Senior Aviation Program Lead for Major Airport Projects

AECOM; Irvine (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 based in Las Vegas, NV.

The role offers strategic direction, oversight, and leadership across planning, design, and construction for high-visibility airside and landside initiatives. You will collaborate with airport authorities, regulators, and stakeholders to deliver programs on time and within budget, ensuring alignment with client objectives and FAA standards.

Qualifications

• BA/BS and 12+ years of related experience in program or project management for aviation infrastructure projects or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 4 years of leadership.
• This position requires passing airport-specific background checks and obtaining badges or clearances.

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, 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

Program management

Leadership

Aviation infrastructure

FAA standards

Education

BA/BS or higher in related field

Master’s degree in Engineering/Planning/Business Administration

Job description

AECOM is seeking an experienced Sr Program Manager to lead major U.S. airport development and capital improvement programs based in Las Vegas, NV.

The role offers strategic direction, oversight, and leadership across planning, design, and construction for high-visibility airside and landside initiatives. You will collaborate with airport authorities, regulators, and stakeholders to deliver programs on time and within budget, ensuring alignment with client objectives and FAA standards.