Careers

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

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Position Summary:

The Vice President for Civil Aviation is responsible for identifying, commenting, and advocating for common, noncompetitive domestic and international civil aviation policy issues across AIA membership and in alliance with other aviation associations and safety agencies around the world. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Policy of AIA, the Vice President supervises and manages the Civil Aviation Division.

The Civil Aviation Division’s activities are organized around three primary objectives: promote global aviation safety and competitiveness, support transformational aviation initiatives and technology that advance our industry, and support policies and research that enable sustainable growth of our industry.

Strategic direction for the division is provided by the CEO-level Civil Aviation Leadership Council (CALC). Relying on this guidance and in close coordination with AIA member company representatives, the VP and the Civil Aviation team advocate for AIA’s top civil aviation policy priorities. This work includes aircraft noise and emissions, certification, rulemaking and safety, air traffic systems, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Advocacy on matters of global competitiveness is rooted in a fair and unbiased international regulatory framework, including fair market access internationally. Transformational initiatives and technology include highly efficient regulatory approaches to product certification and risk-based decision making for aviation safety and security, and the safe and efficient integration of UAS in the national airspace system. Advocacy related to polices and research that enable sustainable growth include support for alternative aviation fuels initiatives; the development of a global CO2 certification standard for civil aircraft; promoting enhanced federal research funding for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration; and the pursuit of tax policies that encourage private research and development investment.

Key Responsibilities:

Provides strategic direction for the Civil Aviation Division (50%)

• Serves as a member of AIA’s Senior Leadership Team, coordinating and collaborating on enterprise-level strategic goals as they relate to key civil aviation policy priorities.
• Responsible for identifying, commenting, and advocating for all issues that impact the design, manufacture, and operation of transport category airplanes, rotorcraft, engines, parts and appliances. The position focuses on all aspects of civil aviation products, which requires collaboration with departments across the association.
• Analyzes various trends, issues, areas of concern and emerging patterns pertaining to domestic and international manufacture and operation of transport category airplanes, rotorcraft engines, parts and appliances to provide insight into future developments and to anticipate the need for association positions and actions. These areas include economic and technical trends, flight safety and regulation, aircraft environmental performance, legislative initiatives, and R&D policy.
• Serves as a key resource to the President & CEO, other departments, member companies, government and congressional officials, the media and the public.

Advocacy & Outreach (50%)

• Builds and maintains relationships with senior policy level counterparts in member companies, U.S. and foreign governments, Congress, international organizations, other associations, and academia covering technical and legislative matters to define issues and focal points.
• Helps drive industry consensus; drafting and refining AIA’s positions on the various issues and topics under consideration and in making these viewpoints known to appropriate Congressional and agency officials and relevant private sector organizations.
• Provides substantive and technical expertise to the development of all civil aviation advocacy and outreach related material.
• Coordinates the activities of the Civil Aviation Leadership Council (“CALC” – strategic guidance body comprised of member company CEOs with civil aviation interests), as well as the committees, subcommittees and working groups established at AIA to address U.S. and international policies and regulatory issues. These councils, committees and working groups formulate industry positions to be presented to the U.S. Congress, as well as U.S., foreign, and international governmental agencies, bureaus and commissions. In addition, these groups respond to government inquiries dealing with special areas of concern that require industry input.
• Represents AIA at various official gatherings, organizing and chairing sessions, speaking or serving as a panelist. Works with other organizations to inform them of the AIA position on various issues and topics and occasionally provides congressional testimony.
• Oversees AIA’s participation in the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Association and its activities at ICAO to include: coordination with the ICCAIA employees in Montreal, leaders and membership on issues of importance to AIA members; preparation of the AIA CEO for ICCAIA meetings several times per year; serve as principal POC and supervise ICCAIA Secretary during the next period of AIA Chairmanship of ICCAIA; and educate and inform AIA membership about ICCAIA actions and initiatives.
• Serves as representative on major government advisory boards and committees, and advises the FAA on matters related to safety of flight, aviation system capacity, and aircraft environmental performance.
• Responsible for proactive engagement with member companies to ensure retention of members that are focused on civil aviation issues and engagement. Responsible for recruitment of additional full member companies.

Staff of 4: Senior Director of Commercial Aviation Safety & Regulatory Affairs , Senior Director of Civil Aviation Strategy, Innovation & Environmental Affairs, Senior Manager of Civil Aviation, and Coordinator for Civil Aviation & Space Programs. The Civil Aviation Division works in close coordination with the Legislative Affairs and Communications teams, which play a key role in enabling the advocacy work of the division.

Qualifications and Experience:

Desired Skills/Experience

• Demonstrated experience working in a highly collaborative environment where teamwork, collegiality, problem-solving, and self-motivation are necessary for success.
• Executive-level experience and expertise in civil aviation policy, with related political and/or media experience preferred.
• Proven experience serving as a member of – and key contributor to – a senior leadership team.
• Strategic understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process and the ability to engage and shape both environments.
• Minimum of five years’ prior supervisory experience in an association or aerospace-related corporation.
• Strong interpersonal skills, as well as strong and effective written and oral skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience in customer service with high standards of timeliness and responsiveness.
• Ability to effectively communicate the vision, programs and value of membership in AIA to maintain and increase membership including reaching and/or expanding into new or untapped markets.
• Experience in developing and managing departmental budgets.

Education

• Bachelors’ degree in aviation, aerospace, engineering, public policy, government or legislative affairs, or related fields or comparable work experience required.
• Master’s degree with business, public policy, or aerospace related fields 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 Aerospace Industries Association, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

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Position Summary:

The Vice President of Membership & Strategic Development will report directly to the Senior Vice President, Operations. The focus will be on strengthening relationships with AIA’s most significant members, stabilizing the membership function during this transition, and positioning the team for long-term success. This includes direct engagement with the $100K Club and all members contributing at least $50K, targeted new member recruitment, day-to-day leadership of the Membership team, and oversight of AIA’s sponsorship program.

A key part of the role will also be working with AIA’s Policy Vice Presidents and senior staff to make membership a shared responsibility across the association. The Vice President will assist AIA leadership as they consider major changes to the overall membership structure and benefits, helping to gather input, test ideas with members, and ensure that any transition is communicated clearly and effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide steady leadership to the Membership Department, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities for each team member.
• Streamline processes to improve responsiveness and effectiveness.
• Maintain a regular in-office presence (2–3 days/week) to work directly with staff and colleagues.

Member Retention & Engagement

• Build and strengthen relationships with members contributing $50K+, with particular focus on the $100K Club.
• Share findings from recent $100K Club interviews and demonstrate follow-up on member feedback.
• Develop tailored engagement plans that connect members to AIA’s policy work, councils, and major events.
• Collaborate with Policy Vice Presidents to align initiatives with member priorities and demonstrate the value of engagement.

New Member Recruitment

• Identify and pursue new membership opportunities, particularly among companies adjacent to the aerospace and defense sector.
• Develop and deliver compelling value propositions for prospective members.
• Support the President and senior leadership in outreach to target companies.

Sponsorship Program Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of AIA’s sponsorship program.
• Align sponsorship opportunities with member engagement goals and major events.
• Ensure sponsorship offerings are clearly communicated, competitively positioned, and effectively managed.

Coordination & Communication

• Strengthen communication between the Membership team and Policy divisions to ensure member concerns and opportunities are consistently addressed.
• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to the President and executive leadership team.
• Develop tracking tools and metrics to measure progress on retention, recruitment, engagement, and sponsorship performance.

Carrying Forward Existing Work

• Continue the $100K Club project, integrating member feedback into engagement strategies.
• Provide input to policy divisions to ensure member priorities are reflected in AIA’s advocacy and program planning.

Membership Structure & Benefits

• Support the President and senior leadership as AIA explores changes to the overall membership structure and dues model.
• Provide feedback based on member interviews, retention trends, and industry benchmarks.
• Help design and communicate transition strategies to ensure changes are understood and supported by the membership base.

Transition Objectives

• Stabilize the membership function during leadership transitions.
• Position the team for long-term success through strategic planning and operational improvements.
• Ensure continuity of member engagement, recruitment, retention, and sponsorship efforts.

