Aviation Senior Program Manager

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking an experienced Aviation Senior Program Manager to lead major Texas airport development and capital improvement programs (Houston, Austin, Dalla/Ft Worth, and San Antonio). This position will be based in Dallas, TX. This right candidate provide strategic direction, oversight, and leadership for complex aviation initiatives, ensuring successful delivery across planning, design, and construction. The Senior Program Manager will work closely with airport authorities, multidisciplinary teams, external stakeholders, and AECOM leadership to drive program execution, mitigate risks, and maintain alignment with client objectives. 

This position offers an opportunity to manage high-visibility airside and landside programs that shape long-term airport infrastructure, enhance passenger experience, and support operational efficiency. 

Job Responsibilities 

Program Leadership & Strategy 

• Oversee full program lifecycle for large, multi-year aviation development programs, including planning, design, procurement, and construction. 
• Provide executive-level leadership, decision-making guidance, and strategic direction to technical teams. 
• Establish program governance frameworks, reporting structures, and performance metrics. 
• Drive alignment between client goals, regulatory requirements, operational constraints, and project execution plans. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Serve as the primary interface with airport authorities, senior leadership, regulatory agencies, and third-party partners. 
• Facilitate program workshops, progress meetings, executive presentations, and stakeholder coordination sessions. 
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with clients and key program participants. 

Technical Oversight 

• Review program scopes, design deliverables, technical studies, phasing concepts, cost estimates, and construction packages. 
• Provide direction on airside, landside, and terminal elements including runways, taxiways, aprons, roadways, utilities, vertical facilities, and support infrastructure. 
• Monitor adherence to FAA regulations, airport design standards, environmental requirements, and industry best practices. 

Program Controls & Reporting 

• Manage program budgets, schedules, risk registers, change control, and cost forecasts. 
• Oversee program reporting, dashboard development, and executive summaries. 
• Ensure prompt resolution of issues affecting cost, schedule, quality, safety, and operational continuity. 

Team Leadership 

• Lead, mentor, and support multidisciplinary teams of project managers, engineers, construction managers, and controls specialists. 
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. 
• Support staff development, recruitment, performance reviews, and succession planning. 

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field. 
• 12+ years of experience in program or project management for aviation infrastructure projects. 
• This position requires passing airport-specific background checks and obtaining badges or clearances. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Planning, Business Administration, or related discipline. 
• PMP certification or equivalent. 
• Proven experience delivering major airport development programs (airside, landside, or terminal). 
• Strong understanding of FAA standards, airport planning principles, environmental processes, and construction phasing.