Aviation Program/Project Director

Arora Engineers, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Arora Engineers, Inc. is seeking an Aviation Program/Project Director to lead complex development projects from initiation through closeout across multiple locations.

The role provides overall responsibility for scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, stakeholder coordination, and contractual compliance in active aviation environments. You will guide design, procurement, construction, commissioning and closeout; manage multidisciplinary teams, interfaces with clients and regulators, and ensure

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in project/program management in Aviation
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating with clients, contractors, consultants and regulators
• Familiarity with Design‑Bid‑Build, Design‑Build, CMAR, and GC/CM delivery methods
• Proficiency with PM software including Primavera P6 and MS Project

Responsibilities

• Lead aviation projects from initiation through planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout
• Develop and control schedules, budgets, risk registers, and performance metrics
• Coordinate with stakeholders and manage communications with clients, regulators, and internal teams
• Review project documents for constructability, compliance, and alignment with objectives
• Monitor progress and mitigate risks to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Communications

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/PM

Master's degree preferred

PM certifications (PMP/ CCM) preferred

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Bluebeam

SharePoint

MS Office Suite

Job description

Aviation Program/Project Director - Multiple Locations

General Summary

The Project Director is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and delivery of complex aviation development projects from project initiation through closeout. This role provides overall responsibility for scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk management, stakeholder coordination, and contractual compliance to ensure successful project outcomes.

The Project Director serves as the primary point of contact for clients, project teams, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and key stakeholders. The position requires strong leadership, technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and communication skills to successfully manage projects in active operational environments while balancing stakeholder interests, business objectives, and project constraints.

All duties shall be carried out in compliance with client policies and procedures, applicable regulations, and company standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects from initiation through planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout.
• Establish project goals, scope, budgets, schedules, and performance metrics.
• Develop and maintain project management plans, execution strategies, and delivery frameworks.
• Ensure alignment of project objectives with client goals, operational requirements, and business needs.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams to achieve project milestones and successful delivery outcomes.

Project Planning & Controls

• Develop, monitor, and maintain project schedules, budgets, forecasts, and resource plans.
• Track project performance against established scope, cost, schedule, and quality objectives.
• Coordinate with project controls teams to manage cost reporting, schedule analysis, risk registers, and performance metrics.
• Identify schedule recovery opportunities and cost‑saving initiatives.
• Prepare project dashboards, reports, and executive‑level communications.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary liaison among clients, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders.
• Facilitate project meetings, workshops, and stakeholder coordination sessions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with project partners and affected stakeholders.
• Coordinate communications regarding project status, risks, decisions, and upcoming activities.
• Ensure stakeholder concerns and operational requirements are incorporated into project planning and execution.

Design & Construction Coordination

• Coordinate activities among design teams, construction managers, contractors, and specialty consultants.
• Review project documents for completeness, constructability, and alignment with project requirements.
• Support design development reviews and ensure project objectives are maintained throughout project delivery.
• Coordinate construction phasing, operational impacts, utility shutdowns, and project transitions.
• Monitor construction progress and resolve project issues to maintain schedule and budget objectives.

Contract Administration & Procurement

• Support procurement planning, solicitation development, contractor selection, and contract negotiations.
• Administer professional service and construction contracts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review change orders, contract modifications, invoices, and payment applications.
• Monitor contractor compliance with contract requirements and project deliverables.
• Assist in the evaluation and resolution of claims, disputes, and Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs).
• Support alternative delivery methods including Design‑Build, CMAR, and GC/CM projects.
• Identify, evaluate, and monitor project risks and opportunities.
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies to minimize impacts to scope, budget, schedule, quality, and operations.
• Maintain project risk registers and facilitate risk review workshops.
• Resolve project issues proactively through collaboration with project teams and stakeholders.
• Escalate critical issues and recommendations to leadership as appropriate.

Quality Management

• Ensure project deliverables meet established quality standards and client expectations.
• Support quality assurance and quality control processes throughout project execution.
• Verify compliance with design requirements, contractual obligations, industry standards, and applicable regulations.
• Review project performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and client‑specific regulations and requirements.
• Coordinate permitting, environmental reviews, and agency approvals as required.
• Support compliance with aviation, transportation, environmental, safety, and operational standards where applicable.
• Monitor project activities to ensure regulatory obligations are maintained throughout project delivery.
• Develop and manage project budgets and funding allocations.
• Monitor expenditures, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Support capital planning, funding requests, and budget development activities.
• Evaluate cost impacts associated with scope changes and project risks.
• Recommend financial strategies to achieve project objectives while maintaining budget compliance.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor project teams to achieve high levels of performance and collaboration.
• Support workforce planning, staffing strategies, and consultant management.
• Foster an environment of accountability, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration across all project participants.
• Support professional development and knowledge‑sharing initiatives within the organization.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Comprehensive understanding of aviation project delivery, including Design‑Bid‑Build, Design‑Build, CMAR, and GC/CM.
• Experience with project controls, cost management, scheduling, forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Knowledge of procurement, contract administration, change management, and claims resolution processes.
• Familiarity with design development, construction management, and operational coordination requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and complex project environments.
• Proficiency with project management software and tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, SharePoint, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in project management, program management, engineering, construction management, in Aviation Programs.
• Demonstrated success managing complex aviation, projects with landside scope.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, consultants, contractors, and stakeholder groups.
• Experience with project delivery in active operational environments preferred.
• Experience with public‑sector projects, alternative delivery methods, and contract administration preferred.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Business, Project Management, or a related field.
• Master's degree in a related discipline is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CCM, PE, DBIA, PgMP, or equivalent are preferred.

This position offers the opportunity to work on impactful projects that contribute to the development and improvement of critical infrastructure. Candidates with a passion for excellence and a track record of success in project management are encouraged to apply.

Work Environment / Conditions

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Position involves a combination of office‑based project management, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination activities.
• Periodic visits to project sites, client facilities, construction sites, and operational environments may be required.
• Travel may be required depending on project assignments and client needs.
• Position may require managing multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities and deadlines.