Aviation Senior Program Manager

Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us. 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.  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.  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. 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