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Aviation Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RS&H

California Aviation Operations Leader

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23K - $258K/mo

Serve as a Senior Project Manager or Project Officer for significant aviation projects and programs ... Operational and Financial Leadership * Lead the operational and business performance of the ...

RS&H

California Aviation Operations Leader

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23K - $258K/mo

Serve as a Senior Project Manager or Project Officer for significant aviation projects and programs ... Operational and Financial Leadership * Lead the operational and business performance of the ...

Humboldt Pacific LLC

Operations Manager

Mcclellan, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Our focus is in the transportation of bulk aviation fuels, however, we also specialize transport a ... In addition to managing daily operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for actively ...

Humboldt Pacific LLC

Operations Manager

Mcclellan, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Our focus is in the transportation of bulk aviation fuels, however, we also specialize transport a ... In addition to managing daily operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for actively ...

HUMBOLDT PACIFIC LLC

Our focus is in the transportation of bulk aviation fuels, however, we also specialize transport a ... In addition to managing daily operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for actively ...

Adams-Communication-

$120K - $130K/yr

Operations Manager Full Time Camp Pendleton, CA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1694 Salary Range ... Required Qualifications * 10+ years of aerospace or military aviation maintenance/modification ...

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Aviation Operations Manager information

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$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.9K

How much do aviation operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation operations manager in California is $62,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aviation operations manager?

Aviation Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating the daily operations of airports, airlines, or other aviation-related facilities. They ensure that all activities related to flight operations, ground support, safety, and regulatory compliance run smoothly and efficiently. Their duties often include managing staff, coordinating with air traffic control, implementing safety protocols, and handling logistical challenges. Aviation Operations Managers play a crucial role in maintaining safe, efficient, and cost-effective aviation operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aviation operations manager?

To thrive as an Aviation Operations Manager, you need expertise in aviation regulations, operational management, and safety protocols, along with a relevant bachelor's degree and often an FAA certification. Familiarity with airline management software, flight scheduling systems, and compliance databases is crucial. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and compliant operations in a highly regulated and complex aviation environment.

What are the most common challenges aviation operations managers face when coordinating between different airport departments?

Aviation Operations Managers often encounter challenges related to synchronizing activities between departments such as ground services, air traffic control, security, and maintenance. Ensuring clear communication, timely updates, and efficient problem-solving is crucial to avoid delays or safety issues. Managers must proactively address conflicting priorities and rapidly changing operational demands, all while maintaining compliance with strict aviation regulations. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills and the ability to foster collaboration across diverse teams.

How much does an aviation operations manager make?

An aviation operations manager typically earns between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. They oversee daily airport or airline operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency, often requiring certifications such as an FAA license or equivalent.

What does an aviation operations manager do?

An aviation operations manager oversees daily activities related to aircraft operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency. They coordinate with pilots, ground staff, and regulatory agencies, often using management software and maintaining certifications to meet industry standards.

What are popular job titles related to Aviation Operations Manager jobs in California?

For Aviation Operations Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aviation Operations Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Aviation Operations Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Aviation Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Aviation Operations Manager job openings:

Aviation Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aviation Operations Manager job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,625 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

California Aviation Operations Leader

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

RS&H
Architectural Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about RS&Hexternal

$23K - $258K/mo

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Opportunity
RS&H is seeking an experienced Operations Leader to lead the performance, project delivery, and continued growth of our California Aviation practice. This is a hands-on leadership role for a technically strong aviation professional who takes pride in delivering complex airport projects with rigor, clarity, and accountability. The California aviation team includes approximately 15 professionals, primarily based in Los Angeles, with additional support from planning, environmental, architecture, and other technical teams across the firm. Current work includes projects at LAX, Ontario, Oakland, Sacramento, Palm Springs, Orange County, Burbank, and other commercial and regional airports.
Why Join RS&H?
This is an opportunity to lead complex, highly visible airport work while shaping the continued growth of our California aviation practice. As an employee-owned firm, RS&H offers the resources and reach of a national organization along with meaningful leadership responsibility, technical influence, and the ability to make a lasting impact.
About the Role
The Operations Leader will oversee operational and financial performance, serve as a Senior Project Manager or Project Officer on significant projects, develop a high-performing team, and strengthen relationships with airport clients throughout California.
Responsibilities
Project Delivery and Technical Leadership
  • Serve as a Senior Project Manager or Project Officer for significant aviation projects and programs.
  • Lead airport planning and design projects from kickoff through completion.
  • Maintain accountability for project scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk management, and contract compliance.
  • Provide senior technical guidance and establish clear delivery standards that support quality, consistency, and client satisfaction.
  • Oversee workload distribution and coordinate resources across disciplines and offices.
  • Provide leadership on projects involving live-airfield constraints, complex phasing, multiple stakeholders, and high public visibility.

