Aviation Engineering Technical Practice Leader - Americas

Company Description

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.

Job Description

The Americas Aviation Engineering Technical Practice Leader will report directly to the Americas Aviation Lead, to drive aviation engineering practice growth, reinforce delivery quality, strengthen technical capabilities within the practice, leverage cross business line and sector delivery resources, and represent AECOM with industry‑facing leadership. The role will appeal to someone who is highly motivated to lead and advance a successful engineering practice and who has strong connections and networks within commercial airport facilities. This role will offer an excellent opportunity for development and collaboration with clients, federal, state, and municipality officials, industry associations, technical leaders, and project specialists in a dynamic work environment and a culture that is direct, supportive, and flexible. The Leader will collaborate with the Global Aviation team and respective US East and US West Regions transportation leadership.

Due to the nature of this role, the location is flexible and can be remote / virtual with travel as and when required.

Core Responsibilities

Practice Growth and Sales

Responsible for contributing to practice growth, strategy, and sale of AECOM’s services to the Aviation sector, including key strategic customers and partners in the Americas – specifically collaborating with the Regional Aviation Market Sector Leads, Global Aviation team, and Regional Aviation Division Managers.

Works with the other business lines and market sector leaders in the regions to ensure strategic business growth. Supports aviation capture managers in winning and delivering major engineering projects.

Builds strong relationships and interacts with clients, teaming partners, industry groups, and stakeholders linked to the Aviation industry, serving as an ambassador for AECOM.

Drawing on technical expertise, participates in the development of capture plans that conform to the business development strategy and technical capabilities.

Additional Responsibilities Include

• Involved in national collaboration with Aviation Planning, B+P, Construction Management, and across business lines for aviation civil engineering services
• Develop and implement national strategies for aviation civil engineering projects that align with organizational goals, industry trends, and regulatory frameworks
• Build and structure technical delivery teams with appropriate skills for effective project delivery
• Identify key industry talent and hire key staff based on market strategy
• Expand upon existing strategies to drive organizational growth across the Americas aviation market
• Advise leadership on capabilities of resources that enable market growth and improve geographic reach
• Identify gaps in resources that inhibit growth and develop plans to address them

Quality and Project Delivery

Active involvement at project level to either perform QCs or project audits (especially large or high‑risk projects) to confirm that we are taking the correct steps and meeting our Standard Operating Procedures.

Identify and train design center quality management leads to establish a network of senior level design quality professionals. Utilize the network to drive workshare across Americas aviation engineering practice.

Define and mitigate risks and commercial terms during the pursuit and contract execution process.

Negotiate favorable contract terms and conditions, manage/contribute to achievement of sales goals, gross margin, backlog, and other financial and business goals.

Serve as Principal in Charge or Project/Program Manager for key pursuits and projects in the Americas that are of strategic importance.

Additional Responsibilities Include

• Champion AI engineering initiative / establish working group for aviation civil practice
• Lead all phases of airport infrastructure projects—including planning, budgeting, design, permitting, and construction—ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and timely delivery
• Support project management in accountability of financial performance and productivity during project delivery
• Work closely and coordinate with Regional Managers, Project Directors, Project Mangers, Commercial Managers, Legal/Contract and corporate finance during project delivery
• Ensure full compliance with applicable FAA, ICAO, TSA, and other federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental and safety standards
• Maintain training of staff on design requirements and regulatory compliance
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks throughout project planning and execution, including environmental, geotechnical, and construction‑related challenges
• Work in close collaboration with commercial, contracts, finance, legal on the oversight and management of change management, scope in the course of delivery
• Demonstrate familiarity with typical contracts, legal and commercial terms impacting delivery of design work

Industry Involvement

Represent AECOM at industry events and maintain regular check‑ins with clients.

Increase visibility and engagement at the industry and client levels as the National Engineer Lead.

Additional Responsibilities Include

• Serve as the primary liaison with the aviation industry partners such as Airport Consultants Council, American Association of Airport Executives, Airports Council International – North America, and other organizations that support the aviation engineering practice
• Serve as the primary liaison with airport operators, federal agencies (e.g., FAA), state DOTs, consultants, and contractors to foster strong, collaborative relationships
• Build personal relationships with partner firms, clients and contractors in support of strategic initiatives

Culture Management and Recruiting

Promote the Aviation Engineering Practice within AECOM. Engagement with the AECOM staff and shepherd a strong culture within the Aviation Engineering Practice. This includes office visits to engineering design centers and other AECOM offices.

Assist in recruiting top talent at key locations and conduct office visits. Develop and train the next generation of airport engineers.

Facilitate Engineering Practice calls, lead the annual Aviation Engineering Workshop, and participate in initiatives developed by the Workshop.

Lead Technical Excellence and the Technical Practice Network.

Additional Responsibilities Include

• Communication and collaboration nationally to strengthen experience / resumes
• Aviation liaison to assess/establish/grow Landside civil practice
• Provide leadership to large teams made up of multiple design groups for the aviation civil engineering practice
• Inspire and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, project managers, and technical staff

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• BA/BS plus 12 years of progressive experience in aviation civil engineering and airport infrastructure projects or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 4 years of leadership
• Experience must demonstrate sales production metrics, demonstrated skills in business development strategy, team leadership, client discovery and development of compelling value propositions that meet client’s needs.

Additional Information

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $250,000 to $300,000.

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.