Aviation Project Manager

HDR; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time away

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading engineering company is looking for an experienced Aviation Project Manager in Irvine, California. You will manage various commercial airport projects, ensuring effective project execution and client satisfaction. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of experience in civil engineering, including project management. Responsibilities include overseeing interdisciplinary teams, developing proposals, and managing services during the construction phase. This role offers competitive benefits and the opportunity to contribute to innovative transportation solutions.

Qualifications

• 7 years of related experience in civil engineering.
• Minimum of 2 years of direct project management experience.
• Commitment to an employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Serve as client manager for selected key clients.
• Oversee interdisciplinary teams, providing reviews and guidance.
• Manage services during construction phases.

Skills

Project management

Civil engineering

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

Aviation Project Manager

Join to apply for the Aviation Project Manager role at HDR

At HDR, we believe transportation is more than movement—it is the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you will help shape systems that move people and goods safely and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work directly supports economic vitality, public safety, and quality of life.

Overview

HDR is looking for an aviation project manager with extensive airport engineering and construction experience. You will manage both design‑phase and construction‑phase services for a variety of commercial airport projects, including airside and landside components. Your role will encompass staff development, project production, quality control, financial management, and marketing while leading multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as client manager for selected key clients and be active and visible in the industry.
• Establish client relations and participate in marketing, contractual, design, and production meetings.
• Oversee interdisciplinary teams, provide reviews and guidance on project deliverables (plans, specifications, cost estimates, schedules, and construction safety).
• Develop and review proposals, and participate in client presentations as needed.
• Manage services during construction, including review of submittals and RFIs.
• Implement QA/QC procedures and provide training per strategic plans.
• Coordinate projects with regulatory agencies and serve as liaison among clients, agencies, subcontractors, and design teams.
• Lead implementation of HDR’s Health and Safety program on projects.
• Instruct, mentor, and assist junior staff in career development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering.
• At least 15 years of civil engineering and design team management experience, specifically related to aviation.
• At least 5 years of project management experience with Southern California airports.
• Experience on airside and landside aviation projects.
• Experience in Program Management/Construction Management (PM/CM) projects as owner’s representative.
• P.E. license preferred.
• Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) credential preferred.
• Familiarity with FAA Advisory Circulars and aviation design standards.
• Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and large aviation projects.
• Demonstrated leadership, business development, and strategic planning skills.
• Local candidates preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 7 years of related experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of project management experience.
• Strong interaction with design teams and excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Commitment to an employee‑owned culture.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance, and success. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement. For full‑time regular positions, benefits are available; temporary and part‑time roles may be eligible for limited benefits.

Location

Primary: United States – California – Irvine
Other: Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego

Employment Details

Full‑time, Regular, Airfield Design – Aviation – Mid‑Senior level.

EEO Statement

HDR is committed to employment equity and is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.