Project Manager - Aviation at LJA Engineering, Inc.

WHAT LJA HAS TO OFFER

LJA is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands-on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

WHAT MAKES LJA DIFFERENT

At LJA, our employee-owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee-owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW: As a Project Manager at LJA Transportation, you will be responsible for leading the planning, design, funding, and delivery of airside and landside infrastructure projects while ensuring compliance with FAA, state, and local regulations. This role oversees all aspects of airport programs—including Capital Improvement Plans, funding alignment, and construction oversight—while managing scope, schedule, budget, and stakeholder relationships. Serving as Aviation’s Geotechnical Engineering subject matter expert, the position provides technical leadership, supports pavement and materials design, and ensures consistency and quality across all projects.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) & Funding Management
• Develop, update, and oversee multi-year airport CIPs in coordination with airport sponsors and regulatory agencies.
• Strategically align projects with FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and state aviation funding opportunities.
• Manage the whole picture of funding and grants, including preparing and tracking FAA/state grant applications, including project scoping, cost estimation, reimbursements, and compliance reports.
• Plan, direct, and manage all phases of airport engineering and construction projects from initiation through closeout.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, FAA Airport District Offices, and state aviation agencies.
• Ensure project deliverables comply with FAA Advisory Circulars, state aviation guidelines, and grant assurance requirements.
• Lead, review and approve project delivery through all phases: planning, design, bidding, and construction administration.
• Review and approve design documents, construction specifications, and technical reports.
• Develop and monitor project budgets, schedules, and work plans.
• Participate in on-site visits, pre-bid meetings, construction progress meetings, and project closeouts.
• Lead and mentor project engineers, design engineers, EITs, CAD and technical staff.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, subconsultants, and contractors.
• Conduct client meetings, stakeholder workshops, and public presentations.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with airports, communities, and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure adherence to DBE/Title VI requirements, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Assist with QA/QC reviews and ensure design compliance with FAA ACs, local codes, and agency requirements.
• Prepare progress reports, project updates, and documentation for sponsors and FAA/state agencies.
• Support business development and proposal efforts, statements of qualifications (SOQs), and interview presentations.
• Contribute to client growth strategies and market development in the aviation sector.
• Manages multiple projects adhering to deadlines and prioritized assignments.
• Communicate effectively with other team members on joint projects.
• Positive attitude with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• BS in Civil Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) license (must be in good standing; ability to obtain reciprocity if out-of-state)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of relevant airport design and construction experience.
• Proficiency in FAA Advisory Circulars (particularly 150/5300-13B, 150/5320-6, 150/5370-10 series)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of Bluebeam Revu or other similar PDF editing software.
• Possess effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel to project sites, client meetings, and FAA coordination sessions.

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE:

• Construction oversight and/or Resident Engineer experience a plus
• Experience using Bluebeam, Monday Project Software

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we’re 100% employee-owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long-term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee-owners (and growing), we’re building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: LJA Engineering, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered LJA's property. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting LJA's Human Resources Talent Department.