Careers

To learn more about AIA, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Position Summary:

AIA’s International Division at AIA is responsible for promoting domestic and international policies and practices that help American companies compete in the global marketplace and cooperate with our allies and foreign partners. This position is responsible for providing analysis, policy, legislative, and communications recommendations on international affairs issues impacting the aerospace and defense industry. These topics include but are not limited to defense trade, regional security issues, relationships with U.S. government and foreign governments, and regulations/policies made by U.S. and foreign governments.

Activities may be related to any area of the International Division portfolio but are expected to focus primarily on U.S. and international regulatory policy. Likely issue areas include: defense trade (foreign military sales and direct commercial sales), offset policies, multilateral agreements, and the foreign regulatory environment. This position will also provide division leadership at the direction of the Vice President, International Affairs.

This position reports to the Vice President, International Affairs.

Key Responsibilities:

The Senior Director, International Affairs will be responsible for AIA’s overall defense trade agenda by developing policy recommendations, advocacy strategies, and communications and legislation recommendations on defense trade policy, FMS, DCS, global defense industrial base cooperation, exportability, multilateral security partnerships, defense trade treaties, and other policy aspects. The incumbent will be responsible for leading AIA committees and subcommittees focused on defense trade, interacting with AIA leadership, members, and outside industry and government stakeholders, and other key personnel to advance the Association’s defense trade program. As the staff lead for AIA’s defense trade policy agenda, this position is a critical element of the division’s overall international affairs policy and advocacy program.

In addition to the policy and regulatory portfolio, the Senior Director, International Affairs will be responsible for assisting the Vice President, International Affairs with day-to-day operations of the division and, as needed, the strategic direction of the international advocacy portfolio. They will also serve as the primary backup to Vice President when that person is unavailable to represent the division or the Association on international issues.

Direct Policy and Advocacy Development in in Defense Trade and Related Issues (35%)

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to, and independently manage, AIA’s Defense Trade Committee, Offsets Subcommittee, and any other ad hoc working groups for policy development, outside stakeholder convening, and advocacy strategy development.
• Draft, edit, and develop defense trade-related materials for AIA leadership, members, and outside stakeholders, including policy memos, meeting minutes, remarks and talking points, meeting agendas, letters, background materials, and white papers.
• Interface, build, and maintain relationships with U.S. government defense trade agencies, including the State Department’s Regional Security and Arms Transfer (RSAT) bureau, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the Defense Department’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
• Monitor government Federal Register Notices (FRNs) related to U.S. defense trade impacting the aerospace/defense industry.
• Maintain AIA International Affairs defense trade-related committee and working group materials and ensure timely distribution of meeting notices to members and invited guests.

Conduct Policy Analysis and Provide Action Recommendations (25%)

• Research, monitor, maintain, and provide updates on changes in defense trade-related policy regulations and legislation, multilateral security partnerships, and defense trade treaties.
• Provide expert analysis and recommendations on strategy, positions, and actions for AIA leadership and members on defense trade-related matters, multilateral security partnerships, and defense trade treaties, exportability, etc. to include consensus-based responses to Federal Register Notices (FRNs) and any pending legislation.

Member Management and Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

• Work closely with the defense trade, government affairs, and business development teams in AIA member companies to develop defense trade-related advocacy and engagement strategies.
• Represent AIA on a continuous basis and interface with outside defense trade-focused stakeholders, including the U.S. government, other trade association partners, foreign governments, etc.
• Contribute written and oral division-wide updates through articles, webinars, weekly newsletters, and other communications products.

Division Management and Enterprise-wide Collaboration (20%)

• Assist the Vice President, International Affairs with day-to-day operations of the division and, as needed, the strategic direction of the international advocacy portfolio.
• Represent the Division and, as directed, the Association on international affairs issue before key constituencies, including congressional staff, news media, and outside government stakeholders.
• Provide support to AIA-wide flagship events, including bi-yearly meetings, quarterly executive meetings, monthly industry-wide interactions, and international air and trade shows.
• Collaborate with other divisions on organization-wide requirements.
• Serve as division/company representative in internal collaboration meetings as directed by the Vice President, International Affairs.

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Requirements

• The Senior Director, International Affairs must be a known and respected practitioner in the defense trade community, with focused experience in defense FMS, DCS, and technology security.
• Ability to quickly analyze defense trade policy issues and synthesize the information for senior AIA leadership and members.
• Native understanding and extensive work within the Microsoft Office environment (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, SharePoint) is required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills (concise, timely, positive nature).
• Ability to work under time pressure to meet deadlines and capability to quickly flex to changes in priorities.
• Strong people skills with an ability to interface at all levels of the organization, with all levels of leadership, and work within a diverse organization.
• Organized, attentive to details, ability to independently prioritize, timely, and have the ability to multi-task duties.
• Must possess well-developed interpersonal and time management skills.
• Analytical, flexible thinker with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and collaborate across AIA.
• Natural desire to take ownership to contribute to the broader team.
• Motivated, “can-do” attitude that contributes to the mission of the organization and the industry.
• Ability to handle confidential and/or proprietary information with professionalism, maturity, discretion, and trust.

Desired Skills/Experience

• Past experience in running long-term projects or advocacy campaigns is desired.
• Writing skills orientated towards senior leaders, including the ability to develop background and talking points quickly and in a concise manner is sought after.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., international affairs, political science, public affairs/public policy/public administration, business/economics, etc.) is required. Master’s degree or commensurate work experience is preferred.
• Minimum 10 years work experience with a knowledge of international trade and regulatory issues, particularly as they relate to U.S. industry and/or defense trade policy.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

This job description is not intended to be a complete statement of all duties, which may be assigned by the supervisor according to varying business needs.

To learn more about AIA, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Position Summary:

AIA’s International Division at AIA is responsible for promoting domestic and international policies and practices that help American companies compete in the global marketplace and cooperate with our allies and foreign partners. This position is responsible for facilitating communication and coordination to provide policy analysis and recommendations on U.S. and international trade matters impacting the aerospace and defense industry.

Activities may be related to any area of the International Division portfolio but are expected to focus primarily on U.S. and international regulatory policy. Likely issue areas include: export controls, sanctions, customs and import regulations, commercial trade, critical materials and minerals, the foreign regulatory environment, regulatory impact of bilateral and multilateral treaties and trade agreements, and development of trade compliance standards.

This position reports to the Vice President, International Affairs.

The median compensation for this position is $85,000.

Key Responsibilities:

Direct Policy and Advocacy Development in Trade and Regulatory Issues (40%)

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to, and independently manage, AIA’s Commercial Trade Committee, Export Control Committee, Global Supply Chain Subcommittee, and any other ad hoc working groups for policy development, outside stakeholder convening, and advocacy strategy development.
• Draft, edit, and develop commercial trade and export control-related materials for AIA leadership, members, and outside stakeholders, including policy memos, meeting minutes, remarks and talking points, meeting agendas, letters, background materials, regulatory responses, and white papers.
• Interface, build, and maintain relationships with relevant U.S. government trade agencies, including the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and International Trade Administration (ITA), and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
• Monitor government Federal Register Notices (FRNs), Congressional hearings and proceedings, and press reports to identify emerging issues or trends related to U.S. international trade issues impact the aerospace and defense industry.
• Maintain AIA International Affairs export control and commercial trade-relate committee and working group materials and ensure timely distribution of meeting notices to members and invited guests.

Conduct Policy Analysis and Provide Action Recommendations (30%)

• Research, monitor, maintain, and provide updates on changes in trade-related policy regulations and legislation and multilateral partnerships.
• Monitor changes to major export control regulations, report those changes to AIA leadership and members, and recommend appropriate action.
• Provide expert analysis and recommendations on strategy, positions, and actions for AIA leadership and members on trade-related matters, export control regulations, commercial trade restrictions, etc. to include consensus-based responses to Federal Register Notices (FRNs) and any pending legislation.

Member Management and Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

• Work closely and directly with the commercial trade, export control, government affairs, and business development teams in AIA member companies to develop trade-related advocacy and engagement strategies.
• Represent AIA on a continuous basis and interface with outside trade-focused stakeholders, including the U.S. government, other trade association partners, foreign governments, etc.
• Contribute written and oral division-wide updates through articles, webinars, weekly newsletters, and other communications products.

Enterprise-wide Collaboration (10%)

• Provide support to AIA-wide flagship events, including bi-yearly meetings, quarterly executive meetings, monthly industry-wide interactions, and international air and trade shows.
• Collaborate with other divisions on organization-wide requirements.
• Serve as division/company representative in internal collaboration meetings as directed by the Vice President, International Affairs.

