Aviation Regulatory Program Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Aviation Regulatory Program Manager based in the United States.

The Aviation Regulatory Program Manager will help shape the regulatory strategy that enables advanced and autonomous drone operations in the United States and international markets. This high-impact role sits at the intersection of aviation, emerging technology, regulatory policy, and real-world deployment. You will lead regulatory approval initiatives, working with aviation authorities, customers, partners, and internal technical teams. The position offers the opportunity to help overcome regulatory barriers that enable safer, more scalable, and more innovative autonomous flight operations. You will translate evolving regulations into practical guidance while supporting product development, technical demonstrations, and operational readiness. The role also provides significant exposure to industry standards, regulatory bodies, and projects involving cutting-edge autonomous systems. Success requires strong regulatory expertise, technical curiosity, excellent communication, and the ability to take ownership in a fast-moving environment.

Accountabilities:: Develop, prepare, submit, and defend aviation regulatory applications, including operational approvals, waivers, exemptions, and declarations supporting advanced drone operations.

Manage regulatory programs from planning through approval and implementation, ensuring projects remain organized, traceable, and aligned with operational objectives.

Serve as a trusted regulatory resource for customers and partners pursuing complex or advanced aviation projects.

Develop scalable systems and processes for tracking regulatory projects, approvals, commitments, and implementation activities.

Monitor emerging aviation regulations and translate regulatory developments into clear internal guidance, operational requirements, and actionable plans.

Provide regulatory guidance to customer support, product management, engineering, flight operations, and other internal teams to support safe, compliant, and scalable product use.

Support technical validation events, product demonstrations, and flight-testing activities in collaboration with flight test and solutions engineering teams.

Represent the organization in discussions with civil aviation authorities, including the FAA and international regulators, as well as during regulatory reviews, audits, and compliance engagements.

Build productive relationships with regulators, customers, industry partners, and internal stakeholders to advance regulatory objectives.

Contribute to aviation standards development and participate in industry associations, consensus forums, and other relevant regulatory or standards initiatives.

Communicate complex technical and regulatory topics clearly to diverse audiences, including regulators, executives, engineers, customers, and partners.

Manage competing priorities and regulatory initiatives with a high degree of ownership, ensuring timely progress in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in aviation, engineering, public policy, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

Experience navigating regulatory frameworks governing unmanned aircraft or drone operations; international regulatory experience is a strong advantage.

Experience in aviation, with exposure to both manned and unmanned aviation considered a plus.

Strong understanding of aviation regulatory processes and the ability to develop persuasive regulatory submissions, applications, and supporting documentation.

Demonstrated ability to explain complex technical and regulatory concepts clearly and convincingly to regulators, customers, partners, and internal teams.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate sophisticated concepts such as autonomy to non-technical and regulatory audiences.

Proven experience collaborating cross-functionally in fast-paced, high-growth, or technically complex environments.

Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple regulatory initiatives and competing deadlines.

High degree of ownership, initiative, and sound judgment, with the ability to operate independently while engaging the right stakeholders when needed.

Strong customer orientation and commitment to helping customers achieve successful, compliant operational outcomes.

Genuine interest in aviation, autonomous systems, emerging technology, and solving regulatory challenges that can enable real-world impact.

Willingness and ability to travel to customer locations and technical validation events, including international travel when required.

Benefits:

Salary: $122,000–$155,000 annual base salary, with compensation varying based on location, skills, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience.

Equity: Stock options designed to provide employees with an opportunity to participate in the long-term growth of the organization.

Healthcare: Access to group health insurance plans.

Retirement: 401(k) savings plan.

Paid time off: Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

Relocation: Relocation assistance may be available for eligible roles.

Work arrangement: Fully remote position within the United States.

Professional impact: Opportunity to influence regulatory frameworks and enable the deployment of advanced autonomous aviation technologies.

Industry exposure: Collaboration with aviation regulators, customers, technical teams, and industry bodies on emerging regulatory and technology challenges.

Inclusive environment: Work within a multidisciplinary environment that values diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1