Airfield Planner

Aviation Consultant Opportunity

Landrum & Brown is a global aviation consulting firm with airports at the core of our DNA. We bring passion and creativity to solve the most complex global aviation challenges with the potential to enhance the world.

Serving airports and other aviation clients for more than 70 years across all seven continents, our aviation consulting practice includes both planning and development services that span activation planning, airfield and airspace, business and finance, commercial development, environmental, ground transportation, master planning and strategy, terminal planning and design.

Job Summary

Join a team where aviation is more than a market sector - it is a genuine professional passion. At Landrum & Brown, we are seeking experienced Airfield Planners who are deeply interested in how airports function, how airfield systems evolve, and how planning decisions shape the operational efficiency, safety, and long-term development of aviation infrastructure. This opportunity is ideal for a technically curious planning professional who enjoys combining aviation operations knowledge, analytical thinking, data-driven planning, and strategic infrastructure development. You will work alongside highly specialized aviation professionals who are passionate about the science, engineering, and operational complexity behind airport and airfield planning. You will contribute to complex airport planning initiatives ranging from airfield capacity studies and operational analyses to long-range development programs, simulation modeling, and strategic planning efforts at commercial service airports across the United States.This position may be based from ANY of our US locations, with preference for San Francisco, Cincinnati, Washington DC, and New York.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

What You'll Be Doing :

• Support and lead airfield and airport planning projects for commercial, regional, and general aviation airports.
• Analyze airfield operations, geometry, capacity, and infrastructure performance.
• Prepare planning studies including:
• Airfield layouts
• Aircraft parking layout design
• Airport Master Plans
• Airspace obstacle analysis (obstacle evaluation, mitigation and line-of-sight studies)
• Airspace protection analysis (FAR Part 77, OEI, TERPS, ICAO, PANS-OPS)
• Facility requirements analyses
• Capacity and operational studies
• Phasing and development plan
• Perform CAD/ GIS-based analysis and aviation data analytics to support planning recommendations.
• Utilize aviation planning and simulation tools ( e.g. AirTOp, TAAM, SIMMOD) to evaluate operational efficiency and future development scenarios.
• Coordinate closely with aviation planners, engineers, airport operators, and technical specialists.
• Develop technical reports, graphics, presentations, and planning documentation .
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement and client presentations.
• Support planning associated with FAA standards, airport operations, and long-term aviation development strategy.

What We're Looking For:

We are looking for professionals who are genuinely fascinated by aviation systems and airport operations - individuals who enjoy understanding the "why" behind how airports function and evolve.

The ideal candidate will bring both technical planning capability and intellectual curiosity around aviation infrastructure, operations, and analytics.

Required Qualifications :

• 5+ years of experience in Airfield Planning, Airport Planning, or Aviation Infrastructure Planning.
• Academic or professional background specifically tied to Aviation, Airport Planning, Transportation Planning, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrable technical e xperience with:
• AviPLAN / Airside Pro
• GIS analysis and spatial data tool s
• AutoCAD
• Microsoft Office (specifically Word and Excel)
• Strong analytical and technical writing capabilities . Persuasive academic and/or p rofessional writing samples will be requested.
• Experience interpreting operational data and translating findings into planning recommendations.
• Understanding of airport and airfield operational principles.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary aviation project environments.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience with airspace simulation and operational modeling.
• Exposure to FAA planning standards and airport design guidance.
• Background in aviation forecasting, operational analysis, or capacity plannin g.
• Familiarity with aviation datasets, simulation tools, or operational analytics platforms .
• Experience supporting large hub or complex airfield environments.

Backgrounds That Could Be a Strong Fit:

• Aviation Planning
• Airport Operations
• Air Traffic Management, Flight Procedures and Obstacle Evaluation
• Aviation Management
• Civil Engineering with aviation specialization
• Data Analytics and Operations Research (with a preferred focus on Aviation)
• T ransportation Systems
• Urban or Transportation Planning ​

Who This Role Will Suit :

• Has a genuine passion for aviation and airport development
• Fundamental understanding h ow airport and airfield systems operate
• Desires long-term career growth with Landrum & Brown
• Is naturally analytical and enjoys working with operational and spatial data
• Likes solving complex planning and capacity problems
• Wants to work alongside highly engaged aviation specialists and technical experts
• Is interested in the science and strategy behind infrastructure planning
• Enjoys balancing technical analysis with real-world operational planning

Why Join Landrum & Brown ?

You will become part of a collaborative aviation practice made up of professionals who are deeply invested in the future of airport development and operational planning. The work is technically challenging, intellectually engaging, and directly connected to the evolution of major aviation infrastructure programs across the country.

This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful aviation projects while continuing to deepen your expertise within a highly specialized and passionate professional environment.