Aviation Senior Program Manager

Job Description

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. This right candidate provide strategic direction, oversight, and leadership for complex aviation initiatives, ensuring successful delivery across planning, design, and construction. 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. 

This position offers an opportunity to manage high-visibility airside and landside programs that shape long-term airport infrastructure, enhance passenger experience, and support operational efficiency. 

Job Responsibilities 

Program Leadership & Strategy 

• 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. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• 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. 

Technical Oversight 

• 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. 

Program Controls & Reporting 

• 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. 

Team Leadership 

• 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. 

Additional Information

• Sponsorship is not offered for this position.
• Relocation support may be available for qualified candidates. 

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

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. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Compensation: 180000 to 310000 (USD) (YEARLY)