Design Manager - Aviation - Senior

Your Role

Gensler’s Aviation practice plans and delivers high-performance terminal environments that move people and operations with clarity and care. We’re seeking an Aviation Project Manager with architectural experience to lead complex airport projects from planning through closeout. You will own scope, schedule, budget, quality, and stakeholder alignment across multi-disciplinary teams while mentoring talent and advancing design excellence.

More about our Aviation practice here.

What You Will Do

• Lead day-to-day project delivery across all phases: planning, programming, concept, schematic, design development, documentation, procurement, and construction administration

• Serve as the primary client liaison for airport sponsors, airlines, authorities having jurisdiction, and program/construction managers, ensuring clear communication and timely decisions

• Build and manage integrated work plans, schedules, and budgets; track progress, forecast risk, and drive issue resolution

• Coordinate architecture, interiors, wayfinding, structural, MEP, fire protection, IT/low-voltage, baggage systems, security, sustainability, and specialty consultants

• Oversee QA/QC, code analysis, and technical reviews, including IBC, ADA, NFPA, and applicable FAA Advisory Circulars and TSA/CBP requirements

• Lead documentation and delivery in Revit, manage model coordination and clash detection, and guide digital standards

• Direct construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, pay apps, change management, field observations, punch, and closeout

• Plan and manage airside/landside logistics, phasing in occupied facilities, and night or constrained work windows

• Develop fees, scopes, proposals, contracts, and schedules; contribute to pursuits, interviews, and thought leadership within the Aviation practice

• Mentor junior staff, foster a collaborative culture, and uphold Gensler’s design and technical standards

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program

• 10+ years of professional experience, including 4+ years leading large, complex projects; recent terminal or concourse experience required

• Architectural license (WA preferred). NCARB preferred

• Proven track record managing scope, schedule, budget, and risk on multi-stakeholder programs

• Strong client leadership skills with clear, concise communication in meetings, workshops, and executive briefings

• Proficiency in Revit and coordination workflows; familiarity with Navisworks/Clash, Bluebeam, and MS Project (or Primavera)

• Knowledge of aviation standards and authorities, including FAA ACs, TSA/CBP interfaces, baggage/SSCP planning, and terminal systems integration

• Thorough understanding of building codes, life safety, accessibility, and airport technical requirements

• Experience with alternative delivery (CMAR, GC/CM, Design-Build) and change-order negotiation

• Commitment to sustainability; familiarity with LEED, WELL, and Envision frameworks

Preferred

• 12–15 years total experience with multiple built aviation projects

• Experience in the Pacific Northwest market and relationships with regional airport stakeholders

• Architectural license in multiple state: CA, OR, ID preferred

• PMP or comparable project management certification

• Experience with wayfinding/EGD integration and passenger experience design

• Data-driven performance metrics and post-occupancy evaluation experience

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume and/or portfolio in PDF format.

*The base salary will be estimated between $90,000 - $135,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

Life at Gensler

As a people-first organization, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.