Senior Design Manager - Aviation

STV; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 179,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) Plan

Retirement Counseling

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Back-Up Dependent Care

Parental Leave

Continuing Education Program

Professional Licensure and Society Mbr

Job summary

STV is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager - Aviation to lead design and preconstruction activities for large-scale airport projects in Chicago, IL. This onsite role requires coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder agencies to ensure schedules, budgets, and compliance.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in airport construction, FAA guidelines, and proficiency with Procore, Bluebeam, and Primavera P6.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in preconstruction, estimating, or PM on large infrastructure projects (airports preferred).
• Knowledge of airport construction regulations and FAA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and preconstruction efforts including estimating, scheduling, and procurement planning.
• Develop and manage preconstruction budgets and value engineering assessments.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and authorities to meet regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Regulatory knowledge

FAA guidelines

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

PMP certification (preferred)

LEED accreditation (preferred)

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Primavera P6

Job description

STV is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager - Aviation to work with our national aviation group. This position will be onsite at our client’s location in Chicago, IL.

This position will oversee the planning and design phases of airport construction projects. The ideal candidate will lead design activities, including budgeting, scheduling, risk assessment, and coordination with stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of large-scale airport infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and preconstruction efforts, including estimating, scheduling, and procurement planning for airport construction projects.
• Develop and manage preconstruction budgets, cost estimates, and value engineering assessments.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and airport authorities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and constructability reviews to identify potential challenges and solutions.
• Prepare detailed project schedules, including preconstruction timelines and key milestones.
• Assist in the selection and management of subcontractors and vendors, ensuring alignment with project goals and cost considerations.
• Ensure adherence to environmental, safety, and zoning regulations throughout the preconstruction phase.
• Provide strategic input on design optimization, material selection, and sustainable construction practices.
• Communicate and coordinate with government agencies, airport stakeholders, and project teams to align expectations and requirements.
• Support the transition from preconstruction to construction, ensuring a seamless handoff to project execution teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in preconstruction, estimating, or project management within large-scale infrastructure projects, preferably airports.
• Strong knowledge of airport construction regulations, FAA guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Proficiency in construction management software (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, Primavera P6) and cost estimating tools.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and navigate complex project requirements.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Architectural Licensure is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or LEED accreditation.
• Experience working with public sector airport authorities or aviation-related infrastructure.

#LI-AW1 #ONSITE

Compensation Range

$179,064.64 - $204,645.30

STV offers the following benefits

• Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable)
• Disability insurance
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• 401(k) Plan
• Retirement Counseling
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Back-Up Dependent Care
• Parental Leave
• Continuing Education Program
• Professional Licensure and Society Memberships

STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV’s good‑faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.