Aviation Senior Program Manager

About the role

AECOM is seeking an experienced Aviation Senior Program Manager to lead major Texas airport development and capital improvement programs. This position will be based in Houston, TX, and will provide strategic direction, oversight, and leadership for complex aviation initiatives, ensuring successful delivery across planning, design, and construction.

Responsibilities

The Senior Program Manager will work closely with airport authorities, multidisciplinary teams, external stakeholders, and AECOM leadership to drive program execution, mitigate risks, and maintain alignment with client objectives. Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee full program lifecycle for large, multi-year aviation development programs, including planning, design, procurement, and construction.
• Provide executive-level leadership, decision-making guidance, and strategic direction to technical teams.
• Establish program governance frameworks, reporting structures, and performance metrics.
• Drive alignment between client goals, regulatory requirements, operational constraints, and project execution plans.
• Serve as the primary interface with airport authorities, senior leadership, regulatory agencies, and third-party partners.
• Facilitate program workshops, progress meetings, executive presentations, and stakeholder coordination sessions.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with clients and key program participants.
• Review program scopes, design deliverables, technical studies, phasing concepts, cost estimates, and construction packages.
• Provide direction on airside, landside, and terminal elements including runways, taxiways, aprons, roadways, utilities, vertical facilities, and support infrastructure.
• Monitor adherence to FAA regulations, airport design standards, environmental requirements, and industry best practices.
• Manage program budgets, schedules, risk registers, change control, and cost forecasts.
• Oversee program reporting, dashboard development, and executive summaries.
• Ensure prompt resolution of issues affecting cost, schedule, quality, safety, and operational continuity.
• Lead, mentor, and support multidisciplinary teams of project managers, engineers, construction managers, and controls specialists.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support staff development, recruitment, performance reviews, and succession planning.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements: BA/BS and 12+ years of related experience in program or project management for aviation infrastructure projects or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 4 years of leadership. This position requires passing airport-specific background checks and obtaining badges or clearances.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Planning, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• PMP certification or equivalent.
• Proven experience delivering major airport development programs (airside, landside, or terminal).
• Strong understanding of FAA standards, airport planning principles, environmental processes, and construction phasing.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, cross-functional teams and manage client relationships at the executive level.
• Experience with program controls systems and reporting platforms.
• Experience with major hub airports and multi-billion-dollar capital programs.
• Familiarity with AECOM processes, tools, and integrated delivery models.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.

Benefits

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

Pay

The offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $180,000 to $310,000 per year.