Senior Aviation Project Manager

Stratus Team LLC•Cincinnati, OH

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Aviation Project Manager is a client-facing leadership role responsible for managing complex aviation and airport engineering projects while actively contributing to business development initiatives. This position oversees projects across airside and landside facilities—from planning and design through construction and closeout—while identifying opportunities to grow aviation client accounts and expand the firm’s presence in the aviation market. The ideal candidate blends aviation technical expertise, strong project leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a business mindset to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions that support safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, or related field from an ABET-accredited university
8-10 years of experience in aviation engineering or project management, preferably within airport or airfield environments

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license.
PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials.
Demonstrated experience working with FAA, airport authorities, and aviation funding programs.
Proven success in aviation business development and long-term client relationship management.
Advanced degree in Engineering Management, Aviation Management, or Business Administration.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple aviation and airport infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with project scope, schedule, budget, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for aviation clients, including airport authorities, airlines, consultants, regulators, and stakeholders, maintaining clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
Develop and manage detailed aviation project plans, including schedules, budgets, staffing, phasing, and resource allocation, while coordinating with multidisciplinary technical and operations teams.
Oversee and review aviation-related technical deliverables—such as airfield pavement designs, terminals, hangars, landside facilities, utilities, and supporting infrastructure—to ensure accuracy, constructability, safety, and compliance with FAA, TSA, ICAO, and applicable state and local standards.
Ensure adherence to FAA Advisory Circulars, airport design criteria, grant assurance requirements, environmental approvals (NEPA), and airport operational constraints.
Conduct risk assessments specific to active airport environments, develop mitigation strategies, and lead recurring project meetings to monitor progress, safety, and operational impacts.
Coordinate construction phasing and stakeholder sequencing to minimize impacts to airfield operations, passenger flow, airline functions, and airport security.
Identify and pursue new aviation business opportunities within existing and prospective airport and aviation client accounts, collaborating with leadership and technical teams on pursuit strategies.
Lead or support aviation proposal efforts, including scope development, fee estimates, schedules, qualifications packages, and technical presentations for airport authorities and aviation agencies.
Represent the firm at airport board meetings, FAA coordination meetings, industry conferences, and aviation networking events to promote capabilities and strengthen market presence.
Monitor and manage aviation project financials, ensuring profitability, compliance with funding requirements (AIP, PFC, state grants), and timely invoicing and collections.
Mentor and support junior aviation project managers, engineers, and technical staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, professional growth, and aviation-specific excellence.