Operational and Financial Leadership
  • Lead the operational and business performance of the California aviation practice.
  • Monitor financial results, project performance, backlog, staffing needs, and forecast accuracy.
  • Identify operational or financial risks and implement corrective actions when needed.
  • Partner with Division and Regional Leaders to advance annual business plans, market priorities, and sustainable growth initiatives.
  • Balance immediate project and operational needs with the long-term health and growth of the practice.
  • Ensure company policies, procedures, and quality requirements are consistently followed.

Client and Market Leadership
  • Serve as a trusted senior point of contact for airport clients, stakeholders, teaming partners, and community partners.
  • Support business development, pursuit strategy, and client relationship activities.
  • Strengthen the firm's presence in the California aviation market while expanding existing relationships and identifying new opportunities.
  • Communicate directly and proactively with clients to resolve issues and guide projects toward successful outcomes.

People Leadership
  • Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing aviation team.
  • Provide direct supervision and mentorship to technical leaders and professionals.
  • Establish clear expectations for quality, accountability, collaboration, and project delivery.
  • Identify technical and professional development needs and provide coaching, mentoring, and on-the-job training.
  • Support workforce planning, talent acquisition, succession planning, and career development.
  • Foster an environment in which employees can grow while delivering exceptional work for clients.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or an equivalent professional degree.
  • Current California Professional Engineer license.
  • At least 15 years of progressive technical experience within aviation, airfields, or a closely related discipline.
  • At least 10 years of leadership and supervisory experience managing technical teams and project delivery.
  • Demonstrated experience delivering aviation or airfield projects as a Project Manager or Project Officer.
  • Proven ability to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, quality, and risk.
  • Strong professional judgment and client-facing communication skills.
  • Ability to lead independently while collaborating effectively across a national organization.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience leading projects for large commercial service airports.
  • Experience working across aviation planning, aviation and airfield projects, environmental, architecture, and engineering disciplines.
  • Established relationships within the California aviation market.
  • Demonstrated success strengthening project performance, developing teams, and supporting business growth.

Typical salary range for this position in Los Angeles is $235,00 - $258,000 and commensurate with experience relative to the position.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, RS&H will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.
Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.
Please note: no agency representation or submissions will be recognized for this vacancy. Candidates should apply directly to this role to be considered. It is the responsibility of all third-party recruiting and employment agencies to know and adhere to our recruiting policy.
The Team
Joining our Aviation team means an opportunity to explore your potential and apply your diverse skills to serve the large and small airports of the aviation industry as a trusted advisor. You can do this in a collaborative and team-oriented environment among other driven professionals. Service areas include airfields, buildings, facility planning, environmental planning, and environmental stewardship & resiliency. Join RS&H to define and master challenges, advance professionally, and build strong and lasting relationships.
The Company
Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation's leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firms, with associates who work hard every day to create tomorrow together. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities, and build relationships that are as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together. We attribute our success to our unwavering commitment to our core values: integrity, accountability, curiosity, and teamwork.
RS&H logo

About RS&H

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RS&H provides fully integrated architecture, engineering, and consulting services to help clients realize their most complex facility and infrastructure projects for land, air, and space. We are committed to bringing extraordinary solutions to our clients through the promise of imagination, ingenuity, and innovation. With a tradition of excellence that began in 1941, we are consistently ranked among the nation's top 100 design firms. We attribute our success to an unwavering commitment to our core values of: integrity, quality service, business success and valuing associates.

Industry

Architectural services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

South Jacksonville, FL, US

Year founded

1941

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