Senior Airport Program Leader

AECO; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking an experienced Sr Program Manager to lead major U.S. airport development and capital improvement programs.

This role is based in Las Vegas, NV, and offers strategic direction, oversight, and leadership for complex aviation initiatives spanning planning, design, and construction. You will collaborate with airport authorities, multidisciplinary teams, and external stakeholders to drive program execution, manage risks, and align with client objectives while improving passenger

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a relevant field with 12+ years in aviation PM
• Leadership experience (4+ years) in large programs
• Ability to pass airport background checks and badges

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 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.
• Review program scopes, design deliverables, 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

Stakeholder management

Program management

Aviation industry knowledge

Strategic thinking

Education

BA/BS in a related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Program controls

Reporting platforms

Job description

AECOM is seeking an experienced Sr Program Manager to lead major U.S. airport development and capital improvement programs.

This role is based in Las Vegas, NV, and offers strategic direction, oversight, and leadership for complex aviation initiatives spanning planning, design, and construction. You will collaborate with airport authorities, multidisciplinary teams, and external stakeholders to drive program execution, manage risks, and align with client objectives while improving passenger