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.

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.

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 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:

Inspire the next generation of aerospace and STEM leaders! Join a mission-driven organization shaping the future of STEM by investing in tomorrow’s innovators.

As the Senior Coordinator, American Rocketry Challenge, you’ll play a pivotal role in the American Rocketry Challenge—the world’s largest student rocket competition and the aerospace and defense industry’s signature STEM program. You’ll help guide over 5,500 middle and high school students as they design, build, and launch model rockets — giving them real-world exposure to aerospace, engineering, and teamwork.

Reporting to the Senior Director, ARC & STEM Engagement, you will facilitate team registration and engagement, deliver year-round programmatic content, and execute event planning for our National Finals events. You will conduct internal and external communications and coordinate with program partners, exhibitors, and vendors.

The ideal person for this position is an exceptionally well organized, proactive, collegial, customer service-oriented problem-solving professional with excellent communication skills and attention to detail. The position requires a strong history of reliability, excellent operations skills, and outstanding oral and written communication ability. The incumbent 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 relationships, complex schedules, streamlining day-to-day operations, maintaining excellent records, and meeting constantly changing deadlines and requirements is essential to the position.

Key Responsibilities:

This position does not require experience with rocketry, aerospace, or engineering.

American Rocketry Challenge (80%)

• Collaborate with AIA staff in the administration of all program management related to the American Rocketry Challenge.
• Deliver top notch customer service as the first point of contact for students, teachers, informal educators, and teams in addressing and solving program-related questions and issues.
• Review and manage team registrations, grants, and flight data, including data entry and review through our online application portal.
• Coordinate event planning for the National Finals and International Rocketry Challenge including vendor, exhibitor, and volunteer outreach.
• Assist in the development and execution of outreach initiatives, including internal and external communications strategies (e.g. team communications, recruitment, webinars, social media, newsletters, partner engagement).
• Develop creative social media and website development to highlight programming impact.
• Conduct analytics and surveys on program impact including demographic data.
• Administrative support to include scheduling, meeting logistics, expense reports, and travel arrangements.
• Ensure timely and accurate receipt, processing, and verification of program invoices utilizing organizational financial systems.
• Some travel required for National Finals and related events (typically 1–3 trips/year)

STEM Programs and Outreach (15%)

• Liaise with AIA staff and external vendors to produce in-person programs and activities.
• Conduct research and analysis on current and prospective projects and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate internally with AIA’s Workforce and Communications efforts to increase awareness about the industry’s workforce efforts, as well as encouraging students to pursue STEM careers.

Enterprise-wide Collaboration (5%)

• Provide support to AIA-wide flagship events, including bi-yearly meetings, quarterly executive meetings, and monthly industry-wide interactions.
• Collaborate with other division Coordinators/Senior Coordinators on organization-wide needs on an as needed basis, to include planning/execution of meetings or events led by other parts AIA.
• Provide occasional coverage of the reception desk during lunch breaks and other periods of absence, ensuring continuous front desk support.
• Participate in special projects, focus groups, and other assignments as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

Desired Skills/Experience

• Three to five years’ work experience in STEM outreach, program/project management, social impact, or operations, preferred.
• Experience working in K–12 education, nonprofit youth programs, science centers, or other informal education settings is highly relevant.
• Exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
• Strong interpersonal skills including customer service, relationship and trust building, and communication and listening.
• Experience with SurveyMonkey Apply, Teams, and project management software is preferred.
• Experience with social media content development.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under time pressure to meet deadlines and balance near- and long-term tasks. 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.
• Experience with content creation—written and visual. Basic graphic design skills are a plus.

Education

• An associate or bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field or equivalent work experience, 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 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.