Associate Project Engineer Jobs in Aurora, IL (NOW HIRING)

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If you're looking for a firm that encourages innovative thinking and challenges you every day, with an opportunity to learn and advance, a career at Hanson is right for you. The belief in sustainability within our company's practices creates a focus on client success and partnerships that are important to our communities and our environment.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Associate Project Manager

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Associate Project Manager with expertise in Aviation Planning to join our team. This individual will lead and support AAM planning and design efforts for airport and aviation-related projects, with a strong emphasis on integrating emerging technologies, including eVTOL aircraft, vertiports, and next-generation air mobility systems. This role will also support the aviation market on traditional aviation planning projects.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in municipal airport planning within the professional engineering services industry, coupled with a solid understanding of airport planning and civil engineering principles. This role will focus on planning and program management across AAM and traditional aviation projects, while providing leadership, client engagement, and technical oversight across multidisciplinary teams.

A Day in the Life of an AAM Associate Project Manager (AAM-Focused):

• Lead and manage AAM planning projects, including master plans, airport layout plans (ALPs), and capital improvement programs (CIPs) for municipal and regional airports, as well as private clients.
• Serve as an associate project manager responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and overall project delivery.
• Develop and guide AAM planning initiatives, including vertiport siting, feasibility studies, infrastructure planning, and system integration.
• Coordinate with airport sponsors, municipalities, FAA representatives, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with applicable planning and aviation standards.
• Provide strategic direction on integrating AAM concepts into existing airport infrastructure and surrounding communities.
• Assist the aviation market in smart airport planning programs and lead grant application development.
• Oversee technical planning analyses, including aviation demand forecasting, facility requirements, airspace considerations, and landside/airside planning.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams, including civil engineers, planners, environmental specialists, and aviation consultants.
• Prepare and review technical reports, planning documents, proposals, and client presentations.
• Support business development efforts, including client relationship management, delivering AAM presentations, proposal development, and marketing initiatives.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to the growth and development of the airport planning practice.
• Stay current with evolving AAM technologies, regulations, and industry trends, applying insights to project execution and client advisory services.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Aviation Management, Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 or more years of experience in airport planning with a focus on municipal or regional airport projects.
• Demonstrated experience or strong familiarity with AAM concepts, including eVTOL aircraft and vertiport planning.
• Experience with AutoCAD/Civil 3D and/or ArcGIS.
• Experience within the professional engineering consulting industry.
• Strong understanding of FAA Engineering Brief 105B - Vertiport Design.
• Strong understanding of airport planning principles, FAA regulations, and advisory circulars.
• Proven experience playing a critical role in projects, including scope, budget, schedule, and client relationships.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical staff, public officials, and the general public in both written and oral formats.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and guide multidisciplinary teams effectively.
• Proficiency in relevant planning, GIS, and/or design tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or background in civil engineering.
• Relevant certifications such as AICP, AAE, CM, LEED, ENV SP, etc.
• Experience integrating AAM infrastructure into airport or urban environments.
• Familiarity with environmental review processes (e.g., NEPA) and tools (e.g., AEDT).
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and public outreach.
• Knowledge of sustainability and electrification trends in aviation.

The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $130,000 per year. The salary offered is based on years of relevant experience.

Our focus on people means we offer a generous benefits program to help you create a solid foundation for health and security throughout your career, including:

• Competitive compensation
• Performance bonuses
• 401(k) with matching contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Comprehensive health & well-being plans
• Financial wellness plans
• Work-life balance programs

Want to know more? Visitour benefits pagefor all the details.

We understand that selecting a job is about more than the day-to-day tasks. It's important to feel like you belong and safe to grow and progress along your career path. You'll find that at Hanson. We have an inclusive, diverse workforce awaiting to connect with you and numerous opportunities to cultivate your career, including:

• Monthly educational webinars
• Leadership training
• Lunch & learn development sessions
• 24/7 access to thousands of skill-building courses
• Mentorship opportunities
• Award-winning internship program
• Employee recognition
• And so much more!

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