Over the next decade, technologies such as Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs), drones, autonomous systems, advanced logistics networks, and other innovations will shape how people, goods, and services move through cities. While private industry and federal regulators are actively advancing these technologies, many local and regional governments have not yet begun to evaluate their long-term implications for urban planning, infrastructure, governance, public space, equity, and quality of life.
RPA is exploring how we as a public-interest planning organization can help cities and regions think proactively about these changes. This contract position will serve as the primary thought partner and subject matter lead for a 9-month exploratory initiative focused initially on emerging aerial mobility technologies, while helping RPA identify broader opportunities for future work at the intersection of tech and planning.
Role & Responsibilities
RPA has deep expertise in transportation, housing, climate, infrastructure, and regional planning. We do not currently have dedicated capacity focused on emerging technologies and their implications for cities and the region. This position will help fill that gap.
The ideal candidate is someone who is intellectually curious, comfortable working across disciplines, and excited by questions that do not yet have clear answers. They should be comfortable engaging with technical material and experts, and be able to translate developments in technology into practical considerations for planners, policymakers, infrastructure providers, and communities. Key responsibilities of this role include:
Technology Assessment & Technical Translation
Review technical materials, industry claims, regulatory filings, and existing research reports to assess emerging technologies including eVTOLs, delivery drones, and related charging or logistics infrastructure
Translate technical findings into planning, governance, and policy implications. A focus should be placed on identifying likely deployment pathways, operational constraints, infrastructure needs, and areas of uncertainty
Urban Planning & Infrastructure Analysis
Work with RPA staff to examine land use, siting, utility, transportation, public health, noise, equity, and environmental implications. Example issues to explore include how emerging technologies may interact with streets, waterways, heliports, airports, hospitals, utilities, and development sites, and how these technologies will affect public health and quality of life
Help frame public-benefit questions, including whether these technologies could reduce VMT, improve critical logistics, or create new public burdens
Stakeholder Engagement & Convening
Work with RPA staff to conduct expert interviews with technologists, aviation specialists, planners, utilities, legal experts, public agencies, hospitals, developers, and community stakeholders
Build a network of technical and policy experts to inform RPA’s future work
Research, Writing & Strategy
Serve as co-author of a concept paper
Advise RPA leadership on future opportunities for a broader technology and urban futures portfolio
Desired Qualifications
5+ years experience in one or more relevant fields: engineering, aviation, transportation technology, mobility innovation, infrastructure planning, urban technology, data science, logistics, energy systems, or applied research
Comfort interpreting technical concepts and translating them for nontechnical audiences
Strong research, writing, synthesis, and communication skills
Ability to work across disciplines and engage experts with credibility
Interest in cities, equity, public-interest planning, and emerging technology governance
Comfort operating in areas where policy frameworks and best practices are still evolving
Familiarity with New York City or metropolitan infrastructure issues preferred
Structure
9-month contract; approximately 400–600 hours
Compensation range: $50,000-$70,000 commensurate with experience and scope
Flexible schedule, with periodic in-person meetings and events in NYC
Works closely with RPA research and policy staff
Opportunity for Growth
This project is envisioned as the first phase of a broader effort to explore how emerging technologies may shape cities and regions. If successful, the role could help establish the foundation for a future fellowship or staff role focused on technology innovation, infrastructure, and urban futures at RPA.
Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and work sample to [email protected] by July 31, 2026.
About Regional Plan Association (RPA)
RPA is an independent non-profit organization that works to improve the economic health, environmental resiliency, and quality of life of the New York metropolitan area. Through research, advocacy and planning, RPA focuses on transportation, environment, housing and community development. The values of equity, health, sustainability, and prosperity guide RPA’s work.
RPA is based in NYC, with offices in Newark, NJ; Princeton, NJ; and Stamford, CT. We encourage a challenging, collaborative, and fun work environment. We believe in work-life balance and value and promote diversity and equity.
Employment and promotional opportunities are equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected class as established by law.
Learn more at www.rpa.org