Flight Systems API Analyst

ForeFlight is seeking an experienced individual to join our Flight Operations team. This role requires a strong aviation background coupled with knowledge of AI, ML, and API integrations and related technologies to enhance our customer support and operational efficiency. As a pivotal member of our team, you will collaborate with product managers, developers, and pilot support team members to create tools that support internal teams and provide support to ForeFlight customers worldwide.
The ideal candidate has a passion for aviation, problem-solving, and leveraging technology to improve systems and services. You must be a detail-oriented, analytical problem solver with excellent communication skills and a willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated individual with the following qualifications and experience:
Required Skills and Experience:

• Aviation:
  • Commercial Pilot License, Aircraft Dispatcher License, or Air Traffic Controller Certificate (Tower, Center, etc).
• Programming Languages:
  • Expertise in Python with a strong understanding of its libraries and frameworks, including Pandas, BeautifulSoup, and Numpy.
• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs):
  • Proficiency in working with tools like PyCharm and IntelliJ for efficient software development.
• API Analysis:
  • Experience with tools like Postman, Insomnia, or Swagger for API testing and documentation.
  • Proficiency in JSON for data interchange.
  • Familiarity with data serialization formats like CSV.
  • Understanding of HTTP/HTTPS protocols, including methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE); API limits, throttling, and best practices.
  • Knowledge of request and response headers, status codes, cookies; system integration strategies like webhooks, polling, and event-driven integrations.
• Large Language Models and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG):
  • Hands-on experience implementing and fine-tuning large language models (e.g., GPT, Llama) for practical applications.
  • Proven expertise in Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques for building AI systems that integrate with knowledge retrieval systems.

• Relational Databases:
  • Strong experience with relational databases such as PostgreSQL or MySQL, including writing and optimizing SQL queries.
• DevOps Tools and Version Control:
  • Familiarity with DevOps tools and workflows, including Git and GitHub, for version control and collaborative development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• International experience as a Flight Dispatcher, Flight Planning Specialist, Trip Support Specialist, Air Traffic Controller, or Pilot (excluding crew scheduling and flight following).
• Proficient in aviation tools and concepts, including Domestic and Global Filing (FAA and ICAO rules), EuroControl, and the ICAO flight planning form.
• Familiarity with aviation APIs and the ability to troubleshoot API connections and performance.
• Experience with integrating and using aviation APIs for operations or system enhancements.
• A solid understanding of how APIs interact with aviation systems like flight planning and tracking tools and crew scheduling systems.
• Knowledge of performance planning for piston and turbine aircraft and regulations for IFR/VFR flights.
• Basic understanding of Systems Security and networked systems.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks and natural language processing (NLP) libraries.
• Familiarity with cloud-based services (AWS) and their integration with AI/ML pipelines.
• A track record of working in Agile development environments with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze and resolve flight plan errors and rejections, providing corrective guidance to customers.
• Create internal facing AI and ML tools to enhance productivity.
• Leverage APIs to enhance operational workflows, troubleshoot issues, and support product integrations.
• Work closely with developers to report, document, and escalate issues, ensuring timely resolutions and system improvements.
• Monitor flight planning data trends for process and product enhancements.
• Administer customer accounts and permissions, ensuring secure and efficient operations.
• Create customer-facing resources, including instructional videos, documents, and API guides.
• Independently execute and deliver development projects, incorporating feedback from team members as needed.
• Assist with testing and deploying API integrations for aviation tools and systems.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about developing and optimizing AI-driven systems focusing on retrieval-augmented generation, API integration, and scalable solutions.
About ForeFlight, LLC
ForeFlight produces the best-selling iPad and iPhone app for pilots flying personal and business aircraft, corporate flight departments, and aircraft operators. Customers include individual pilots worldwide, Fortune 500 corporate flight departments, state and federal agencies, leading operators, the military, and leading aircraft OEMs. We have been in the App Store since its grand opening in July, 2008 and are consistently ranked in the top 50 grossing iPad apps in the App Store.
We are known for our exceptional software user interface design and responsive, customer support. ForeFlight Mobile, our flagship application, was named Aviation Consumer's 2011 App of the Year and received Flying Magazine's Editors' Choice Award for 2011, 2012, and 2013.
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