Houston Aviation Program Lead — Senior PM

AECO; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day 1 onboarding at AECOM office

Relocation assistance

Job summary

AECOM is seeking an Aviation Senior Program Manager to lead major Texas airport development and capital improvement programs from Houston, TX. You will provide strategic direction, oversight, and leadership across planning, design, and construction, coordinating with airport authorities, stakeholders, and AECOM leadership to drive program execution.

This senior role manages high-visibility airside and landside programs, shaping long-term airport infrastructure, passenger experience, and

Qualifications

• BA/BS and 12+ years in aviation program or project management, with 4 years of leadership.
• Passing airport-specific background checks and badges.
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Planning, or related field.
• PMP certification or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of FAA standards and airport planning experience.
• Experience leading large cross-functional teams and executive-level client relationships.
• Experience with program controls systems and reporting platforms.
• Experience with major hub airports and multi-billion-dollar capital programs.
• Familiarity with AECOM processes and integrated delivery models.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Serve as 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Aviation infrastructure

FAA standards

Education

BA/BS in related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

PMP certification (preferred)

Job description

AECOM is seeking an Aviation Senior Program Manager to lead major Texas airport development and capital improvement programs from Houston, TX. You will provide strategic direction, oversight, and leadership across planning, design, and construction, coordinating with airport authorities, stakeholders, and AECOM leadership to drive program execution.

This senior role manages high-visibility airside and landside programs, shaping long-term airport infrastructure, passenger experience, and