Director of Aviation en Valdeseng

Valdes is seeking a dynamic Director of Aviation to lead the development and growth of our new aviation services group in Lombard, IL (with hybrid or remote options available). This pivotal role will focus on leveraging existing engineering services for commercial airport projects across the United States, including airside and landside infrastructure, terminal buildings, and airfield improvements. The ideal candidate will bring 15+ years of aviation experience and established relationships with airports, the FAA, and key industry stakeholders to introduce Valdes to new opportunities. This is a ground-floor leadership position in an emerging practice area, offering the chance to build and scale a team while drawing on the resources of an established firm with multidisciplinary capabilities.



Responsibilities

Drive business development by identifying and pursuing opportunities with commercial airports, the FAA, and related agencies, utilizing personal networks to secure projects and partnerships

Lead strategic planning for aviation services, including market analysis, service expansion, and integration with Valdes' existing civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering offerings

Oversee the full lifecycle of aviation projects, from planning and design to construction management, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, environmental standards, and client requirements

Build and mentor a multidisciplinary aviation team, fostering collaboration across departments to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for airside (runways, taxiways, aprons) and landside (terminals, parking, roadways) developments.

Cultivate long-term client relationships, serving as the primary point of contact for airport authorities and stakeholders to address challenges like sustainability, capacity expansion, and infrastructure resilience

Collaborate with internal leaders to align aviation initiatives with company goals, including budgeting, resource allocation, and performance metrics

Stay abreast of industry trends, such as sustainable aviation practices, advanced technologies (e.g., GIS, BIM), and regulatory changes, to position Valdes as a forward-thinking partner

Contribute to thought leadership through presentations, publications, and industry associations to enhance Valdes' visibility in the aviation sector

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related field

15+ years of progressive experience in aviation engineering, planning, or consulting, with a focus on commercial airport projects

Demonstrated track record of leveraging professional relationships to win business and expand services for airports nationwide

Strong knowledge of FAA standards, airport design guidelines (e.g., Advisory Circulars), and federal funding processes (e.g., AIP grants)

Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Willingness to travel as needed for client meetings, site visits, and industry events (valid driver's license required).

Master's degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, or a related discipline

Professional Engineer (PE) license, preferably in multiple states

Experience with multidisciplinary firms similar to Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) or Mead & Hunt, where aviation services include tailored airside/landside solutions, innovative infrastructure designs, and sustainability initiatives

Familiarity with software tools such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, AviPLAN, or FAA design software

Prior leadership in growing an aviation practice, including team building and revenue generation

Active involvement in industry organizations like ACI-NA, AAAE, or ASCE

Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills

Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

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