Project Manager - Aviation

About Stratus

Stratus® is an integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, interior design, and consulting firm. Consistently ranking among the Top 500 Design Firms in Engineering News-Record, the firm offers a deep bench of industry experts through a highly collaborative approach, delivering innovative solutions across the full project lifecycle. Operating coast to coast, Stratus® serves clients nationwide while maintaining a strategic commitment to supporting high-growth economies and building vibrant communities that foster the professional growth of its team. Serving public- and private-sector clients, the firm is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality service wherever projects take shape. Across the Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Transportation, Education, Water Resources, and Government sectors, we bring precision, insight, and purpose to every project, from targeted renovations to large-scale infrastructure. Stratus® designs spaces, systems, and solutions that perform, endure, and make an impact, delivering on our promise of Better Plans. Better Places.

The Role


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.

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.

Qualifications

Required

• 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

Preferred

• 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.

Why you'll love Stratus

• A team-oriented environment that values transparency, creativity, and shared success
• Meaningful career paths, leadership opportunities, and space to specialize
• Learning & Development - Education and Professional Licensing
• We believe flexible, hybrid work supports the balance and well-being our team deserves
• Excellent Health Care Programs - Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance options for employees, spouses, and dependents
• 401k Retirement Plan with employer match
• Paid Holidays & Competitive PTO plans

Interested in learning more about Stratus, please visit

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team's management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.