Overall ResponsibilityThe Aviation Lead Designer - Special Systems serves as the senior technical design authority on assigned aviation and transportation projects. This role is a pure technical leadership position focused on high-level system architecture, integration strategy, and design execution across Telecom, IT, Security, and related low-voltage systems. This position can be based remotely.
The Lead Designer owns the technical quality of project deliverables but does not carry formal staff management responsibilities. This position operates at a level above Senior Designer and serves as a technical peer to Discipline Leads while remaining project-focused.
This role is intended for a highly experienced systems professional capable of design delivery of complex, multi-system aviation projects with minimal oversight.
Essential Functions - Serve as the Technical Design Lead for assigned Special Systems projects from concept through construction administration.
- Develop and define system architecture for telecom rooms, backbone infrastructure, active network environments, security systems, and airport operational systems
- Lead interdisciplinary coordination with architecture, MEP, civil, and airport stakeholders to ensure seamless system design.
- Own technical decision-making related to network topology, redundancy strategies, equipment selection, and standards compliance.
- Ensure all design packages meet Arora quality standards and aviation client expectations.
- Direct and review work produced by Senior Designers, Designers, and BIM staff on assigned projects.
- Participate in QA/QC reviews as the senior technical reviewer.
- Support proposal development by defining technical scope, system narratives, and effort assumptions.
- Interface directly with airport IT departments, airline technical teams, and major technology vendors.
- Provide informal mentorship to junior technical staff without formal performance management responsibility.
Technical Scope This role is expected to demonstrate deep expertise in several of the following:
• Structured cabling and OSP fiber backbone design
• MDF/IDF planning and telecom room layouts
• Enterprise networking environments
• Video surveillance and access control integration
• Airport operational systems.
This position must be capable of independently delivering on large aviation Special Systems projects with minimal technical supervision.
Requirements
Education and Experience Minimum • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited four-year university required.
Preferred disciplines: Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 10 to 15 years of progressive Special Systems design experience.
• Demonstrated aviation or major transportation infrastructure experience required.
• Proven experience leading technical design on complex, multi-disciplinary programs.
Preferred Qualifications • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• RCDD certification desirable.
• Cisco certification (CCNA, CCNP, or higher) desirable.
• Experience working directly with airport IT departments and/or airline technical teams.
Competencies • Advanced system architecture capability
• Strong interdisciplinary coordination skills
• Deep understanding of design-to-construction workflows
• Strong QA/QC leadership
• Ability to operate autonomously in high-visibility programs
• Strong technical communication skills
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this position.
