the American aerospace and defense industry.

The ideal candidate is exceptionally organized, discreet, collegial, and customer service-oriented, with excellent communication and writing skills, ability to multi-task, and attention to detail. They must be able to quickly switch between near – and long-term tasks and balance that against supporting strategic planning and execution demands for each division. Managing complex schedules, streamlining day-to-day operations, maintaining excellent records, and meeting constantly changing deadlines and requirements is essential to the position. Experience on Capitol Hill or in a comparable legislative role and/or in communications or media is a plus.

The median salary for this position is $55,000.

Key Responsibilities:

This position will have primary responsibility for operational support of both the Communications and Legislative Affairs division teams, including schedule and calendar maintenance, expense filing, coordinating team meetings, engagement with internal/external stakeholders on behalf of each leader, division-wide near- and long-term planning activities, and other responsibilities as directed by senior leadership.

The coordinator will also support overall division tasks, including assisting with council, committees and working group actions, preparing, and disseminating initial drafts of documents for member company distribution and/or AIA leadership, preparing policy summaries for AIA leadership and members, and collaborating on Association-wide flagship events.

This position is responsible for performing a variety of administrative activities and functions. In this capacity, the coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of daily and long-term projects.

This role also includes coverage of the reception desk during lunch breaks and other periods of absence, ensuring continuous front desk support.

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Requirements

• Native understanding and extensive work within the Microsoft Office environment (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Sharepoint) is required.
• Strong oral and written communications skills (concise, timely, positive nature).
• Ability to work under time pressure to meet deadlines and capability to quickly flex to changes in priorities. In addition, be flexible where extra hours are needed without always being asked.
• A team player attitude, with dynamic customer service, and proven ability to respond to internal and external requests, from all levels of leadership, for assistance promptly, professionally, and effectively.
• Ability to independently prioritize, multi-task duties, and collaborate across AIA. In addition, possesses well-developed interpersonal and time management skills.
• Natural desire to take ownership to contribute to the broader team.
• Motivated, “can-do” attitude that contributes to the mission of the organization and the industry.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism, maturity, and trust.

Desired Skills/Experience

• 1-2 years’ of relevant operational, administrative, or project management experience, a plus.
• College or Associate’s degree, or equivalent work experience, ideally in a relevant field such as political science, public affairs/policy, business/economics, journalism/communications, English, preferred.
• Interest and experience with Capitol Hill and the legislative landscape and/or a strong background in communications/public relations/public affairs.
• Knowledge of the media landscape and an eye for breaking, relevant news.
• Experience with PhotoShop, Canva, or other design programs.
• Experience conducting and presenting research.
• Experience managing to a principal and/or senior leadership.
• Passion for the American aerospace and defense industry.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.