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Aviation Principal Project Manager

About Our Job

What We Offer 

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver. 

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the third-busiest airport in the United States and one of the top ten busiest airports in the world, connecting our community globally through flight and business. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $47.2 billion for the region annually and employing nearly 37,000 people. At DEN, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We celebrate individuality and uplift all races, ethnicities, gender identities, national origins, ages, abilities, religion, and LGBTQIA+ communities. We know that our diversity makes us stronger, and we strive to keep Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA) at the center of all that we do.

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The annual salary for the Principal Project Manager position is up to $200,000. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but are not limited to: 

  • 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 wellness day and 1 volunteer day per year. 
  • Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date.
  • Pension Plan for Life (Employee contributes 8.45%, Employer matches at 17.95%)
  • 457 (b) Retirement Plan (no early withdrawal fee!)
  • STD, LTD, HSA, FSA, Life Insurance
  • CARE Bank, Family Leave Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program, Employee Volunteer Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement (up to $2000/year), We Qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Learning and Development Opportunities; Courses and Career Development Resources
  • EcoPass (unlimited free RTD bus/train rides)


Location

The City and County of Denver supports a hybrid workplace model. Employees work where needed, at a job site several days a week and off-site as needed. Employees must work within the state of Colorado on their off-site days.   

In this position you can expect to work on site at least 3 days per week at the Denver International Airport.

What You’ll Do

DEN’s Design, Engineering and Construction division is looking for an experienced Aviation Principal Project Manager to lead the Concourse C West Expansion Program. The successful candidate for this position will bring significant experience managing large Airport Concourse / Terminal Programs for major renovations or new construction. The program consists of a 400,000+ square feet facility expansion to accommodate a maximum of 11 new gates. This position will lead the Program Management consultant team that is being procured later this year to oversee the design and construction of the concourse expansion. This position will be responsible for regularly communicating the program’s scope, schedule, budget and key performance indicators (KPIs) to DEN executives. This position will lead and oversee teams performing the following:

  • Program and project management
  • Highly desired experience with large aviation projects
  • Program Management Plan development 
  • Delivery method evaluation
  • Environmental Services, including support for NEPA document development
  • Preliminary programmatic definition and baseline development
  • Planning and schematic studies
  • Permitting Coordination
  • Program oversight, governance, and reporting
  • Program and project controls
  • Cost and Trend Management
  • Schedule development, review, and management
  • Estimating and Independent Cost Verification
  • Records management and document controls
  • Risk management and insurance program support
  • Agency, Stakeholder, and Community Engagement and Communications support
  • Procurement and solicitation development
  • Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) support
  • Development and implementation of Quality Assurance and Quality Control Procedures
  • Monitor, forecast and report on staffing budgets for assigned projects
  • Contract administration support
  • Contractor management
  • Commissioning management
  • Change management
  • Other activities normally associated with supporting planning, design, construction, and operation for capital improvements, at the City’s discretion

Required Minimum Qualifications 

  • Education:  Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Architecture.
  • Experience:  Five (5) years of professional experience at the type and level of an Engineer/Architect Manager, Engineer/Architect Supervisor, or Engineer/Architect Specialist.
  • Education and Equivalency: Two (2) years of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post high school education.  A combination of appropriate education and experience may be substituted for the minimum education and experience requirements.
  • Licensure & Certification:  Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application.

Application Deadline 

This position is expected to stay open until April 9th, 2025. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than April 9th, 2025 date at midnight to ensure consideration.

FBI Background Check: FBI criminal background check is required for all positions at Denver International Airport (DEN). Employees are also required to report any felony convictions and/or moving violations to maintain this clearance and be eligible for continued employment. By position, a pre-employment physical/drug test may be required.

Snow / Emergency Duties: Denver International Airport is a 24/7/365 team operation. If weather conditions warrant or an emergency crisis occurs, all DEN employees may be required to work extended hours and/or shifts.
 

About Everything Else

Job Profile

CE2784 Project Manager Principal

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Unlimited

Position Salary Range

$131,770.00 - $224,009.00

Starting Pay

Based on education, relevant experience and internal equity

Agency

Denver International Airport

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. 

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days’ notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.

Average salary estimate

$177889.5 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$131770K
$224009K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Aviation Principal Project Manager, Denver

Are you ready to take your project management skills to the skies? Denver International Airport (DEN) is on the lookout for an Aviation Principal Project Manager to lead our transformative Concourse C West Expansion Program. This exciting role offers not only a competitive salary of up to $200,000 but also a chance to work at one of the busiest airports in the world! Imagine managing a 400,000+ square feet facility expansion that will add up to 11 new gates, enhancing travel experiences for millions. As the Aviation Principal Project Manager, you’ll be at the heart of it all, guiding a talented team while overseeing everything from program management and environmental services to stakeholder engagement. Your leadership will be essential in communicating key performance indicators, schedules, and budgets to our executives and ensuring the smooth delivery of this monumental project. At DEN, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission. Join our passionate workforce and enjoy generous benefits, including 140 hours of PTO in your first year, comprehensive health plans, and tuition reimbursement. You’ll work in a hybrid model, with a minimum of three days a week onsite, allowing you to balance life and work effectively. If you have a background in engineering or architecture, plus five years of relevant experience, we want to hear from you. Come be a part of Denver’s growth and innovation at DEN, where every day brings new opportunities to connect our community to the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Aviation Principal Project Manager Role at Denver
What are the primary responsibilities of the Aviation Principal Project Manager at Denver International Airport?

