Director or Senior Director of Field Operations - Aviation (Travel Required)

Job Summary

Director / Senior Director – Field Operations (Aviation) – AECOM Hunt. Lead field operations across complex aviation and airport infrastructure projects in the U.S., overseeing multiple concurrent programs (terminals, runways, concourses, support facilities) and ensuring safe, efficient, high‑quality execution within active airport environments.

Location: On‑Site. Travel: Open to travel and/or temporary relocation.

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.

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.
  • At least 4 years of leadership experience.
• Senior Director level:
  • Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field plus extensive years of progressive construction experience including at least 5 years within the aviation industry, or demonstrated equivalency.
  • At least 6 years of leadership experience.
• Additional requirements for all levels:
  • Extensive experience delivering 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 relocate 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.

Additional Information

• Sponsorship opportunities for US Employment Authorization are not offered for this position.
• 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 and/or SIDA and fingerprinting, which will be done after you have commenced employment and is a condition of your continued employment.
• Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $149,845 to $290,000.

Equal Opportunity Employer: AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.