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Requirements

• Ability to quickly analyze defense trade policy issues and synthesize the information for senior AIA leadership and members.
• Native understanding and extensive work within the Microsoft Office environment (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, SharePoint) is required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills (concise, timely, positive nature).
• Prepares documentation that is self-reviewed and well thought out.
• Ability to work under time pressure to meet deadlines and capability to quickly flex to changes in priorities. In addition, be flexible where extra hours are needed without always being asked.
• Strong people skills with an ability to interface at all levels of the organization, with all levels of leadership, and work within a diverse organization.
• Organized, attentive to details, ability to independently prioritize, timely, and ability to multi-task duties. In addition, possesses well-developed interpersonal and time management skills.
• Analytical, flexible thinker with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and collaborate across AIA.
• Natural desire to take ownership to contribute to the broader team.
• Motivated, “can-do” attitude that contributes to the mission of the organization and the industry.
• Ability to handle confidential and/or proprietary information with professionalism, maturity, discretion, and trust.

Desired Skills/Experience

• Existing familiarity with the U.S. defense trade system and legislative requirements is highly desirable but not required.
• Past experience in running long-term projects or advocacy campaigns is desired.
• Writing skills orientated towards senior leaders, including the ability to develop background and talking points quickly and in a concise manner is sought after.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., international affairs, political science, public affairs/public policy/public administration, business/economics, etc.) is required. Master’s degree or commensurate work experience is preferred.
• Minimum five years work experience with a knowledge of international trade and regulatory issues, particularly as they relate to U.S. industry and/or defense trade policy.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

To learn more about AIA, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

_____________________________________________________________________________________

For more than 100 years, the American aerospace and defense industry has shaped the world around us in countless ways with immeasurable impact. Today, we are critical to the health of the U.S. economy and a seamless, fundamental part of daily life. So today more than ever, it’s vital that the industry has a strong voice speaking on its behalf.

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has been that voice since 1919. Our work as an advocate and convener is essential to shaping policy, shedding light on the industry’s impact, and empowering its future.

About the AIA Summer Intern Program:

AIA’s 2026 Summer Intern Program requires a commitment of 10 weeks. Interns should expect to work up to 37.50 hours per week and will receive an hourly stipend of $25.00 per hour. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to: [email protected] with “ATTN: AIA Summer Intern Program” in the subject line. For additional information about AIA, please visit: http://www.aia-aerospace.org.

• Application deadline: February 16th
• Decisions are generally made in April

Eligibility:

• Must be enrolled in a credited college or a recent graduate.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Desirable fields of education: Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, Business Management, Aerospace, Engineering, Design.

AIA Summer Intern Program opportunities are in the following functional areas (Departments): 

• Communications
• Civil Aviation Policy
• Legislative Affairs
• Membership/Business Development
• National Security Policy
• Engineering & Technology
• Space Systems

Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each internship, including key responsibilities and required qualifications. As a non-profit association, our internships provide exceptional access to our member organizations that are leaders in the aerospace and defense industries.

Communications Intern

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is seeking a creative and motivated Digital Video and Social Media Intern to join our Communications team for the summer. AIA represents an industry that moves, connects, and inspires people and drives the American economy. We’re looking for a visual storyteller with a strong interest in social media content creation who can help elevate our digital presence through compelling short-form video and digital content for platforms such as LinkedIn and YouTube Shorts. The ideal candidate is a communications, journalism, film, digital media, or related subject major with hands-on video editing experience using tools such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or CapCut. Responsibilities include producing and editing short-form videos for social media, developing video, graphic, and written content for AIA’s digital channels, creating written content to advance AIA’s advocacy efforts, supporting event and meeting coverage, assisting with social media planning and content calendars, conducting research, brainstorming content ideas for America’s 250th anniversary, collaborating with our Membership team on member-focused content, and contributing to special projects as needed.

Qualifications

Strong writing and interpersonal skills are essential. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and basic graphic design tools like Photoshop, a plus.

Civil Aviation Policy Intern

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is seeking a Civil Aviation Policy Intern to assist our team on several exciting policy projects during the Summer 2026 timeframe. AIA is the leading trade association representing the U.S. aerospace and defense industry on Capitol Hill, in the administration, and globally. Representing nearly 300 major aerospace and defense companies and suppliers, AIA’s membership encompasses every segment of this critical industry and is an effective advocate for advancements in commercial aviation and avionics, manned and unmanned civil and defense systems, space technologies, and satellite communications.

The Civil Aviation Division works across a range of portfolios, including but not limited to:

• Commercial aviation safety and systems design
• Manufacturing, maintenance, and repair
• Environmental issues including sustainability, sustainable aviation fuels, noise, emissions and chemical policy
• Airspace integration and advanced air mobility
• Spectrum

The intern will be tasked with supporting the Civil Aviation staff as necessary and will gain valuable knowledge about policy development in this field.

