Senior Project Manager - Aviation Engineering

Orionplacement; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Vision insurance

Job summary

A growing engineering and consulting organization in Indianapolis is seeking an experienced aviation engineer to lead high-impact airport design projects. This full-time role requires 8+ years of relevant experience, with an emphasis on airside design and a PE license. You'll manage client relationships, drive business development, and provide technical leadership while mentoring junior engineers. Join a collaborative environment focused on quality and long-term growth.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of aviation engineering experience with significant airside design experience.
• PE license required; Indiana PE strongly preferred.
• Strong client-facing communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead airport design projects from planning through final design.
• Serve as senior project manager on aviation engineering work.
• Drive business development efforts and strengthen client relationships.

Skills

Project management

Client communication

FAA criteria knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Pay: $125,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Lead high-impact aviation engineering projects that directly shape airport infrastructure and regional growth
• Step into a senior leadership role with meaningful influence over project execution, client relationships, business development, and strategic direction
• Join a team where your airside design expertise and FAA knowledge will be valued and put to work on complex, visible projects
• Mentor engineers, help grow an aviation practice, and make a lasting mark on both projects and people
• Build your career with a firm that offers strong growth potential, collaborative leadership, and long-term opportunity

Location: This role is based in the Indianapolis area with a hybrid schedule for the right local candidate. Relocation may be considered for the right person.

Note: Must have 8+ years of directly relevant aviation engineering experience with a strong emphasis on airside design, plus an Indiana PE license or ability to secure it quickly if needed.

About Us

We are a growing engineering and consulting organization known for delivering high-quality solutions, building strong client relationships, and investing in our people. Our work spans complex infrastructure and community-focused projects, and we take pride in combining technical excellence with practical problem-solving. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Lead airport design projects from planning through final design, bidding, and construction support
• Serve as senior project manager on aviation engineering work, with ownership over scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client satisfaction
• Build and strengthen relationships with airport authorities, public agencies, municipalities, and consulting partners
• Drive business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, meeting with clients, helping develop proposals, and supporting presentations
• Provide technical leadership on airfield civil engineering projects and ensure compliance with FAA criteria and design standards
• Oversee project staffing, workflow, financial performance, invoicing, and overall day‑to‑day project operations
• Review studies, reports, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and bid packages
• Mentor junior engineers and help develop technical talent across the team
• Manage multiple projects concurrently while identifying risks, controlling scope changes, and keeping deliverables on track
• Contribute to strategic planning and help expand the aviation practice in the region

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
• Master's degree preferred
• 8+ years of aviation engineering experience with significant airside design experience
• Strong knowledge of FAA criteria, regulations, and airport design standards
• Proven project management experience on aviation or airport design projects
• Business development experience, including proposals, scopes, and budgets
• Strong client-facing communication and leadership skills
• PE license required; Indiana PE strongly preferred
• Ability to obtain licensure in additional states as needed
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites and meetings

Why You Will Love Working Here

You will have the chance to lead meaningful infrastructure work, grow a practice area, and play a visible role in the success of both clients and the internal team. This is a strong fit for someone who wants senior-level ownership, leadership opportunity, and a seat at the table in shaping future growth. You will be part of a collaborative environment where technical quality, client service, and long-term development matter.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance