Senior Aviation Design Leader

Description

• Use industry standards and guidelines related to airport terminal design, including accessibility, sustainability, as well as emerging trends and technologies
• Design passenger-focused airport environments that improve flow, incorporate security and retail elements, and elevate amenities such as lounges and digital check-in areas, ensuring compliance with aviation standards.
• Support business development efforts, including identifying opportunities and leading project pursuits
• Collaborate with leaders, and cross-sector teams to pursue and deliver high-impact projects
• Direct and scale design teams, including hiring, mentoring, and managing performance to build high-performing teams.
• Cultivate thought leadership and represent the sector at regional and national industry events
• Apply deep insight into passenger operations (from curbside to gate) to design integrated airport experiences that incorporate retail, dining, and emerging technologies.
• Mentor and develop sector-specific talent, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Lead the development and execution of a business plan in alignment with sector-wide goals while driving strategic growth and profitability within the assigned sector and region.
• Apply UX/UI principles, and data analytics for crowd management, and sustainable features to create seamless, world-class passenger environments.
• Lead the design of passenger-focused airport environments by applying deep knowledge of FAA, TSA, ICAO, ADA, and LEED standards, integrating innovative UX/UI, data-driven crowd management, and emerging technologies, while managing resources and budgets across multi-phase projects.
• Actively participate in sector forums and contribute to the firm’s strategic direction
• Travel as needed to support project acquisition, execution, and team engagement across regional offices
• Anticipate and mitigate risks in team scaling, project bidding, and execution such as supply chain issues or regulatory changes affecting passenger flows

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and client engagement skills.
• Specialized Credentials: Airport Certified Employee (ACE) from AAAE, or certifications in Lean Six Sigma for process optimization in team management and project delivery.
• Demonstrated success in securing competitive airport project bids, managing full project lifecycles, and consistently delivering on-time, on-budget results that elevate firm reputation.
• PMP (Project Management Professional), LEED AP, or executive leadership programs (e.g., from Harvard Business School or similar) to support team growth and business development.
• TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE, SUBMISSION OF A CURRENT PORTFOLIO IS REQUIRED*
• Proficiency in strategic planning to win work, including proposal development, client pitches, and partnerships with airport operators, airlines, and consultants.
• Deep understanding of market trends, business development, and resource planning.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture from an accredited program, with focus on interior architecture, urban design, or transportation planning
• Certifications in airport passenger facility design from ACI or IATA, with a focus on passenger experience (e.g., wayfinding, accessibility, biometrics)
• Proven leadership experience in integrated design and strategic growth within the AEC industry.
• Leadership Accolades: Membership in elite groups like the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or ACI's World Governing Board to bolster credentials for building a world-class team.
• Proven experience designing airport spaces that optimize passenger flow, integrate security and retail, and enhance amenities, while adhering to aviation standards.
• 12–15+ years of architectural design experience focused on passenger-side airport facilities, including terminal expansions, renovations, and new builds to enhance user experience.
• Expertise in BIM tools such as Revit and AutoCAD, with experience using simulation software (e.g., Simio, AnyLogic) for modeling passenger flow and optimizing design efficiency.

Benefits

• Professional Licensure

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance