The Role
The Senior Aviation Project Manager is a client-facing leadership role responsible for managing complex aviation and airport engineering projects while actively contributing to business development initiatives. This position oversees projects across airside and landside facilities-from planning and design through construction and closeout-while identifying opportunities to grow aviation client accounts and expand the firm's presence in the aviation market. The ideal candidate blends aviation technical expertise, strong project leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a business mindset to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions that support safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation operations.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple aviation and airport infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with project scope, schedule, budget, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for aviation clients, including airport authorities, airlines, consultants, regulators, and stakeholders, maintaining clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
- Develop and manage detailed aviation project plans, including schedules, budgets, staffing, phasing, and resource allocation, while coordinating with multidisciplinary technical and operations teams.
- Oversee and review aviation-related technical deliverables-such as airfield pavement designs, terminals, hangars, landside facilities, utilities, and supporting infrastructure-to ensure accuracy, constructability, safety, and compliance with FAA, TSA, ICAO, and applicable state and local standards.
- Ensure adherence to FAA Advisory Circulars, airport design criteria, grant assurance requirements, environmental approvals (NEPA), and airport operational constraints.
- Conduct risk assessments specific to active airport environments, develop mitigation strategies, and lead recurring project meetings to monitor progress, safety, and operational impacts.
- Coordinate construction phasing and stakeholder sequencing to minimize impacts to airfield operations, passenger flow, airline functions, and airport security.
- Identify and pursue new aviation business opportunities within existing and prospective airport and aviation client accounts, collaborating with leadership and technical teams on pursuit strategies.
- Lead or support aviation proposal efforts, including scope development, fee estimates, schedules, qualifications packages, and technical presentations for airport authorities and aviation agencies.
- Represent the firm at airport board meetings, FAA coordination meetings, industry conferences, and aviation networking events to promote capabilities and strengthen market presence.
- Monitor and manage aviation project financials, ensuring profitability, compliance with funding requirements (AIP, PFC, state grants), and timely invoicing and collections.
- Mentor and support junior aviation project managers, engineers, and technical staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, professional growth, and aviation-specific excellence.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, or related field from an ABET-accredited university
- 8-10 years of experience in aviation engineering or project management, preferably within airport or airfield environments
Preferred
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials.
- Demonstrated experience working with FAA, airport authorities, and aviation funding programs.
- Proven success in aviation business development and long-term client relationship management.
- Advanced degree in Engineering Management, Aviation Management, or Business Administration.
Why you'll love Stratus
- A team-oriented environment that values transparency, creativity, and shared success
- Meaningful career paths, leadership opportunities, and space to specialize
- Learning & Development - Education and Professional Licensing
- We believe flexible, hybrid work supports the balance and well-being our team deserves
- Excellent Health Care Programs - Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary Life Insurance options for employees, spouses, and dependents
- 401k Retirement Plan with employer match
- Paid Holidays & Competitive PTO plans
