Senior Aviation Program Manager – Texas

Freese and Nichols • Harlingen, TX

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Freese and Nichols is seeking a Senior Aviation Program Manager to lead and grow our aviation program management practice in Texas. This role involves delivering complex airport capital improvement programs and strengthening client relationships within the aviation market. The position is based in Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, or Harlingen, Texas.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, aviation management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 15+ years of aviation-specific experience, including leadership of airport capital improvement programs or aviation infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex, multi-project programs for airports or aviation clients.
• Strong understanding of FAA regulations, airport operations, and aviation design/construction practices.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and serve as a trusted advisor to public-sector clients.
• Experience with program controls, including budgeting, scheduling, and performance tracking.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage technical teams, executives, and public stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed and work in active airport and construction environments.

Nice To Haves

• PMP or CCM certification.
• Experience working directly with airport authorities, municipalities, or aviation agencies.
• Strong understanding of FAA regulations, airport operations, and aviation design and construction practices.
• Experience supporting or leading business development, client relationship management, and pursuit strategy.
• Active participation in aviation industry organizations such as AAAE, ACI, or SAME.

Responsibilities

• Lead airport capital improvement programs (CIPs) from program setup through closeout, aligning scope, schedule, budget, and stakeholder expectations.
• Serve as an extension of airport client staff by providing strategic leadership, program oversight, and technical guidance for complex aviation programs.
• Oversee development and implementation of program management plans, including schedules, budgets, procurement strategies, stakeholder engagement plans, and construction management approaches.
• Guide multiple concurrent projects within a program using program controls and performance tracking tools to support successful delivery.
• Direct coordination across internal teams, subconsultants, contractors, and stakeholders to maintain consistency, quality, and continuity across program elements.
• Lead public-sector procurement efforts, including RFQs, RFPs, contract packaging strategies, design criteria coordination, and selection processes.
• Oversee construction-phase services, including contract administration, inspection, materials testing coordination, and constructability or value engineering reviews.
• Build aviation client relationships, support pursuits and presentations, monitor industry and FAA trends, and mentor program management staff to grow the practice.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid overtime for salaried employees
• Annual bonus
• Access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina
• Flexible work environment
• Hybrid schedule with up to 40% of remote work
• Alternative work schedule program which provides a day off every other Friday

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior