Aviation Security Specialist (Cyber and Counter-UAS)

Air Line Pilots Association, International

Aviation Security Specialist
(Cyber and Counter-UAS)

Based in Tysons (McLean), VA

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 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Security Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. With a focus on the policy areas related to cybersecurity and counter-UAS for civil aviation, the Security Specialist will provide technical support to ALPA pilot representatives engaged in these two areas, including various government and industry working groups that are developing industry standards, policy, and regulatory recommendations for cybersecurity and counter-UAS (C-UAS), as well as aviation jumpseat. Additionally, the Security Specialist will become knowledgeable in other security-related policy areas, including risk-based screening, FFDOs, inflight security, Rap Back, and insider threat(s) to provide back up and overlap with the Aviation Security Specialist.

The Security Specialist effectively represents the Association and the department, interacting with government and industry security officials on a routine basis, advocating on behalf of the Association’s priorities from a policy perspective. In coordination with relevant ALPA committees and staff members, they develop and coordinate written communications to membership, government, and industry groups outlining ALPA positions on a wide variety of security issues, including cybersecurity and C-UAS.

Travel: 5% - 15%; sporadically, could be as much as 25% of the time.

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.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity or related field, including aviation security or Unmanned Aircraft Systems, from an accredited college or university required; or, the equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• Three (3) years of experience with aviation cybersecurity and/or counter-UAS technologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of US and Canadian civil aviation operations desired, with a focus on airline operations preferred. 
• Understanding of new entrants’ challenges and issues, air traffic control, the airline industry; airline pilots; and, the laws and regulations that affect the security and the industry strongly preferred. 
• Familiar with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) rules and policies strongly preferred.
• Experience engaging with federal advisory committees, aviation rulemaking committees, and/or international aviation organizations (ICAO, IFALPA) preferred. 
• Sound judgment and analytical thinking, with the ability to distill complex technical and regulatory information into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Strong technical writing skills are required, and public speaking skills are beneficial.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with all levels of contacts, internal and external.
• Ability to collaboratively work in multi-disciplined team.
• Must be a self-starter with professional maturity and sound judgment, capable of independent decision-making and to be proactive in identifying and responding to issues and problems.
• Must possess exceptional time management skills; be able to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment; and transition easily between projects.
• Software: Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with collaborative platforms and virtual meeting technologies.

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.)

To Apply:
Please apply online at

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: $97,948.00 – $139,923.00

Relocation not provided.

Sponsorship not available for this position.

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