The Aviation Principal Project Manager at Denver International Airport is responsible for overseeing the Concourse C West Expansion Program, which includes managing a large-scale facility expansion. Duties include program management, budget oversight, coordinating with program management consultants, and communicating regularly with DEN executives about key performance indicators, schedules, and project scopes. The role also involves directing a team responsible for contractor management, risk management, permitting coordination, and more.

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What qualifications are needed for the Aviation Principal Project Manager position at DEN?

To qualify for the Aviation Principal Project Manager position at Denver International Airport, candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Architecture, along with at least five years of relevant experience. Additional qualifications may include licensure and a valid driver's license. The role may also consider equivalent educational and experiential combinations to meet the required qualifications.

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How does the hybrid workplace model work for the Aviation Principal Project Manager at DEN?

The hybrid workplace model for the Aviation Principal Project Manager at Denver International Airport allows for a flexible work arrangement where employees work onsite at least three days a week. The remaining days can be worked off-site, providing a balance between onsite collaboration and remote work. However, employees must be located within Colorado during their off-site days to be eligible for this role.

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What benefits can one expect as an Aviation Principal Project Manager at the City and County of Denver?

As an Aviation Principal Project Manager at Denver International Airport, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes 140 hours of paid time off, competitive health plans, a pension plan, tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per year, and other resources focused on employee well-being and development. This also includes support for student loan forgiveness and various learning opportunities.

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What is the application process for the Aviation Principal Project Manager role at Denver International Airport?

To apply for the Aviation Principal Project Manager position at Denver International Airport, interested candidates should submit their application by April 9th, 2025. It’s advisable to apply sooner to ensure consideration. Applicants will need to provide valid work authorization and may be subject to an FBI background check, alongside completing a possible pre-employment physical or drug test.

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Common Interview Questions for Aviation Principal Project Manager
Can you describe your experience managing large-scale aviation projects?

In answering this question, highlight specific projects where you played a key role, detailing your responsibilities and the scale of the operations. Include any relevant metrics or outcomes achieved, emphasizing your ability to lead diverse teams and manage budgets and timelines effectively.

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What strategies do you use for stakeholder engagement in major projects?

Discuss the importance of communication and relationship-building in stakeholder engagement. Highlight strategies you’ve used like regular updates, collaborative meetings, and addressing concerns proactively. Share examples of how these strategies contributed to the success of project outcomes.

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How do you approach risk management in your projects?

In your response, explain the risk assessment process you follow, including how you identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks. Give examples of specific risks you've managed and the strategies you implemented to effectively address them, showcasing your problem-solving skills.

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What is your experience with budget oversight and financial management?

Share your experience managing budgets for large projects, discussing how you track expenses, forecast financial needs, and collaborate with finance teams. Mention any software or tools you’ve used and how you ensure adherence to budget throughout the project's lifespan.

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How do you ensure quality assurance in project management?

Discuss your approach to quality assurance, including any methods or frameworks you apply to monitor progress and deliverables. Share examples of quality control measures you’ve implemented to ensure compliance with standards and how you address any discrepancies.

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What methods do you use for effective project scheduling?

Talk about the project management tools you’ve used for scheduling, how you determine critical paths, and regularly update timelines. Provide examples of how your scheduling method has led to timely project delivery while adapting to any roadblocks that arose.

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How do you handle disagreements within your project team?

Explain your conflict resolution strategies, focusing on open communication, objective mediation, and working toward a common goal. Provide examples of situations where you successfully resolved conflicts and the positive outcomes that followed.

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Describe your experience with contractor management.

In your answer, reflect on your experience managing contractors, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, defined scopes, and performance tracking. Discuss how you ensure contractors meet project goals and standards.

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How do you keep yourself updated with industry best practices?

Share the resources you utilize to stay current, such as industry conferences, professional organizations, or continuous education. Emphasize your commitment to professional development and how it enhances your project management capabilities.

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What accomplishments are you most proud of in your project management career?

Select a few key accomplishments that showcase your skills and successful management of projects. Describe the challenges faced, actions taken, and the positive impacts resulting from your leadership, showing your ability to deliver results.

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MATCH
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SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
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HQ LOCATION
No info
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
March 27, 2025

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