Aviation Sr Program Manager -Airfield Construction

AtkinsRéalis • San Francisco, CA

4d

About The Position

The Aviation Sr Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing large-scale airfield construction and improvement projects within an airport environment at Primary Commercial Service Airports. This role ensures compliance with FAA regulations, safety standards, and operational requirements while delivering projects on time, within scope, and budget. The Program Manager acts as the primary liaison between airport authorities, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
Your role Program Leadership & Oversight Lead and manage multiple airfield construction projects, including runway, taxiway, apron, and related infrastructure improvements. Develop and maintain program schedules, budgets, and resource plans. Ensure alignment with airport master plans and strategic objectives. Regulatory Compliance Ensure all projects comply with FAA Advisory Circulars, Part 139 requirements, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Coordinate environmental reviews and permitting processes. Stakeholder Coordination Serve as the primary point of contact for airport leadership, airlines, contractors, and consultants. Facilitate communication between internal teams and external stakeholders to minimize operational disruptions. Design Management Assist with the development of the design scope of services and schedule. Oversee the Design Management Team and overall design development process. Oversee the compilation of design quantities and probable cost of construction estimates. Identify design optimizations and value engineering concepts. Construction Management Assist with the procurement of construction services. Negotiate Guaranteed Maximum Price amount, as required by contract. Oversee construction activities, ensuring adherence to design specifications, safety standards, and quality requirements. Monitor contractor performance, to include quality, and manage change orders, claims, and risk mitigation strategies. Reviews and approves construction invoices. Author monthly construction reports for submission to the FAA. Financial Management Develop cost estimates, track expenditures, and manage funding sources (including FAA AIP grants). Prepare financial reports and ensure compliance with grant requirements. Safety & Operational Continuity Implement safety protocols and coordinate with airport operations to maintain airfield functionality during construction. Develop phasing plans to minimize impact on air traffic and airport operations.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Aviation Management, or related field.
• Experience: 8+ years in aviation infrastructure projects, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and airport design standards.
• Excellent project management, budgeting, and scheduling skills.
• Proactive problem solving.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and resolve conflicts.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g. Primavera, MS Project).

Nice To Haves

• Certifications: PMP, P.E. license, or AAAE accreditation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple airfield construction projects, including runway, taxiway, apron, and related infrastructure improvements.
• Develop and maintain program schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
• Ensure alignment with airport master plans and strategic objectives.
• Ensure all projects comply with FAA Advisory Circulars, Part 139 requirements, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Coordinate environmental reviews and permitting processes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for airport leadership, airlines, contractors, and consultants.
• Facilitate communication between internal teams and external stakeholders to minimize operational disruptions.
• Assist with the development of the design scope of services and schedule.
• Oversee the Design Management Team and overall design development process.
• Oversee the compilation of design quantities and probable cost of construction estimates.
• Identify design optimizations and value engineering concepts.
• Assist with the procurement of construction services.
• Negotiate Guaranteed Maximum Price amount, as required by contract.
• Oversee construction activities, ensuring adherence to design specifications, safety standards, and quality requirements.
• Monitor contractor performance, to include quality, and manage change orders, claims, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Reviews and approves construction invoices.
• Author monthly construction reports for submission to the FAA.
• Develop cost estimates, track expenditures, and manage funding sources (including FAA AIP grants).
• Prepare financial reports and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Implement safety protocols and coordinate with airport operations to maintain airfield functionality during construction.
• Develop phasing plans to minimize impact on air traffic and airport operations.

Benefits

• AtkinsRéalis benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits, employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, Paid Time Off, leaves of absences options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees