Aviation Project Director

AtkinsRéalis; New York (NY); On-site; USD 127,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Flexible work options

Paid time off

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking an Aviation Project Director in New York, NY. This role requires strong leadership to oversee multi-discipline airport projects from inception to completion, ensuring compliance with regulations. You will manage teams, budgets, and client relations while driving growth in the aviation sector. The ideal candidate will possess at least 12 years of experience in aviation and civil projects, with a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Competitive compensation and benefits are included.

Qualifications

• 12 years of experience including aviation experience.
• Must have a PE or be able to obtain one within 6 months of recruitment.
• Experience managing large-scale, complex aviation and civil projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-discipline team through design and construction phases.
• Build client relationships and track project needs.
• Develop business plans and serve as capture manager for proposals.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Client Relationship Management

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field

Tools

Project Management Software

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an Aviation Project Director to join our team in New York, NY. The Aviation Project Director will report to the Aviation East Lead, driving growth and development within the aviation market sector across the New York Metro Area. The role is the connection between our aviation clients and their upcoming needs. The successful candidate will oversee multi-discipline airport projects from initiation to closeout, managing project lifecycles, budgets, and staff, and acting as the primary client and stakeholder contact. Strong leadership is required to guide teams, ensure compliance with regulations and quality standards, develop strategy, and secure new business opportunities. Key responsibilities include leading design and construction phases, managing risk, and ensuring successful project delivery in live operational environments.

Your role

The Aviation Project Director will focus on program delivery, business development, and client account management. The role includes:

Program Delivery

• Lead a multi-discipline team through the design, procurement, and construction phases of aviation programs.
• Create and maintain an attitude of leadership toward the project team to achieve quality programs, respecting budget and schedule objectives.
• Plan, monitor, appraise, review, and deliver aviation programs and team activities in accordance with organizational goals.
• Oversee scheduling and cost control activities, working with SMEs, estimators, and procurement staff to present accurate project budgets.
• Meet client objectives by preparing Program Initiation and Program Management Plans, executing plan requirements, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions.
• Achieve efficiencies by accepting responsibility and accountability for results, exploring value‑adding opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and manage multidisciplinary project teams, including project managers, and oversee staffing and workload to meet deadlines.
• Develop and execute a program evaluation framework to assess strengths and identify areas for improvement.
• Interface with executive sponsors, business leaders, and stakeholders to capture all requirements.
• Prepare and complete action plans; implement and report on production, productivity, quality, and customer‑service standards; identify and mitigate project risks; resolve problems to keep projects on schedule and within budget; complete audits; identify trends; determine improvements; implement change.

Business Development and Client Account Management

• Build client relationships within the aviation marketplace and become a trusted advisor.
• Track potential clients' project needs and capital planning programs, especially for large and medium hub airports.
• Identify new business opportunities, participate in marketing activities, and write proposals to secure future projects.
• Meet with clients and develop relationships through coordinated marketing visits.
• Participate and attend events and conferences.
• Provide and organize client presentations and lessons learned activities.
• Coordinate with internal resources and other business lines to promote overall market sector growth with clients.
• Engage with local marketplace and MWDBE partners through regular meetings or planned events.
• Develop business plans for different services offerings, including the digital transformation of our aviation clients.
• Serve as capture manager on specific project proposals.
• Engage technical resources to create innovative client responses.
• Coordinate with legal, project controls, and operational staff for proper vetting of each opportunity.
• Collaborate with marketing, project managers, and other staff needed for proposal responses.
• Lead interview and presentation preparation for project opportunities.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to collaborate with clients, elected officials, industry associations, technical leaders, and project specialists in a dynamic work environment and a culture that is growth‑minded, supportive, and flexible. For qualified candidates relocation may be considered.

About You

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field.
• Requires 12 years of experience, including aviation experience.
• Must have a PE or be able to obtain one within 6 months of recruitment.
• Experience successfully managing large‑scale, complex aviation and civil projects.
• Experience with both design and construction.
• Proven experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering projects in live operational environments.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, including risk management, and proficiency with project management software.

Rewards & Benefits

At AtkinsRéalis, our values—Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence—are more than just words. They shape our culture, guide our decisions, and inspire us to create an environment where every team member feels empowered to grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.

Depending on your employment status, AtkinsRéalis benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company‑paid life and short‑ and long‑term disability benefits, employer‑matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, leaves of absence options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits.

Expected Compensation

Expected compensation range is between $127,000 and $212,000 annually, depending on skills, experience, and geographical location.

Equal Opportunity Statement

AtkinsRéalis is an equal‑opportunity, Drug‑Free employer EOE/Veteran/Disability.