Senior Aviation Project Leader for Terminal Construction

W.E. O'Neil; Pleasanton (CA); Hybrid; USD 215,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Bonus program

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) with match

PTO/sick leave

Job summary

W.E. O'Neil Construction is seeking a Senior Project Manager - Aviation in Pleasanton, CA to lead terminal and ancillary building projects from preconstruction through closeout.

You will coordinate with clients, consultants, and field teams to ensure safety, schedule, and budget adherence in a live airport environment. The role emphasizes delivering complex, phased construction with strong leadership and a focus on constructability and risk mitigation, reporting to the leadership team and

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressively responsible construction experience, including airport work.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Experience managing large or complex projects in active or security‑controlled environments.
• Familiarity with airport processes, badging, and phased construction.

Responsibilities

• Champion project safety, quality, scheduling, and risk management across aviation projects.
• Forecast, budget, bill, manage cash flow, and ensure financial performance.
• Administer contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and change management.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers, Engineers, and team members.
• Build lasting relationships with airport authorities, consultants, and partners.
• Lead delivery from preconstruction to closeout with airport access constraints.
• Oversee turnover, commissioning, and project closeout.

Skills

Airport construction

Project leadership

Risk management

Stakeholder relations

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Procore

CMiC

Navisworks

Job description

Senior Project Manager - Aviation

Department: Project Management

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Pleasanton, CA

Compensation: $215,000 - $235,000 / year

Description

The Senior Project Manager – Aviation leads the successful delivery of airport construction projects — terminal buildings, concourses, and ancillary facilities — through leadership of project teams, client relationships, operational execution, and business performance. This role provides leadership from preconstruction through closeout while mentoring project teams and supporting initiatives that strengthen project delivery across the aviation sector.

We're looking for someone with real experience building inside an active airport environment — the unique access, security, phasing, and stakeholder coordination that terminal and ancillary building work requires. Experience at any commercial airport is a strong fit; this isn't tied to one specific facility.

The role reports to the Project Director, Project Executive, Vice President of Operations, or other assigned supervisor, and works closely with clients, consultants, trade partners, field leadership, project teams, and company leadership throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion project safety, quality, scheduling, and risk management across assigned aviation projects, partnering with field leadership on expectations.
• Maintain accountability for project forecasting, budgeting, billing, cash flow, and overall financial performance.
• Lead administration of prime contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and project agreements, directing compliance and change management processes.
• Evaluate cost impacts, forecast variances, and contractual risks; implement corrective actions and support the resolution of claims or disputes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers, Project Engineers, and other project team members.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with airport authorities, consultants, subcontractors, and industry partners, serving as a trusted senior advisor.
• Lead project delivery from preconstruction through closeout — planning, constructability, logistics, procurement, staffing, and execution strategy — with particular attention to the phasing and access constraints of an active airport environment.
• Champion integration of VDC/BIM processes to support constructability, coordination, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee turnover, commissioning, and closeout activities through successful project completion.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 12+ years of progressively responsible construction industry experience, including terminal or ancillary building work at a commercial airport.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success managing large or complex construction projects and project teams in active, occupied, or security-controlled environments.
• Expert understanding of construction contracts, project controls, scheduling, procurement, cost management, and risk management.
• Familiarity with airport authority processes, badging/security requirements, and phased construction in operational facilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction management platforms such as Procore, CMiC, and/or Navisworks.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to build trust across clients, teams, and company leadership.
• OSHA 30-Hour certification, or ability to obtain within established company timelines.

W.E. O'Neil Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

Benefits

• A rare opportunity to lead aviation-sector work — terminal and ancillary building construction is a specialized niche with real demand and limited competition for talent.
• Real leadership of large, complex projects — shaping delivery strategy from preconstruction through closeout, not just executing someone else's plan.
• 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company with a track record dating back to 1925 — your work has a direct stake in the outcome.
• Full benefits package: competitive pay, bonus program, medical/dental/vision insurance, PTO/sick leave, life insurance, 401(k) with match, and a student debt assistance program