Aviation Senior Project Director

Job Description

The Aviation Senior Project Director position is a senior technical and project leadership role responsible for fronting and leading major aviation design programmes across Europe.

The role provides senior leadership on flagship aviation programmes and major pursuits, typically involving CAPEX values in excess of €500M, complex regulatory environments and multi‑partner delivery models within live operational airports.

Operating in close collaboration with Market Sector Leadership and Client Account Managers, across our Europe and India Region, the role has a primary focus on project leadership, delivery assurance and bid credibility, providing confidence and continuity from early concept and statutory stages through procurement and transition into delivery.

This role requires a recognised and highly experienced Aviation Architect or Engineer, with a strong industry profile, deep technical competence, and the gravitas to represent AECOM credibly at executive client and stakeholder level.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the delivery of large-scale aviation design & engineering programmes, greenfield and also live operational airports, ensuring quality, safety, innovation, and client satisfaction.
• Oversee multidisciplinary coordination across architecture, structures, MEP, fire, security, digital, and specialist transportation systems.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations, airport development and terminal planning principles, passenger flow strategies, security requirements, and operational and commercial constraints.
• Be responsible for AECOM risk, project governance, technical reviews, and quality processes.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary senior interface with airport authorities, operators, concessionaires, developers, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Influence early-stage strategy, terminal and station concepts, optioneering, and masterplanning decisions.
• Represent AECOM in workshops, steering groups, executive reviews, and project governance forums.
• Build long-term relationships that drive repeat work and client trust.

Technical Leadership

• Operate effectively within highly regulated environments, including DCO processes, operational change, security compliance and safety‑critical interfaces.
• Drive innovation in digital delivery including BIM, computational design, digital twins, simulation.
• Champion sustainability, low‑carbon solutions, and AECOM’s ESG commitments within aviation environments.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Industry-recognised leader in aviation and complex airport environments, with a portfolio of successfully delivered major airport projects.
• Experience of client account development and management in the Aviation sector.
• Experience delivering large-scale projects (€500M+) with multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven project leadership experience in high-pressure, complex environments.
• Credibility to act as Project Director on flagship aviation programmes.
• Demonstrated success in bids, client leadership, and market-facing roles.
• Strong understanding of complex airport environments.
• Proficiency with BIM-based workflows; familiarity with computational/ digital tools.
• Full professional competency in English language (spoken and written).

Preferred Experience

• Experience of delivering large scale projects at major international airports.
• Experience interfacing with contractors under DfMA, ECI, and Design & Build environments.
• Understanding of global aviation trends
• 20 years plus aviation engineering and project management experience
• Strong network of cross industry relationships

Additional Information

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.