Deputy Director - Advanced Air Mobility

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a motivated professional to support the Division of Aeronautics (DOA) as a leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

The Deputy Director will leverage existing transportation infrastructure and studies, with the goal of assisting government, industry, and higher education institutions to lead in designing a comprehensive statewide Advanced Air Mobility Program.

About the Role
Location –
135 North 2400 West
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – Yes
Drug Test Required – Yes
Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions
FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $45.53 - $72.25 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site
Application Deadline – 5/15/2026

Key Responsibilities

As the Advance Air Mobility Deputy Director, you will:

• Manage statewide AAM Program Execution, including the state's roadmap, multi-year initiatives (like eIPP and regional deployments), and ensuring consistency.
• Serve as the primary liaison for intergovernmental coordination (FAA, city/county, MPOs, regional agencies) to align AAM with statewide transportation improvement programs (STIPs).
• Develop and align state policy, standards, and procedures (legislation/rulemaking for vertiport siting, environmental/noise impact, community concerns) with federal guidance and FAA/NAS frameworks.
• Oversee planning and deployment of vertiport networks and charging infrastructure, evaluating site feasibility, demand, and regional equity.
• Develop and manage funding strategies, including pursuing federal and state grants (e.g., FAA, USDOT), public-private partnerships, and ensuring grant compliance.
• Engage with industry and the private sector (eVTOL manufacturers, operators, logistics, infrastructure developers) to structure partnerships for pilot programs.
• Lead public and community engagement to build acceptance by addressing concerns (noise, safety, visual impact, equity of access).
• Advise the UDOT Aeronautics Director on AAM strategy.
• Critically assess UAS/UTM/AAM concepts and technologies against goals, budget, and schedule to determine the best options.
• Apply understanding of NextGen UAM concepts and the NAS to assess technical requirements & issues and coordinate resolution.
• Develop program management plans, budgets, cost estimates, and Statements of Work (SOW).
• Oversee the development and operation of the state test range environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Part 107 drone pilot certificate
• A valid driver license
• A bachelor's degree, or higher, in aviation management, engineering OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least eight (8) years of Advanced Air Mobility, aviation infrastructure planning, civil or aerospace engineering, or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing teams, as well as driving projects.

Preferred Qualifications

An ideal candidate has experience in:

• Experience as a licensed private pilot.
• Proficiency in customer/vendor engagement. Capable of crafting and briefing memos, meeting notes, reports, as well as white papers.
• Program management skills.
• Familiarity with uncrewed and autonomous vehicle systems hardware, software, and related technologies.
• Familiarity with aviation/AAM regulations.
• Familiarity with the NAS and FAA regulations.
• Experience with beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) waivers and understanding of unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM) principles.

Why You Should Join Our Team

A Mission That Matters – At UDOT, our mission is to “Enhance quality of life through transportation." We help the traveling public get where they want, when they want, as safely as possible. By joining our team, you contribute to the framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and a Strong Economy for all of Utah.

Our Culture and Values – We aren't just a state agency; we are a team built on an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. We live by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these values resonate with you, you will find a home here!

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.

Recruiter: Porter Cook - [email protected]