Technical Principal

Technical Principal – VTOL Infrastructure Planner Join Mott MacDonald as a Technical Principal – VTOL Infrastructure Planner. This role is within the Aviation team’s Airport Planning group, focusing on VTOL/eVTOL advisory, planning and design. About the role As a forward‑thinking VTOL/eVTOL Advisory and Planning Specialist, you will lead projects in VTOL/eVTOL infrastructure feasibility, technical planning and design, regulatory and operational domains. The role spans advisory, planning and design for vertical aviation projects and requires full awareness of evolving regulations for eVTOL integration. Key Responsibilities Lead and conduct technical and feasibility studies for VTOL/eVTOL operations in urban and regional contexts Demonstrate awareness of airspace structure, noise studies, environmental considerations and community acceptance Develop strategic roadmaps for clients exploring VTOL/eVTOL integration Assess technical, regulatory and environmental viability of AAM projects Assess and evaluate site‑selection criteria, including zoning, airspace integration, multimodal connectivity, utilities connectivity, nature and wildlife Interpret OEM and infrastructure operator specifications and align them with infrastructure capabilities and requirements Plan and design vertiports, helipads and related infrastructure in line with ICAO, EASA and FAA guidelines Ensure plans, designs and operations comply with evolving regulations (e.g. FAA Part 135, EASA SC‑VTOL) Collaborate with architects, civil engineers and urban planners to deliver integrated, future‑ready solutions Provide insights on VTOL/eVTOL aircraft performance, propulsion systems and operational requirements Support modelling of aircraft performance, noise and traffic flow Interpret and apply evolving regulatory frameworks for AAM Engage stakeholders with local authorities, transport agencies, airport operators, heliport/vertiport operators, OEMs and mobility service providers Represent Mott MacDonald in industry forums and working groups Lead or contribute to multidisciplinary project teams delivering innovative aviation solutions Prepare technical reports, presentations, and client deliverables Stay abreast of AAM trends, technologies and policy developments Qualifications and General Skills Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Planning, Transport Engineering or a related field Experience in aviation infrastructure planning or aircraft performance analysis Familiarity with VTOL/eVTOL technologies and the AAM ecosystem Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder engagement skills Knowledge of airspace design, UTM or drone integration Experience with CAD, GIS, CAST or similar tools Understanding of sustainability and decarbonisation in aviation Strong communication skills, report writing and bid drafting Willingness to travel and work overseas (sometimes at short notice) as required Locations Croydon, London, Southampton Recruiter contact Ainsley Anstess Equality, Diversity and Inclusion We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We recognise that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. UK Immigration Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. Agile Working Mott MacDonald offers a hybrid working policy to support well‑being, flexibility and trust in ways that suit clients, teams and individuals. Benefits Health and wellbeing: Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues Health cash plan for everyday health costs and treatments Access to Peppy, free support from menopause experts for UK colleagues Comprehensive wellbeing programme for you and your family Flex salary option to add health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family Financial wellbeing: Match employee pension contributions between 4.5 % and 7 % Life assurance equal up to 4 × your basic salary, with option to increase to 6 × Income protection scheme providing financial benefit and support for long‑term illness or injury Flexible benefits, including life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing Independent ownership allows sharing of financial success through annual bonus schemes Holiday and leave: Minimum 33‑35 days holiday per year, including public holidays; can buy/sell leave via flexible benefits programme Holiday entitlement increases to 35 days after 5 years of service Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high‑street retailers Enhanced family leave: 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave; 2 weeks paid paternity/partner leave; up to five additional days for caring responsibilities (2 paid) Shared parental leave matches maternity leave (up to 24 weeks at full pay) Learning and development: Primary annual professional institution subscription Opportunities to enhance technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training and self‑development options Networks, communities and social outcomes: Wide range of groups including Advanced Employee Networks supporting LGBTQ+, gender, race, ethnicity, disability and parents/carers communities Opportunities to make a difference within communities through social outcomes Apply now, or for more information about our application process. #J-18808-Ljbffr