The Civil Aviation Policy Intern will cover a range of responsibilities, including monitoring and analyzing relevant and potentially impactful regulatory developments and driving communications with our members engaged in AIA’s Committees, Subcommittees and Working Groups (CCWGs). The intern will also assist in the execution of internal initiatives through collaboration with our Legislative Affairs, Communications, and Membership teams. Other duties may include ensuring accuracy of information on AIA’s database and coordinating logistics for stakeholder meetings.

Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled student in an accredited college or university in good standing, or a recent graduate.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Preferred fields of study include Public Policy, Political Science, Aerospace Engineering, and Business Administration. Other relevant areas of study will be considered.
• Successful applicants will be highly motivated, have excellent organizational and communication abilities, and have a demonstrated interest in working in the aerospace industry. Applicants should also have a basic understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes, particularly as they pertain to commercial aviation and relevant agencies (FAA, DOT, EPA, etc.).

Legislative Affairs Intern

Interested in politics, policy, aviation, space, and national security? The Aerospace Industries Association’s Legislative Affairs team has an exciting opportunity to develop and execute AIA’s legislative strategy for 2026 and beyond. Duties of the Legislative and Public Policy interns include the monitoring and analysis of pending legislation and public policy initiatives, working with congressional staff on engagements, and helping synthesize the various legislative initiatives of our member companies.

The Legislative Affairs intern will attend legislative proceedings of the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and other governmental organizations. Specific responsibilities include the preparation of testimony before congressional committees, in addition to conducting research of legislative and public policy issues for the National Security, Civil Aviation and Space divisions. Interns should expect to gain valuable knowledge about the legislative process and be provided excellent networking opportunities.

Qualifications

Applicants should be strongly motivated, possess a basic knowledge or interest in the legislative process and the aerospace and defense industries, and have solid research and writing experience.

Membership/Business Development Intern

Interested in gaining real-world experience related to lead generation and pipeline management? The Aerospace Industries Association has an open position for an intern to work closely with the Membership team on reactivating membership conversations with previous members, researching targeted companies to determine eligibility for membership, and tracking lead progress through the acquisition pipeline.

This work requires outreach to prospective members, following up, and reporting results. Data entry will also be required. The AIA assumes professional responsibility for the data entry work being done.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who has a desire for real-world experience in a fast-paced environment. The candidate should be personable, have a strong attention to details, excellent communication skills, and be familiar with database entry. The candidate should have experience with the Microsoft suite of office products.

National Security Policy Intern

Interested in national security and defense acquisition policy? Looking for an opportunity to work near Capitol Hill? The Aerospace Industries Association’s National Security Policy division is offering an opportunity to gain experience and learn from leading government and industry experts about national security strategy and budgets, acquisition policy, cybersecurity, industrial base policy, and more. Your tasks at AIA will include preparing and reviewing documents, organizing logistics for U.S. Government-industry dialogues, assisting in the development of policy positions for consideration by AIA member companies, and assisting in the planning and execution of AIA events. This position reports to the Vice President, National Security Policy. Interns should expect to gain valuable knowledge about defense and acquisition policy and will be provided excellent networking opportunities.

Qualifications

Applicants should be strongly motivated self-starters with demonstrated interest in defense and/or acquisition policy.

Engineering & Technology Intern

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is seeking an intern to work with the Engineering & Technology division. This internship will be focused on the intersection of high technology and aerospace and will offer the candidate the opportunity to interact with senior technical decision makers in the aerospace industry. The internship will focus on the intersection of aerospace technology and policy. An ideal candidate will have experience in additive manufacturing, code development, or artificial intelligence.

Qualifications

Applicants should be strongly motivated self-starters with demonstrated interest in engineering and technology.

Space Systems Intern

The Space Division is seeking an intern to support a range of strategic projects that advance key organizational priorities:

• Conduct research and provide analytical support on civil, commercial, national security, and international space policy issues.
• Monitor congressional, regulatory, and budget developments, and prepare summaries, infographics, and updates for member and stakeholder engagement.
• Assist with special projects such as policy roundtables, industrial base studies, regulatory comment filings, and other priority space initiatives.
• Support AIA Space Council and working groups by preparing agendas, briefings, and meeting minutes.
• Represent AIA at external events and assist with talking points, background materials, and follow‑up.
• Collaborate across AIA teams, legislative affairs, communications, civil aviation, and international affairs, to support coordinated advocacy and policy efforts.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.