Senior Airport Project Manager (Engineering & Construction)
Reno–Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA)
Reno, NV
Architecture • Construction • Civil Engineer • Capital Projects • Facilities Projects • Aviation Projects • Infrastructure • Leadership • Construction Bids
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Want a little bit more variety in your daily work? Want to work in a unique, one-of-a-kind environment in our region? Want to the opportunity to learn and grow? The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) is seeking a Senior Project Manager with a minimum 10 years of professional experience in engineering or architecture. Candidates must be a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect.
Review the minimum qualifications carefully! Make sure you clearly state how you meet the minimum qualifications listed on the job announcement through your detailed resume or manually entered Work History.
We are seeking a seasoned professional with a passion for what you do and a demonstrated commitment to cultivating a positive, collaborative work environment that values teamwork, honesty, respect, recognition, integrity, innovation, versatility, and excellence. You are competent and comfortable in interacting with the public and providing superior customer service when answering questions or complaints. You are a trusted resource for internal and external customers in all matters relating to your position. You are committed to making a daily, positive contribution to your workplace’s culture and are excited about this rare opportunity to join our highly successful and busy team. You bring your best self to work every day and thrive in a position where no two days are alike, where your work makes a real difference, and where your efforts are central to the success of the big picture.
The Position: Under general direction provides program level project management for major Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) at both Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). The Senior Project Manager reports to the Manager of Engineering and Construction, this role is responsible for directing multidisciplinary teams in the planning and execution of aviation and commercial capital projects.
Responsibilities span the full project lifecycle, including planning, programming, design oversight, stakeholder coordination, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, contract administration, and construction delivery. Projects include airfield, landside, terminal, utilities, roadway, parking, and tenant infrastructure improvements, with primary focus on maintaining and improving existing airport assets and select involvement in the MoreRNO expansion program.
The Senior Project Manager requires a significant level of self-directed technical proficiency, judgment, and initiative. Coordination of professional engineers and architects, including mentoring of Project Manager I and II classifications is required. Management of consultants and related professional services tasks and contracts are a primary responsibility for project implementation. The Senior Project Manager is distinguished from the Project Manager I and II classifications by the level of responsibility and technical complexity of capital programs and project components.
Examples of Primary Responsibilities/Essential Duties include:
• Support development of the Airport’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including project planning, design, and construction strategies, budgets, schedules, and delivery methods for aviation and landside infrastructure. Coordinate stakeholders through the planning and design phases to define scope, establish budgets, track progress and ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget. Identify and resolve issues impacting delivery.
• Lead procurement and administration of professional services (A/E) contracts, including RFP/RFQ development, scope definition, fee negotiation, and contract execution. Ensure compliance with FAA requirements, environmental considerations, and applicable legal standards. Manage consultant performance through design, bid, and construction phases, including amendments as needed. Coordinate across RTAA departments including Planning & Environmental, Facilities & Maintenance, Operations & Public Safety, Commercial Business, Finance & Administration, Legal, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Manage contract review and approval processes with internal stakeholders, FAA, and regulatory agencies. Facilitate design reviews, project presentations, permitting, and board approval processes for construction contracts. Administer Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants for airport projects under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), ensuring projects follow regulatory and technical standards.
• Mentor Airport Project Manager I and II in project management and advancing their careers.
• Act as the interim Manager of Engineering during vacations or sick leave by the manager.
• This position may be considered essential personnel as part of the RTAA Emergency Response Team and may be required to respond to airport incidents as required, including serving as a safety manager liaison.
Required Education / Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, architecture, or capital project delivery.
Airport or aviation infrastructure experience strongly preferred
Required Licensing and/or Certifications:
Possession of a valid Nevada Driver's License; ability to obtain and maintain eligibility to hold a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge.
Registration as a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect in the State of Nevada or the ability to be registered in the State of Nevada within one year of employment.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time, reach, bend, climb, lift, push, and pull items.
Work is performed mostly in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to traverse as needed throughout the Terminal buildings and outside as needed. Must also be able to traverse to and through construction site and adhere to May be exposed to all weather conditions.
This job description lists only the primary job duties normally assigned to this position but does not restrict the performance of other duties as assigned.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.
Entry Salary: $105,700 - $131,000 annually based on experience, with opportunity for annual step-based increases up to a maximum of $156,400. This is a salary and overtime exempt position. Initial salary placement will be based upon experience and qualifications.
Benefits: The RTAA offers a competitive wage and benefit package and provides a high-quality work-life balance. Employee benefits include employer paid contributions to the Nevada PERS retirement program; 100% employer paid health insurance for the employee (effective first day of the month after your hire date); paid vacation and sick leave; 14-paid holidays per year; and tuition reimbursement - just to name a few!
HOW TO APPLY:
A fully completed official online RTAA Employment Application must be received by May 25th, 2026. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Recruitment will close without notice when enough applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made.
The RTAA Employment Application is the primary screening tool to determine an applicant’s qualifications. A resume may be submitted in addition to, but not in lieu of, completing the RTAA Employment Application. While you may submit a resume, it is supplemental and will not be used to determine whether or not you have met the minimum qualifications. All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your RTAA Employment Application.
Below is a summary of our requirements:
• Provided detailed information to address how you meet and/or exceed minimum qualifications for the position.
• Provided a minimum of five (5) years of employment history.
• Explained any gaps in employment of six (6) months or more within the "Work History" section. To explain gaps, add a new employer, write what was occurring under the "Name of Employer" (e.g., unemployed, student, etc.), and list dates.
• If you had more than one (1) position with the same employer, separately list each position and the time you were in that position.
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Common Search Titles
Team Leader • Project Manager • Airport Engineering • Capital Projects • Architecture • Aviation Construction • Infrastructure Program • Capital Development • Capital Projects • FAA AIP Projects
The RTAA is an organization that thrives by living our core values and by honoring the dignity of all individuals. With teamwork, respect, versatility and a focus on excellence, we serve our employees and our community with pride and passion. We are a drug-free workplace, and an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a healthy work environment.