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Airspace Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Airspace Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$115K - $144K/yr

This role requires a deep understanding of the intersection of aircraft performance, airspace design, VFR/IFR procedures, FAA/EASA regulations, and real-world operational constraints. The Senior ...

Airspace is a tech-enabled freight forwarder that's redefining how the world's most critical ... Design systems and components that can be extended across new healthcare segments as new ...

Airspace is a tech-enabled freight forwarder that's redefining how the world's most critical ... Design systems and components that can be extended across new healthcare segments as new ...

... airspace design. Develop airspace, air traffic scenarios, or other user scenarios as required to carry out research. * Be knowledgeable with all applicable FAA orders, directives, and criteria in the ...

In a highly collaborative distributed agile team environment, you would be involved in all stages of the design and implementation of API and data components for Airspace Link's applications.

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Airspace Design information

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$28K

$74.4K

$96.5K

How much do airspace design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for airspace design in the United States is $74,412.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $92,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Airspace Design vs Air Traffic Control?

AspectAirspace DesignAir Traffic Control
Primary FocusPlanning and structuring airspace layouts for safety and efficiencyManaging and directing aircraft movements in real-time
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, certifications in aviation or airspace managementAir traffic control certifications, radar and communication training
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, planning sessions, simulation labsControl towers, radar rooms, airports
Industry UsageUsed during airport planning, airspace restructuring projectsOperational at airports and en-route centers

While both roles are essential in aviation, Airspace Design focuses on planning and structuring airspace for safety and efficiency, whereas Air Traffic Control manages aircraft movements in real-time to ensure safety during flights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airspace Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airspace Designer, you need a strong background in aeronautical engineering, air traffic management, and spatial analysis, usually supported by a degree in aviation or a related field. Familiarity with airspace modeling tools (like Eurocontrol's LARA, GIS software, and simulation platforms) and certifications in airspace management are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and collaboration skills help ensure the safe and efficient structuring of airspace. These competencies are critical for designing airspace that optimizes safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in airspace design, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in airspace design often encounter challenges such as balancing safety requirements with increasing air traffic demand, integrating new technologies, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders including regulatory authorities, airlines, and air traffic controllers. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both national and international aviation regulations. Collaborative problem-solving and ongoing professional development are crucial for staying current with evolving industry standards and ensuring efficient, safe airspace configurations.

What is airspace design?

Airspace design is the process of planning, structuring, and organizing the skies to ensure safe, efficient, and orderly movement of aircraft. It involves creating routes, sectors, and procedures that air traffic controllers and pilots use to manage air traffic. Effective airspace design helps prevent collisions, reduces delays, and optimizes the use of available airspace, especially in busy or complex regions. Professionals in this field work closely with regulatory authorities, airlines, and navigation service providers.
More about Airspace Design jobs
Infographic showing various Airspace Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Internship, 26% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 25% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,412 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
Senior Airspace Engineer

Senior Airspace Engineer

Electra Aero, Inc.

Manassas, VA โ€ข On-site

$115K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage - and this role is no exception.

The Role:

Electra aero is seeking an experienced Airspace Engineer to develop the methods, concepts, and procedures required to safely integrate Ultra Short operations into major airports and novel, distributed access points.

This role requires a deep understanding of the intersection of aircraft performance, airspace design, VFR/IFR procedures, FAA/EASA regulations, and real-world operational constraints.

The Senior Airspace Engineer will develop thought-leadership materials through close collaboration with the Electra product team. These materials will draw on tabletop exercises with the FAA, flight demonstrations conducted under the eIPP program, and insights from first-principles engineering analysis, simulation, and flight test.

The ideal candidate is fluent in today's airspace concepts and the approach and departure procedures used at major airports. They have led or contributed to research that translates novel aircraft capabilities into new operational procedures. They are comfortable working directly with regulators, air navigation service providers, airport authorities, and local stakeholders to advance specific integration projects.

What You'll Do:

  • Translate EL9 performance characteristics into key Ultra Short operational capabilities related to ground footprint, obstacle clearance, and maneuvering capabilities.
  • Work closely with aircraft performance engineers to model EL9 capability across normal, degraded, and contingency cases and incorporate system safety analysis into the range of feasible Ultra Short procedures.
  • Derive candidate procedures to access novel urban access points and existing airports
  • Review existing FAA, EASA, ICAO, and national standards-including fixed-wing, heliport, and vertiport frameworks-to identify regulatory or policy gaps to implementing the proposed procedures.
  • Author thought leadership material introducing novel Ultra Short operational concepts that can be leveraged in engagement with regulators, local stakeholders and airport authorities.
  • Represent Electra in working groups with the FAA, EASA, ICAO to shape USAP standards, guidance and policy.
  • Structure flight demonstration programs to validate proposed operational concepts for internal research, and the FAA eIPP program and CRADA
  • Support Electra's commercial and infrastructure partnerships teams in evaluating the feasibility of candidate access point locations in urban settings and at airports.
  • Provide technical and regulatory subject matter expertise in engagements with airports, infrastructure developers, and local authorities.

What You Bring:

  • Masters/PhD degree in aerospace engineering, aviation management, airport planning, or related field
  • 5+ years in airspace management related research, policy and regulatory development, airspace/procedure design, or similar domain.
  • Strong working knowledge of FAA and/or EASA regulatory frameworks (AC 150 series, Part 135, Part 23, TERPS/PANS-OPS, and relevant airport design standards)
  • Prior experience leading or contributing to airspace integration research (e.g., FAA/NASA/MITRE airspace modernization research) a strong plus.
  • Prior experience working with regulators, air navigation service providers, airport operators, and industry partners.
  • Strong technical writing skills and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment with evolving requirements and limited precedent.

Compensation

$115,000 โ€“ $144,000 annually. This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Paid winter break
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
  • Free on-site parking