Aviation Design Manager

Hill International is seeking an Aviation Design Manager in San Juan, Puerto Rico

We are seeking an experienced Aviation Design Manager to lead the planning, design, and execution of airport terminal development projects throughout Puerto Rico. The successful candidate will oversee multidisciplinary design teams and serve as the primary point of coordination between airport stakeholders, architects, engineers, consultants, and project management teams.

The Aviation Design Manager will be responsible for managing all phases of terminal-related projects, including programming, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding support, and construction administration. This role requires strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and experience delivering complex aviation facilities while maintaining operational continuity in active airport environments.

Design Management

• Lead and manage the design of airport terminal projects, including:
  • New terminal facilities
  • Terminal expansions
  • Gate and concourse improvements
  • Passenger processing areas
  • Ticketing and baggage handling facilities
  • Customs and border processing facilities
  • Airline lounges and tenant improvements
• Oversee architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and specialty consultant teams.
• Establish project design criteria and ensure compliance with client requirements.
• Review and approve project deliverables at all design milestones.

Project Leadership

• Manage project budgets, schedules, and design resources.
• Coordinate project activities with airport authorities, airlines, regulatory agencies, consultants, and contractors.
• Facilitate design review meetings and stakeholder workshops.
• Monitor project progress and implement corrective actions when required.
• Prepare executive presentations, reports, and project updates.

Technical Oversight

• Ensure compliance with:
  • FAA regulations and Advisory Circulars
  • TSA requirements
  • ADA standards
  • International Building Code (IBC)
  • NFPA Life Safety Codes
  • Puerto Rico permitting and building requirements
  • Airport design standards and operational requirements
• Lead technical reviews of drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and constructability analyses.
• Support value engineering and design optimization initiatives.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between project teams and airport stakeholders.
• Coordinate closely with airport operations, airline representatives, maintenance departments, security personnel, and governmental agencies.
• Ensure terminal design solutions support passenger experience, operational efficiency, safety, and future growth.

Construction Phase Support

• Provide design leadership during construction.
• Review RFIs, submittals, design clarifications, and change requests.
• Participate in site visits, progress meetings, and inspections.
• Support commissioning, turnover, and project close-out activities.

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Aviation Planning, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience managing large-scale building or transportation infrastructure projects.
• Minimum 5 years of direct experience with airport terminal design projects.
• Strong understanding of terminal planning, passenger flow, baggage systems, security screening, and airport operations.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Architect (RA) or Professional Engineer (PE).
  PMP Certification.
• Experience with FAA-funded airport projects.
• Experience managing projects in operational airports.
• Bilingual English and Spanish.
• Experience working on Caribbean or Puerto Rico infrastructure projects.

Technical Skills

• Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, BIM Coordination Platforms, Microsoft Office Suite

Depending upon your employment status, Hill’s comprehensive benefits may include, Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurances, Business Travel Accident Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Commuter Benefits, Legal Assistance, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Auto & Home Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Voluntary Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance. Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan, Employee Referral Program, Professional Certification Incentive Program, Hill University Learning and Development, Tuition Reimbursement, EAP, Years of Service Awards Program.