What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Aviation position at Valdes Architecture & Engineering?
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
- 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
Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