Qualifications and Experience:

Desired Skills/Experience

• A minimum of five years in a senior management role in government, an association, or aerospace-related corporation.
  Ability to effectively market the vision, programs, and value of membership in AIA to maintain and increase membership including reaching and/or expanding into new or untapped markets.
• A vision and the ability to translate that vision into programs that increase AIA membership including reaching and/or expanding into new or emerging markets.
• 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.
• Specific expertise in membership, business development, or customer service, including prior-supervisory experience in a membership-based organization, association, or aerospace/defense-related corporation.
• Superb interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collegially with others and with the highest standards of integrity.
• Demonstrated experience and success in the use of technology as a management tool.
• Adept in motivating teams, fostering a positive organizational culture and employee engagement.

Education

• Bachelors’ degree in business, public policy, or aerospace related fields 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:

AIA’s International Division at AIA is responsible for promoting domestic and international policies and practices that help American companies compete in the global marketplace and cooperate with our allies and foreign partners. This position is responsible for facilitating communication and coordination to provide policy analysis and recommendations on U.S. and international trade matters impacting the aerospace and defense industry.

Activities may be related to any area of the International Division portfolio but are expected to focus primarily on U.S. and international regulatory policy. Likely issue areas include: export controls, sanctions, customs and import regulations, commercial trade, critical materials and minerals, the foreign regulatory environment, regulatory impact of bilateral and multilateral treaties and trade agreements, and development of trade compliance standards.

This position reports to the Vice President, International Affairs.

The median compensation for this position is $85,000.

Key Responsibilities:

Direct Policy and Advocacy Development in Trade and Regulatory Issues (40%)

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to, and independently manage, AIA’s Commercial Trade Committee, Export Control Committee, Global Supply Chain Subcommittee, and any other ad hoc working groups for policy development, outside stakeholder convening, and advocacy strategy development.
• Draft, edit, and develop commercial trade and export control-related materials for AIA leadership, members, and outside stakeholders, including policy memos, meeting minutes, remarks and talking points, meeting agendas, letters, background materials, regulatory responses, and white papers.
• Interface, build, and maintain relationships with relevant U.S. government trade agencies, including the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and International Trade Administration (ITA), and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
• Monitor government Federal Register Notices (FRNs), Congressional hearings and proceedings, and press reports to identify emerging issues or trends related to U.S. international trade issues impact the aerospace and defense industry.
• Maintain AIA International Affairs export control and commercial trade-relate committee and working group materials and ensure timely distribution of meeting notices to members and invited guests.

Conduct Policy Analysis and Provide Action Recommendations (30%)

• Research, monitor, maintain, and provide updates on changes in trade-related policy regulations and legislation and multilateral partnerships.
• Monitor changes to major export control regulations, report those changes to AIA leadership and members, and recommend appropriate action.
• Provide expert analysis and recommendations on strategy, positions, and actions for AIA leadership and members on trade-related matters, export control regulations, commercial trade restrictions, etc. to include consensus-based responses to Federal Register Notices (FRNs) and any pending legislation.

Member Management and Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

• Work closely and directly with the commercial trade, export control, government affairs, and business development teams in AIA member companies to develop trade-related advocacy and engagement strategies.
• Represent AIA on a continuous basis and interface with outside trade-focused stakeholders, including the U.S. government, other trade association partners, foreign governments, etc.
• Contribute written and oral division-wide updates through articles, webinars, weekly newsletters, and other communications products.

Enterprise-wide Collaboration (10%)

• Provide support to AIA-wide flagship events, including bi-yearly meetings, quarterly executive meetings, monthly industry-wide interactions, and international air and trade shows.
• Collaborate with other divisions on organization-wide requirements.
• Serve as division/company representative in internal collaboration meetings as directed by the Vice President, International Affairs.

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Requirements

• Ability to quickly analyze defense trade policy issues and synthesize the information for senior AIA leadership and members.
• Native understanding and extensive work within the Microsoft Office environment (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, SharePoint) is required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills (concise, timely, positive nature).
• Prepares documentation that is self-reviewed and well thought out.
• 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.
• Strong people skills with an ability to interface at all levels of the organization, with all levels of leadership, and work within a diverse organization.
• Organized, attentive to details, ability to independently prioritize, timely, and ability to multi-task duties. In addition, possesses well-developed interpersonal and time management skills.
• Analytical, flexible thinker with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and collaborate across AIA.
• 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 and/or proprietary information with professionalism, maturity, discretion, and trust.

