Parsons

Program Technical Director (Airfield + Infrastructure)

AE - Abu Dhabi Full time
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At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

 

Job Description:

Parsons is seeking an exceptionally talented Project Technical Director - Airfield and Infrastructure to join our team! In this role, you will lead the technical delivery of airfield and infrastructure works, ensuring seamless integration between design, construction, commissioning, and operational readiness. This position is critical to delivering world-class airfield and infrastructure facilities that meet stringent aviation standards, operational efficiency, and sustainability objectives.

The incumbent will oversee multi-disciplinary technical teams and consultants, ensuring that design intent, construction quality, and system integration are maintained throughout the project lifecycle. The role requires deep expertise in airfield systems, stakeholder coordination, regulatory compliance, and environmental considerations to ensure the project’s successful completion and handover.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Lead and manage the technical delivery of all airfield and infrastructure works, ensuring alignment between design, construction, and operational objectives.

  • Oversee the execution of design intent throughout the construction phase, ensuring quality, functionality, and compliance.

  • Develop and maintain technical delivery strategies, plans, and performance targets for airfield and infrastructure works.

  • Coordinate multi-disciplinary design activities, including civil engineering, pavement design, drainage systems, lighting, navigational aids, and stormwater management.

  • Collaborate with aviation authorities (e.g., FAA, ICAO) to ensure regulatory approval and alignment with operational standards.

  • Ensure designs are optimized for performance, maintainability, life-cycle efficiency, and environmental sustainability, including noise mitigation and stormwater management.

  • Review and approve technical specifications, design criteria, and construction documentation, ensuring compliance with ICAO, FAA, and local aviation standards.

  • Monitor design deliverables to ensure compliance with project standards, quality benchmarks, and regulatory requirements.

  • Lead coordination and resolution of interface issues across airfield systems, including pavements, drainage, lighting, and navigational aids.

  • Ensure seamless integration of airfield systems with adjacent infrastructure, including terminal facilities and ground transportation networks.

  • Collaborate with construction teams to ensure that design solutions are effectively translated into field execution.

  • Address technical queries (RFIs) and coordinate resolution of design and field-related issues.

  • Identify and mitigate risks, including weather-related challenges, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory delays, to minimize impacts on cost, schedule, and performance.

  • Facilitate value engineering and constructability reviews to optimize designs without compromising quality or safety.

  • Monitor technical deliverables and ensure alignment with overall project schedule and milestone targets.

  • Implement cost control strategies to ensure budget adherence while maintaining technical excellence.

  • Engage with stakeholders, including local communities and environmental groups, to address concerns and ensure project alignment with broader sustainability goals.

  • Work closely with ORAT (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer) teams to ensure smooth transition to operations, particularly for airfield systems.

  • Oversee pre-commissioning and commissioning activities, ensuring technical compliance and operational performance.

  • Ensure all as-built documentation, manuals, and training materials are complete prior to handover.

  • Mentor technical managers, engineers, and support staff, fostering technical excellence and collaborative teamwork.

  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across all technical disciplines.

  • Capture and document lessons learned to inform future project phases and enhance organizational knowledge.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Infrastructure Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

  • Professional registration or certification (e.g., P.E., CEng, PMP, or CCM) is advantageous.

  • Minimum of 20 years’ experience in airfield and infrastructure design, engineering, and construction management within major airport or infrastructure projects.

  • Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary technical teams and overseeing large, complex projects.

  • Extensive experience in design management, coordination, and operational readiness integration (ORAT).

  • Strong knowledge of airfield systems and interdependencies between civil engineering, drainage, lighting, navigational aids, and environmental considerations.

  • Excellent understanding of international design and construction codes, including ICAO, FAA, and local authority standards.

  • Proficiency in design coordination tools and project management software (e.g., BIM 360, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Navisworks, Primavera P6).

  • Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.

  • Strong leadership and communication skills with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

  • Advanced certification in Project Management (PMP), Construction Management (CCM), or Lean Construction.

  • Familiarity with PMCM (Project Management and Construction Management) environments.

  • Prior experience delivering major airfield and infrastructure projects, including system integration and ORAT coordination.

  • Familiarity with smart airport systems, digital construction platforms, and data-driven project delivery.

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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