Senior Aviation Researcher

We're looking for a Senior Aviation Researcher to take our research initiatives to the next level as we shape the future of commercial aviation with innovative solutions, and industry-leading expertise. We empower airlines with the tools they need to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry and we need a visionary lead to define and drive our aviation research agenda. In this role, you will shape the future of aviation by publishing insights on how to measure and improve operational performance, recruit and retain top-tier research talent, and build strategic research partnerships with leading universities. You'll also be at the forefront of publishing groundbreaking research in top industry journals and collaborating with our marketing team to translate complex findings into compelling content that fuels our consulting and software business growth. If you're passionate about aviation, innovation, and making a real impact, this could be the perfect role for you!
Key Responsibilities:

• Define & Lead the Research Agenda: Set the vision and priorities for our research efforts in commercial aviation
• Build & Lead a High-Caliber Research Team: Attract, mentor, and retain the best aviation researchers in the industry
• Establish & Sustain External ResearchPartnerships: Establish collaborations with leading universities, airlines, research institutions, etc.
• Publish Thought Leadership: Publish research in top-tier aviation and industry journals, establishing Jeppesen as a thought leader
• Drive Business Impact: Work closely with marketing to translate research insights into compelling collateral that enhances our sales pipeline for consulting services and software products

Basic Qualifications:

• Education from a top-tier university, preferably with an advanced degree in aviation, operations research, engineering, data science, or a related field
• Deep expertise in aviation and a passion for solving complex airline industry challenges
• Mid-career professional with proven research experience in aviation (commercial airline focus preferred)
• Strong publication record with a portfolio of publicly available research work you can share
• Experience translating technical findings into content for broader audiences (e.g., marketing or business development)
• Excellent communication skills - ability to bridge the gap between technical research and practical business applications
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think big, execute efficiently, and inspire a team.
• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct independent research projects
• Experience with quantitative methods, data analysis, or operational performance metrics in aviation.
• Experience working cross-functionally, especially with marketing, consulting, or software teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pilot or aviation enthusiast
• MBA or Operations Research combined with practical experience preferred
• Proven ability to build and manage research partnerships with academic institutions
• Understanding of commercial aviation operations, airline performance metrics, or airline software tools
• Knowledge of or experience in aviation consulting or SaaS solution

About ForeFlight:
ForeFlight, a Boeing company, is the leading provider of advanced integrated software for the General, Business and Military Aviation markets worldwide. Founded in 2007 and joining the Boeing family in 2019, ForeFlight now offers ForeFlight Mobile EFB and Military Flight Bag for pilots, ForeFlight Dispatch for flight planners, Sentry portable ADS-B receivers, and a range of additional integrated products and capabilities serving the needs of pilots and flight departments around the world. ForeFlight has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Editors' Choice Award from FLYING Magazine for five separate years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2023, and 2024. In 2023, ForeFlight also earned the FLYING Magazine Innovation Award, followed by the Readers' Choice Award in 2024. Additionally, ForeFlight was honored as the App of the Year by Aviation Consumer in 2011, and BuiltIn 2024 and 2025 best places to work.
Why You Should Join:
At ForeFlight, we know you want a rewarding career. To do that, you need challenging projects, a good work environment, and awesome coworkers. We believe in our employees, and we empower them to make a direct impact on our products and services messaging. We strive to provide ForeFlighters and their loved ones with a world-class benefits experience, focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Our benefits package includes but not limited to the following:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance with Employer paid health premiums
• Open PTO Policy
• 401(k) with up to 10% company matching and immediate vesting
• 12 Weeks Paid Maternity Leave
• 4 Weeks Paid Paternity Leave
• Flight Training Rewards
• Tuition Stipend

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary Pay Range: $175,000-$200,000.
This position is currently part of Boeing but is planned to transition to an independent company owned by Thoma Bravo, as part of a pending divestiture of the Digital Aviation Solutions organization. If you are selected for this role, your employment may initially be with Boeing (dependent on start date). Subject to final regulatory approvals and closing conditions, your employment may transfer to the divested business owned by Thoma Bravo at close. Additional details about this transition will be shared as they become available. By applying, you acknowledge and understand that this role is part of a transitioning business and may be subject to organizational changes including a new employer.