Aviation Lead

Aviation Lead – SOM

Summary:

SOM’s Airport Practice designs and delivers airport terminal buildings and supporting facilities for domestic and international projects, including airport-related architecture, interiors, and master planning.

• Lead the architectural project team through collaboration with partners and project leadership to achieve design, technical, and financial success.
• Own key portions of aviation projects and provide advanced design and technical expertise.
• Coordinate and mentor consultants and staff, guiding interdisciplinary teams.
• Engage clients, manage project relationships, and prepare and negotiate client agreements.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and financial performance.
• Lead project design and technical discussions, participate in decision-making.
• Administer internal controls, billing, collections, and expense management with a project accountant.
• Analyze project reports, manage profitability, and mitigate risks.
• Lead new business and marketing efforts, respond to RFPs, and maintain firm relationships.
• Lead multiple projects and teams, supervise, train, and mentor team members.
• Contribute to sustainable strategies and develop staff knowledge.

Responsible for airport terminal layout and plan development from master‑plan validation through construction documents, including airside layout, aircraft parking/gating, taxi lanes, airfield tie‑ins, and landside facilities.

Serve as Lead for the Chicago office airports team, collaborate with office leads, prepare proposals, coordinate RFP responses, and support annual business planning and market research.

• Professional degree in Architecture.
• Licensed in the state of practice (LEED accreditation preferred).
• 12–15 years of experience in aviation sector projects and business development.
• Strong team‑building and consultant engagement skills.
• Knowledge of sustainable strategies and green building rating systems.
• Proven leadership of project teams and management of schedule, budget, and program.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Smartsheets, Adobe Suite, Google Workspace, Revit, and Rhino.
• Familiarity with Deltek Vision and Salesforce.

Portfolios are required for all design and project‑management positions. Submit one PDF attachment, 10–20 pages, maximum 5MB.

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance.
• 401(k) matching, pre‑tax accounts, and employee discount programs.
• Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and employee assistance program.
• Professional development reimbursement for licenses, renewals, exam fees, and in‑house training.
• Competitive compensation range $125,000–$160,000 based on experience.

We are a proud equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. See SOM’s employment policy for more information.