Principal Project Manager Aviation

At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries.

A Principal Project Manager is a senior‑level role responsible for leading and managing complex projects and programs from pre‑positioning to completion. This role focuses on both client engagement and project delivery, including positioning, bidding, planning, and executing projects within defined budgets, timelines, and quality standards.

This includes enhancing aviation‑related capabilities across the region and collaborating with colleagues at Mott MacDonald globally, as well as with other consultancies, to ensure project objectives are met and client expectations are exceeded.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategy: Develop and implement strategic plans for projects and programs, ensuring they align with organizational goals and objectives.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including clients, team members, and senior management. Strong communication skills and ability to independently prepare presentations and reports for diverse audiences.
• Project Management: Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Risk Management: Identify and proactively mitigate risks associated with projects and programs to ensure successful outcomes.
• Team Management: Lead and mentor project teams, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance and professional development.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and report on project and program performance, using metrics and KPIs to measure success and identify areas for improvement.

Key Qualifications

• Proven track record in the aviation industry, delivering services and facilities at US and global airports on behalf of airport authorities and developers.
• Proven experience with aviation planning, including the development of master plans, layout plans, and feasibility studies.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory guidelines, airport operations and aviation development programs.
• Experience performing demand analysis and development of facility requirements.
• Demonstrated ability in developing strong client relationships within the airport sector, with a solid understanding of the aviation industry and market trends.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and motivate others. Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, urban planning, or related field.
• 12 years of relevant experience in the aviation industry.

The expected salary for this position is $190,000 – $232,000. Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.

At Mott MacDonald, we provide a comprehensive benefit package that includes 401(k), medical, dental and vision insurance, short‑term/long‑term disability, paid holidays, PTO, parental leave and company‑paid life insurance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.

Hybrid Working Policy

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well‑being, flexibility, and trust.