Aviation Department Manager

Primera Engineers • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Aviation Department Manager is responsible for leading and growing the firm’s Aviation practice through a combination of technical expertise, people leadership, client engagement, and strategic business development. This role provides overall direction for aviation civil engineering services, manages a multi-disciplinary team, and serves as a visible leader both internally and externally. The Department Manager plays a key role in expanding the aviation portfolio, strengthening client relationships, and positioning the firm for continued growth in existing and new markets.

This is a local hybrid position.

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience within an aviation or transportation engineering environment.
• Strong background in aviation civil engineering with the ability to provide high-level technical oversight and guidance.
• Demonstrated success in client-facing roles, business development, and practice growth.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on leadership and operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Aviation Department, with direct management responsibility for a portion of the team.
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and accountable team culture focused on quality, responsiveness, and professional growth.
• Provide mentorship, performance feedback, and career development guidance to staff.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and staff development to meet current and future workload demands.
• Drive continued growth of the Aviation practice, aligning department goals with the firm’s strategic vision.
• Identify and pursue new market opportunities, including geographic expansion and new client relationships.
• Collaborate with firm leadership to develop long-term practice plans, staffing strategies, and revenue goals.
• Serve as a client-facing leader and trusted advisor for aviation clients and stakeholders.
• Represent the firm at national conferences, industry events, and client meetings to strengthen brand visibility and relationships.
• Lead or support business development efforts including proposal strategy, pursuit planning, and client interviews.
• Maintain and expand relationships with airport authorities, municipalities, and regulatory agencies.
• Provide high-level technical oversight for aviation civil engineering projects, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance with FAA and industry standards.
• Support Project Managers and Technical Leads in resolving complex technical, schedule, or coordination challenges.
• Ensure projects are delivered in alignment with scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Oversee department performance, workload planning, and staff utilization.
• Support project financial management efforts, including forecasting, staffing alignment, and coordination with Project Managers.

Benefits

• A competitive benefits package including 401(k) match, employee stock ownership, paid volunteer time off, parental leave, and continuing education reimbursement.
• Flexible work scheduling within a growing, forward-thinking organization.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and engaging work environment.
• Colleagues who value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
• Employee-led committees that promote social engagement, wellness initiatives, and community service throughout the year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed