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Aviation Program Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager - Aviation

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

The Role We Want You For LJC is looking to hire a Project Manager to join our growing Aviation ... program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development ...

The Role We Want You For LJC is looking to hire a Project Manager to join our growing Aviation ... program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development ...

The Role We Want You For LJC is looking to hire a Project Manager to join our growing Aviation ... program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development ...

The Role We Want You For LJC is looking to hire a Project Manager to join our growing Aviation ... program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development ...

Project Manager - Aviation

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

The Role We Want You For LJC is looking to hire a Project Manager to join our growing Aviation ... program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development ...

STV is seeking a Senior Project Manager - Aviation to join our national Aviation team to oversee ... Provide guidance to discipline managers and contractors to address key program challenges, risk ...

Aviation Consultant

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$62K - $88K/yr

Ricondo team members are passionate about working alongside airport management to solve the complex ... Develops and maintains electronic data sets, files, runs, and troubleshoots existing programs.

In addition to that, you manage hundreds of personnel, making this a job that requires a level of ... Navy College Program * VOLED Assistance Center * VOLED Region Advisors * Navy War College (NWC)

In addition to that, you manage hundreds of personnel, making this a job that requires a level of ... Navy College Program * VOLED Assistance Center * VOLED Region Advisors * Navy War College (NWC)

Showing results 41-60

Aviation Program Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$62K

$92.7K

$125K

How much do aviation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation program manager in Illinois is $92,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,300.00 and $97,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aviation program manager?

Aviation Program Managers are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing aviation-related projects or programs within organizations such as airports, airlines, or government agencies. Their duties often include managing budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating teams, and achieving project milestones. They play a critical role in ensuring that aviation operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently, often acting as the link between technical teams, management, and stakeholders. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of aviation regulations are essential for this role.

What does an aviation program manager do?

An aviation program manager is supposed to plan projects, assess the cost and schedule, find solutions to engineering problems, and oversee the project from beginning until final delivery. Your duties as an aviation program manager require you to understand many different aspects of aviation and aerospace engineering. You must also be well-versed in the business and revenue side of aviation, as well as the regulations around air transport. As a program manager, your responsibilities also include recruiting teams for projects, managing deadlines and schedules, reviewing technical specifications, and ensuring that your team finishes the deliverables on time.

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

To thrive as an Aviation Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, aviation regulations, and operations, often supported by a relevant degree and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma. Familiarity with aviation management software, risk assessment tools, and compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help coordinate teams and manage complex projects effectively. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of aviation programs in a highly regulated and dynamic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by aviation program managers, and how can they be addressed?

Aviation Program Managers often encounter challenges such as managing complex stakeholder expectations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating cross-functional teams on tight deadlines. To address these, effective communication, proactive risk management, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of aviation regulations are essential. Building strong relationships with regulatory agencies and fostering a collaborative team environment can also help navigate these challenges smoothly.

What is the difference between Aviation Program Manager vs Aviation Project Coordinator?

AspectAviation Program ManagerAviation Project Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aviation, engineering, or related field; certifications like PMP or FAA licenses are commonUsually requires a bachelor's degree; certifications are less common but may include project management or aviation safety
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects and programs within airlines, airports, or aerospace companiesSupports specific projects, coordinating tasks and schedules within larger programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by airlines, aerospace firms, and government agencies managing large-scale aviation initiativesFound in similar settings, focusing on supporting project execution in aviation organizations

The Aviation Program Manager focuses on overseeing multiple aviation projects and strategic initiatives, requiring broader management skills. In contrast, the Aviation Project Coordinator handles specific project tasks, supporting the program's success. Both roles are essential in aviation organizations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Aviation Program Manager jobs in Illinois?

For Aviation Program Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Aviation Program Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Aviation Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Aviation Program Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,732 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Aviation Project Engineer

CKL Engineers, LLC

Chicago, IL โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

AVIATION PROJECT ENGINEER

CKL Engineers is currently seeking enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about aviation, engineering, and entrepreneurship and who aspire to grow their career with our Aviation Services Group in our Chicago, or Atlanta offices.

CKL Engineers is a multi-disciplinary professional services firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Orlando, Florida. We provide infrastructure planning, engineering, and construction management services to a variety of public and private clients. CKL is looking for talented leaders to build upon our strengths and grow locally, regionally, and nationally. 

On a daily basis this individual will be asked to:

  1. Use acquired engineering judgment to provide infrastructure solutions both landside, airside, and in the terminal at airports nationwide
  2. Provide design and construction management services for clients and partner firms using FAA advisory circulars and other guidance based on project need
  3. Face with clients to build your network as future leaders at CKL and in the industry

EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Build upon our relationships and foster new relationships.
  • Be flexible and open to new experiences
  • Be a strong consensus builder and team player.
  • Be a continuing learner – willing to challenge themselves and grow with the company.
  • Be skilled in technical writing, proposal writing, and presentations.
  • Be willing to take on a myriad of tasks inside and outside of the market to sustain and grow a small business

REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or related field require
  • E.I.T required with the ability to gain a P.E. license within 1 year
  • Knowledge and experience working with airports, the FAA, and/or airlines
  • Demonstrated history of successful business development and project delivery.
  • 3+ years’ experience.
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills.
  • Private and/or Public sector engineering experience.
  • Qualified applicants must pass background and substance abuse test.
  • Must be an U.S. citizen.

WHO WE ARE

CKL ENGINEERS, LLC is one of the fastest growing engineering services providers in the Midwest. Our company of engineers, construction management professionals and material technicians work on a variety of aviation, tolls and highway projects for multiple municipalities.  Our talented and capable engineers work with our clients to deliver projects that are locally impactful. 

CKL ENGINEERS, LLC provides a hybrid workplace environment while meeting client needs. We offer benefits that include medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as our 401k and PTO programs – which benefits employees both in the short and long term.

Build great infrastructure with #TeamCKL

THIRD PARTY ADVISORY

CKL Engineers will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. CKL will assume the rights of any unsolicited resumes submitted to hiring managers or our leadership team, and we will have the right to hire that candidate without any compensation being owed to the recruiter, employment agency, or other third party.