Construction Director or Senior Director - Aviation/Airport (Travel Required)

Company Description

At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world . Whether it’s improving the commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, we believe infrastructure has the power to uplift communities and improve people’s lives. Bringing together the best people, ideas, technical expertise, and digital solutions, we partner with our clients to turn their ambitions into action, changing the world for the better. We’re proud to be recognized for our leadership, including our No. 1 ranking by Fortune as the World’s Most Admired Company in our industry for two years in a row. Join us and you’ll become a part of a global team of nearly 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, program and construction managers and other professionals, working on projects that create positive and tangible impacts around the world.

About Construction Management – AECOM Hunt

Founded in 1944 in Indianapolis, Indiana, AECOM Hunt has been building for over 70 years. AECOM Hunt’s storied history has encompassed many notable projects in the automotive industry; iconic sports stadiums; a broad portfolio in transportation; and many repeat clients in the hospitality industry. From iconic stadiums and arenas, next-gen transportation hubs and sustainable healthcare and academic buildings, AECOM Hunt’s expertise, leadership and dedication are unparalleled.

Job Description

AECOM Hunt is seeking senior construction leaders for our Aviation/Airport construction vertical.to support airport construction projects.

Provides executive leadership for field operations across complex aviation and airport infrastructure projects. This role oversees multiple concurrent programs—including terminals, airside/landside improvements, concourses, and support facilities—ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality execution within active airport environments.

This role plays a critical role in aligning field operations with project delivery strategies, maintaining strict regulatory compliance, and minimizing disruption to ongoing airport operations.

This opportunity is tied to projects across multiple U.S. markets. Candidates should be open to travel and/or temporary relocation depending on project location.

Core Responsibilities

Aviation Field Operations Leadership

• Lead field operations across major aviation construction programs, including terminal expansions, runway/taxiway projects, and airside infrastructure

• Provide oversight to General Superintendents, Superintendents, and field teams across multiple job sites

• Standardize aviation-specific field execution practices across projects and regions

• Ensure seamless coordination between field teams and airport authorities

Project Execution in Active Airport Environments

• Direct construction activities in highly regulated, operational airport settings with minimal disruption to passengers and airline operations

• Oversee phasing, logistics, and access planning in secure and constrained environments

• Coordinate closely with airport operations, TSA, FAA stakeholders, and airline partners

• Ensure strict adherence to project schedules, including night work, shutdown windows, and phased turnover requirements

Safety & Airside Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture with emphasis on airside safety protocols and zero-incident performance

• Ensure compliance with all aviation safety standards, including FAA regulations and airfield operational requirements

• Lead safety planning for complex conditions (e.g., working near active runways, secure zones)

• Oversee incident response and continuous safety improvement initiatives

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Enforce rigorous quality control standards aligned with aviation authority requirements

• Ensure compliance with FAA, TSA, local airport authority, and environmental regulations

• Oversee inspection processes, commissioning, and turnover of critical infrastructure systems

Operational & Financial Performance

• Partner with Project Executives and Operations leadership to ensure projects meet financial and performance targets

• Monitor productivity, cost control, and labor utilization across aviation projects

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency in complex airport builds

Stakeholder & Client Leadership

• Serve as a senior point of contact for airport authorities, owners, and key stakeholders

• Build strong relationships to support repeat business in aviation markets

• Represent field operations in executive-level meetings, progress reviews, and client presentations

Talent Development & Workforce Strategy

• Lead development of high-performing field teams with aviation expertise

• Mentor General Superintendents and emerging field leaders

• Support recruitment and retention strategies for specialized aviation construction talent

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Director level:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field plus 12 years of progressive construction experience including at least 5 years within the aviation industry, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

• At least 4 years of leadership experience

OR

Senior Director level:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction managemet, engineering, or related field plus EXTENSIVE years of progressive construction experience including at least 5 years within the aviation industry, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

• At least 6 years of leadership experience

AND

• Extensive experience delivery aviation or large-scale transportation infrastructure projects

• Experience leading large ($500M-$1B+) complex projects

• Proven leadership overseeing multiple complex projects in active, highly regulated environments

• Ability to pass security screenings and background checks

• Willingness to travel or relocated as determined by project location

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive construction field leadership experience

• Experience working with major general contractors or ENR-ranked firms

Core Competencies

• Deep expertise in aviation construction and airport operations

• Advanced planning, phasing, and logistics management in constrained environments

• Strong knowledge of FAA, TSA, and airport authority regulations

• Executive leadership and team development

• Financial acumen and operational excellence

• Exceptional stakeholder and client management skills

Physical Demands:

• The following physical demands represent those typically required of individuals working in construction field roles, with or without accommodation. Construction field positions require physical stamina and mobility, including the ability to climb ladders and stairs, use personnel hoists, and move through various terrain and active construction zones. Vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Team members must be capable of using their hands to handle tools and materials, and perform activities such as sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted may be necessary on an occasional basis.

Work Environment:

• Individuals in construction field roles work primarily on active job sites where exposure to environmental and job-related hazards is common, with or without accommodation. These environments may include proximity to heavy machinery, elevated work areas, airborne particles, varying weather conditions, and potential electrical risks. Noise levels may vary from moderate to high depending on the phase of construction. Employees may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and must remain alert to ensure safety. Additional duties may be assigned as needed based on the scope and progress of the project.

Additional Information

• Sponsorship opportunities for US Employment Authorization are not offered for this position, now or in the future

• Relocation or a Travel Living Allowance may be provided for certain assignments.

• Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.

• For positions with driving responsibilities, Motor Vehicle Records are reviewed as part of AECOM’s background check process to ensure compliance with the Company’s driving standards.

• In order to receive a security badge at the client worksite for which you are being hired to perform services, you will be required to pass the client's security screening process to include SWAC (Secure Worker Access Consortium) and/or SIDA (Identification Display Area) and fingerprinting, which will be done after you have commenced employment and is a condition of your continued employment.

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.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $149845 to $290000.

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.

ReqID: REF59158N

Business Line: Construction Management

Business Group: CM

Strategic Business Unit: CM

Career Area: Construction

Work Location Model: On-Site

Compensation: USD 149845 - USD 290000 - yearly