Heliport/Vertiport Design, Planning & Certification Specialist

Opportunity Description:

An international airport services firm seeking candidates to support an eVTOL startup and an established multi-national infrastructure developer/operator (the Partnership), to establish a transportation network of eVTOL taxis. The selected candidate will assist the Partnership in the certification of the vertiport sites from which the eVTOLs will conduct operations.  A number of sites are envisaged to be developed in the timeframe of 4-8 years.  After the sites are developed, the developer/operator will continue to operate and maintain the sites.

Role Overview:

The candidate being sought for this opportunity will lead the initiative to design, plan and obtain regulatory approval for certification of the vertiport sites. As this is a complex and innovative new venture, the candidate selected for this role must possess a high-degree of motivation to develop relationships, problem solve and be comfortable with a wide scope of responsibility with the ability to bring structure to an unstructured environment.  As the developer/operator is a publicly-traded multi-national corporation, it is imperative, at all times, that the selected candidate adheres to rigorous compliance best-practices and represents the venture and its partners in the highest reputational and ethical standing.   

Responsibilities:

The role responsibilities are centered on securing regulatory approval for operation of the vertiport sites and guiding the associated certification process, which implies:

• Assess potential vertiport sites for operational suitability 
• Lead operational design of the vertiports to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations 

Key Skills:

• Talent for building rapport and communication with the ability to understand and discuss operational and regulatory concepts/ procedures with regulatory authorities will have a significant advantage
• Knowledge and experience with the entire heliport/vertiport regulatory approval process 
• Project management experience
• Ability to organize and manage unstructured work environments
• Experience with new ventures, in small teams where broad responsibility is carried by each member  
• Highly-motivated self-starter capable of driving processes forward and overcoming obstacles

Requirements:

• Ideally, at least 8 years of experience in airport and/or heliport design, planning and certification or closely analogous experience with directly applicable skillsets
• Experience in the State of Florida is a plus
• Track record of dealing with the Federal Aviation Administration including requirements and certification of the infrastructure and ground operations
• Experience in dealing with both public and private institutions or agencies
• Relevant academic record in aviation and/or airport management and related fields
• Track record of cultivating relationships and of representing an organization in the highest ethical and reputational standings

Core Qualifications:

• Extensive experience assessing, developing and implementing airport certification requirements 
• Strong track record coordinating development of detailed design to ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations
• U.S. citizen (or work permit eligible)
• English fluency required