Construction Design Manager II – Aviation Projects

PMA Consultants CareersPalm Springs, CA

Apply with Sonara

Apply

Automate your job search with Sonara.

Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.¹

Reclaim your time by letting our AI handle the grunt work of job searching.

We continuously scan millions of openings to find your top matches.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Design Manager II – Airports oversees multi-disciplinary teams throughout all phases of airport capital improvement projects, including planning, permitting, design, procurement, construction, and activation. This position plays a key leadership role in managing complex infrastructure programs and ensuring that architectural and engineering design efforts meet high-quality standards, comply with regulatory requirements, and align with project goals. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical knowledge in architecture or engineering and experience coordinating large teams across multiple project interfaces.

This role requires strong stakeholder management, planning, and technical oversight to ensure cohesive design delivery across airport facilities. The Design Manager II works closely with internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies (e.g., FAA, TSA, CBP) to drive design strategy and integration while balancing cost, scope, and schedule. This position is viewed internally as a strategic, advisory role guiding executive decision-making, supporting master plan execution, and establishing long-term design governance.

Position Responsibilities

Lead a team of planners, architects, engineers, and technical staff on large and complex airport infrastructure projects.
Guide projects from early concept and feasibility through final design, procurement, and construction.
Coordinate with clients and stakeholders to develop project business cases and ensure alignment with operational and capital objectives.
Present design alternatives, comparative analyses, and recommendations to internal leadership and external stakeholders.
Review planning and design submittals for technical accuracy, constructability, and compliance with scope and regulatory requirements.
Manage competing stakeholder interests and technical constraints while maintaining project vision and functionality.
Ensure smooth transition between project phases and consistency across concurrent airport projects.
Champion cohesive architectural design and user experience across all assigned capital programs.
Contribute to or lead design-related strategy, procedures, and process improvements.

Position Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field required.
10+ years of relevant experience in large-scale capital programs, preferably within aviation.
Demonstrated experience managing design for complex, multidisciplinary airport infrastructure projects.
Familiarity with alternative project delivery methods (e.g., Progressive Design-Build, CMAR).
Experience preparing planning documents, preliminary designs, and full design packages.
Proficiency in design software and project management tools (e.g., AutoDesk, BIM, Procore, iBuilder, etc.)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Familiarity with FAA, TSA, CBP, and other aviation regulatory standards.
Strong understanding of airport facility lifecycle: planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance.
Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer preferred, but not required.
Additional certifications such as LEED-AP, PMP, CASp, or AAAE are a plus.

The salary range for this position is $165,000 - $210,000.

A hired employee will be placed within this salary range based on a variety of legitimate business reasons, including but not limited to the individual’s scope of relevant experience and geographic location.

Additional Requirements

Physical: Standing or sitting for long periods; must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen.

Cognitive: Problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills; computer and software skills; and ability to read and interpret text online or in printed form.

About PMA

At PMA, employee well-being is a daily priority. We offer a combination of workplace options that include a PMA office location; work-from-home; or a client site. Wherever we work, we openly share knowledge as we believe that collaboration with peers improves our work product and that pursuing subject matter expertise is a lifelong endeavor.

We are committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We affirm and respect diverse backgrounds and opinions because we believe they yield the best solutions for our clients. We promote emotional intelligence and trust by nurturing these values within our new hires.

We encourage staff to develop rewarding, long-term careers at PMA, and we implement formal leadership development programs that help you attain your goals. At PMA, shared success is a core value. Every employee who contributes is recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. We look for self-driven candidates eager to assume responsibility and join a community of respect founded on collaboration and accountability, not titles. If you aim to transform the project management practice toward continuous improvement of project outcomes, the profession, and yourself, PMA looks forward to warmly welcoming you to our team.

We offer competitive pay and benefits, wellness programs for you and your family, and career development opportunities to advance your professional goals.

As a PMA professional, you will be empowered to make timely and effective decisions and significant daily contributions to complex facets of project delivery. Join a team that has achieved a world-class reputation in the construction industry and has been voted a “Best Place to Work.”

PMA offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, time off with pay, 401(k) with company match, life, disability, and professional development reimbursement for qualifying employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Qualified female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.

EOE, including persons with disabilities and veterans.

VEVRAA federal contractor.