Desired Skills/Experience

• Existing familiarity with the U.S. defense trade system and legislative requirements is highly desirable but not required.
• Past experience in running long-term projects or advocacy campaigns is desired.
• Writing skills orientated towards senior leaders, including the ability to develop background and talking points quickly and in a concise manner is sought after.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., international affairs, political science, public affairs/public policy/public administration, business/economics, etc.) is required. Master’s degree or commensurate work experience is preferred.
• Minimum five years work experience with a knowledge of international trade and regulatory issues, particularly as they relate to U.S. industry and/or defense trade policy.

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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For more than 100 years, the American aerospace and defense industry has shaped the world around us in countless ways with immeasurable impact. Today, we are critical to the health of the U.S. economy and a seamless, fundamental part of daily life. So today more than ever, it’s vital that the industry has a strong voice speaking on its behalf.

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has been that voice since 1919. Our work as an advocate and convener is essential to shaping policy, shedding light on the industry’s impact, and empowering its future.

About the AIA Summer Intern Program:

AIA’s 2026 Summer Intern Program requires a commitment of 10 weeks. Interns should expect to work up to 37.50 hours per week and will receive an hourly stipend of $25.00 per hour. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to: [email protected] with “ATTN: AIA Summer Intern Program” in the subject line. For additional information about AIA, please visit: http://www.aia-aerospace.org.

• Application deadline: February 16th
• Decisions are generally made in April

Eligibility:

• Must be enrolled in a credited college or a recent graduate.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Desirable fields of education: Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, Business Management, Aerospace, Engineering, Design.

AIA Summer Intern Program opportunities are in the following functional areas (Departments): 

• Communications
• Civil Aviation Policy
• Legislative Affairs
• Membership/Business Development
• National Security Policy
• Engineering & Technology
• Space Systems

Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each internship, including key responsibilities and required qualifications. As a non-profit association, our internships provide exceptional access to our member organizations that are leaders in the aerospace and defense industries.

Communications Intern

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is seeking a creative and motivated Digital Video and Social Media Intern to join our Communications team for the summer. AIA represents an industry that moves, connects, and inspires people and drives the American economy. We’re looking for a visual storyteller with a strong interest in social media content creation who can help elevate our digital presence through compelling short-form video and digital content for platforms such as LinkedIn and YouTube Shorts. The ideal candidate is a communications, journalism, film, digital media, or related subject major with hands-on video editing experience using tools such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or CapCut. Responsibilities include producing and editing short-form videos for social media, developing video, graphic, and written content for AIA’s digital channels, creating written content to advance AIA’s advocacy efforts, supporting event and meeting coverage, assisting with social media planning and content calendars, conducting research, brainstorming content ideas for America’s 250th anniversary, collaborating with our Membership team on member-focused content, and contributing to special projects as needed.

Qualifications

Strong writing and interpersonal skills are essential. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and basic graphic design tools like Photoshop, a plus.

Civil Aviation Policy Intern

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is seeking a Civil Aviation Policy Intern to assist our team on several exciting policy projects during the Summer 2026 timeframe. AIA is the leading trade association representing the U.S. aerospace and defense industry on Capitol Hill, in the administration, and globally. Representing nearly 300 major aerospace and defense companies and suppliers, AIA’s membership encompasses every segment of this critical industry and is an effective advocate for advancements in commercial aviation and avionics, manned and unmanned civil and defense systems, space technologies, and satellite communications.

The Civil Aviation Division works across a range of portfolios, including but not limited to:

• Commercial aviation safety and systems design
• Manufacturing, maintenance, and repair
• Environmental issues including sustainability, sustainable aviation fuels, noise, emissions and chemical policy
• Airspace integration and advanced air mobility
• Spectrum

The intern will be tasked with supporting the Civil Aviation staff as necessary and will gain valuable knowledge about policy development in this field.

The Civil Aviation Policy Intern will cover a range of responsibilities, including monitoring and analyzing relevant and potentially impactful regulatory developments and driving communications with our members engaged in AIA’s Committees, Subcommittees and Working Groups (CCWGs). The intern will also assist in the execution of internal initiatives through collaboration with our Legislative Affairs, Communications, and Membership teams. Other duties may include ensuring accuracy of information on AIA’s database and coordinating logistics for stakeholder meetings.

Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled student in an accredited college or university in good standing, or a recent graduate.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Preferred fields of study include Public Policy, Political Science, Aerospace Engineering, and Business Administration. Other relevant areas of study will be considered.
• Successful applicants will be highly motivated, have excellent organizational and communication abilities, and have a demonstrated interest in working in the aerospace industry. Applicants should also have a basic understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes, particularly as they pertain to commercial aviation and relevant agencies (FAA, DOT, EPA, etc.).

Legislative Affairs Intern

Interested in politics, policy, aviation, space, and national security? The Aerospace Industries Association’s Legislative Affairs team has an exciting opportunity to develop and execute AIA’s legislative strategy for 2026 and beyond. Duties of the Legislative and Public Policy interns include the monitoring and analysis of pending legislation and public policy initiatives, working with congressional staff on engagements, and helping synthesize the various legislative initiatives of our member companies.

The Legislative Affairs intern will attend legislative proceedings of the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and other governmental organizations. Specific responsibilities include the preparation of testimony before congressional committees, in addition to conducting research of legislative and public policy issues for the National Security, Civil Aviation and Space divisions. Interns should expect to gain valuable knowledge about the legislative process and be provided excellent networking opportunities.

Qualifications

Applicants should be strongly motivated, possess a basic knowledge or interest in the legislative process and the aerospace and defense industries, and have solid research and writing experience.

Membership/Business Development Intern

Interested in gaining real-world experience related to lead generation and pipeline management? The Aerospace Industries Association has an open position for an intern to work closely with the Membership team on reactivating membership conversations with previous members, researching targeted companies to determine eligibility for membership, and tracking lead progress through the acquisition pipeline.

This work requires outreach to prospective members, following up, and reporting results. Data entry will also be required. The AIA assumes professional responsibility for the data entry work being done.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who has a desire for real-world experience in a fast-paced environment. The candidate should be personable, have a strong attention to details, excellent communication skills, and be familiar with database entry. The candidate should have experience with the Microsoft suite of office products.

National Security Policy Intern

Interested in national security and defense acquisition policy? Looking for an opportunity to work near Capitol Hill? The Aerospace Industries Association’s National Security Policy division is offering an opportunity to gain experience and learn from leading government and industry experts about national security strategy and budgets, acquisition policy, cybersecurity, industrial base policy, and more. Your tasks at AIA will include preparing and reviewing documents, organizing logistics for U.S. Government-industry dialogues, assisting in the development of policy positions for consideration by AIA member companies, and assisting in the planning and execution of AIA events. This position reports to the Vice President, National Security Policy. Interns should expect to gain valuable knowledge about defense and acquisition policy and will be provided excellent networking opportunities.

Qualifications

Applicants should be strongly motivated self-starters with demonstrated interest in defense and/or acquisition policy.

Engineering & Technology Intern

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is seeking an intern to work with the Engineering & Technology division. This internship will be focused on the intersection of high technology and aerospace and will offer the candidate the opportunity to interact with senior technical decision makers in the aerospace industry. The internship will focus on the intersection of aerospace technology and policy. An ideal candidate will have experience in additive manufacturing, code development, or artificial intelligence.

Qualifications

Applicants should be strongly motivated self-starters with demonstrated interest in engineering and technology.

Space Systems Intern

The Space Division is seeking an intern to support a range of strategic projects that advance key organizational priorities:

• Conduct research and provide analytical support on civil, commercial, national security, and international space policy issues.
• Monitor congressional, regulatory, and budget developments, and prepare summaries, infographics, and updates for member and stakeholder engagement.
• Assist with special projects such as policy roundtables, industrial base studies, regulatory comment filings, and other priority space initiatives.
• Support AIA Space Council and working groups by preparing agendas, briefings, and meeting minutes.
• Represent AIA at external events and assist with talking points, background materials, and follow‑up.
• Collaborate across AIA teams, legislative affairs, communications, civil aviation, and international affairs, to support coordinated advocacy and policy efforts.

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.