Description:
Woolpert is hiring a Senior Engineer Project Manager to join our dynamic Aviation Team. This position reports to our Aviation leadership team and is responsible for leading and managing the design, planning, and delivery of aviation and airfield improvement projects. This role oversees technical document preparation, directs multidisciplinary teams, coordinates with stakeholders such as TxDOT and airport sponsors, and ensures projects are delivered within scope, schedule, and budget. The ideal candidate brings strong civil engineering expertise, robust project management experience, and familiarity with FAA regulations and advisory circulars.
We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.
What You Will Do
Project Leadership & Management
- Provide strategic and technical leadership for aviation and airfield engineering projects from conception through completion. Lead the development of construction plans, technical specifications, contract documents, and specialized engineering reports in alignment with FAA, TxDOT, and sponsor requirements. Establish clearly defined project scopes, prepare detailed fee proposals, and proactively manage project budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure successful and timely delivery.
- Monitor project performance using earned value metrics, milestone tracking, and forecasting tools, identifying risks early and implementing effective mitigation strategies. Ensure consistency and quality across deliverables through structured QA/QC processes and adherence to applicable engineering standards, FAA Advisory Circulars, and best practices in airfield planning, pavement design, grading, geometry, and safety areas.
- Facilitate kickoff meetings, progress reviews, design workshops, and internal coordination sessions to maintain alignment across stakeholders and team members. Prepare and deliver accurate monthly invoicing, financial updates, and comprehensive Project Status Reports (PSRs) that outline progress, issues, and recommended actions. Provide mentorship, guidance, and technical oversight to project engineers and designers, supporting professional development and strengthening the aviation group’s overall technical capabilities.
Stakeholder Coordination & Communication
- Serve as the primary point of contact for airport sponsors, TxDOT, and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and schedules, document decisions, and ensure clear and timely communication to maintain project alignment. Build and maintain positive client relationships through proactive engagement, responsiveness, and consistent follow-through.
Documentation & Compliance
- Review sponsor-provided documents, including as-built drawings and prior design reports. Coordinate with subconsultants for surveying, geotechnical investigations, environmental studies, and specialized technical services. Ensure project documentation complies with federal, state, and local requirements, including FAA grant processes, environmental regulations, and permitting rules.
Bidding & Construction Support
- Manage the bidding process by organizing pre-bid meetings, issuing addenda, responding to contractor inquiries, and evaluating proposals. Provide construction-phase support through site visits, review of change orders, coordination with contractors, and monitoring of field activities to uphold quality standards and design intent.
Project Close-Out
- Review and approve final engineering drawings, compile project cost summaries, and participate in final inspections with TxDOT and project sponsors. Ensure all close-out documentation is delivered accurately and in accordance with sponsor and regulatory requirements.
Client & Team Management
- Lead cross-functional internal and external teams through project execution. Strengthen client relationships by identifying opportunities during proposals, RFP/RFQ processes, and ongoing engagements. Partner with management to evaluate client satisfaction, manage project risks, and support the overall financial health of the aviation practice. Provide direction, mentorship, and performance support to junior staff.
What You Will Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required
- 10+ years of project management experience in aviation and airfield design
- Familiarity with FAA Advisory Circulars and federal aviation regulations preferred
- Proficiency in AutoDesk Civil 3D, AutoCAD, and related engineering software
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical and technical reading skills
- Ability to respond professionally to sensitive client inquiries
- Ability to sit for extended periods; occasional reaching, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds
- Occasional travel required for site visits and client meetings