Director, Aviation Technology Planning

Job DetailsJob Location: AEI - Chadds Ford - [7CFD] - Chadds Ford, PA 19317Position Type: Full TimeDirector, Aviation Technology Planning is responsible for advancing Arora’s Special Systems Practice beyond traditional design delivery into a broader airport operational technology, systems planning, consulting, integration, and lifecycle systems leadership capability. This Special Systems leadership role combines consulting, airport technology planning, program leadership, project delivery, and business development responsibilities focused on airport and technology-led infrastructure environments. This position could be based remotely. The position serves as both a strategic consultant and senior program/project leader, supporting major client initiatives while developing upstream consulting and planning opportunities in IT Master Planning, airport operational technology, systems integration, enterprise coordination, and lifecycle systems planning. This role reports to the Special Systems Practice Lead and supports the continued evolution of the Special Systems Practice into a broader operational technology and airport systems planning capability with stronger upstream engagement, systems integration, strategic planning, and owner-side consulting services. In addition to strategic growth and consulting responsibilities, the role will support active project delivery, operational systems coordination, technical leadership, and production project management during the expansion phase of the practice. The role is expected to remain actively engaged in project delivery, systems coordination, technical reviews, stakeholder management, and operational systems implementation oversight during both planning and execution phases. Essential Functions Leads development and expansion of Special Systems consulting and airport technology planning services. Serves as a strategic consultant to airport, transportation, and infrastructure clients on airport operational technology, systems integration, lifecycle delivery, operational systems planning, and enterprise systems initiatives. Supports and leads IT Master Planning, airport operational systems planning, operational technology strategy, migration planning, operational readiness, ORAT coordination, and technology transition engagements. Acts as Project Manager or Program Lead for assigned Special Systems and airport operational technology programs. Supports development of lifecycle-focused systems delivery approaches spanning planning, design, integration, implementation, commissioning, and operational sustainment. Supports development of operational technology, systems integration, data strategy, enterprise coordination approaches, systems architecture strategies, and early-stage planning methodologies for airport and infrastructure clients. Participates in executive-level client presentations, workshops, strategic planning discussions, and business development activities. Represents Arora within industry organizations, Aviation IT and operational technology forums, airport technology groups, and industry leadership initiatives to support strategic growth, market visibility, business development, and thought leadership related to airport systems integration and lifecycle infrastructure delivery. Collaborates with Practice Leadership on strategic growth initiatives, client engagement strategies, and expansion of owner-side consulting services. Supports transition of airport technology planning efforts into downstream design, implementation, systems integration, and operational delivery programs.   Project Delivery Responsibilities Serves as Project Manager or Program Manager for assigned Special Systems and airport operational technology programs during the expansion phase of the practice. Maintains accountability for project scope, schedule, staffing coordination, client communication, and overall delivery execution on assigned programs. Coordinates with Design Leads, Discipline Leads, and project teams to ensure technical quality, delivery consistency, and adherence to Arora standards. Supports project planning, resource forecasting, proposal development, risk management, and executive reporting activities. Provides direct technical leadership and operational systems coordination for complex airport technology and enterprise integration programs. QualificationsNeeded Skills to build executive-level client relationships and collaborate across multidisciplinary technical and operational teams. Demonstrated strategic thinking, organizational leadership, and market development capability. Experience with airport operational systems including Common Use, AODB/RMS, data systems, operational systems integration, and airport technology ecosystems preferred. Strong understanding of airport operational technology, infrastructure systems, and lifecycle systems delivery environments. Experience with IT Master Planning, airport operational systems planning, systems integration, operational technology strategy, enterprise coordination, and owner-side consulting services. Demonstrated ability to lead consulting engagements, complex stakeholder coordination efforts, and large-scale infrastructure programs. Strong client-facing communication, presentation, facilitation, leadership, and business development skills. Working knowledge of low-voltage and operational technology systems including telecommunications, security, integration, enterprise infrastructure systems, and airport operational systems. Understanding of project delivery methodologies, program governance, and risk management practices. Knowledge of airport operations environments, operational readiness processes, and technology transition planning preferred. Maintains discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive client and organizational matters. Ability to model Company Leadership expectations and mentor senior staff.   Education/Experience Minimum  Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Infrastructure Systems, Construction Management, or related field required. Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in airport technology, operational technology, systems integration, infrastructure consulting, or related industries. Minimum of 10 years in senior leadership, program leadership, consulting, or client management roles. Experience with airport operational systems, aviation infrastructure, or transportation technology programs strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience leading IT Master Planning, airport operational systems planning, enterprise coordination, or operational technology strategy engagements preferred. Industry participation and leadership involvement, including organizations such as ACI-NA, BIT, or related aviation industry groups. Professional certifications such as C.M., PMP, PE, or equivalent industry credentials preferred. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: ARORA ENGINEERS, LLC. (ARORA) - Arora provides clients in the aviation, transportation, education, government, and commercial/institutional sectors with engineering services for intelligent infrastructure solutions. Through smart design, construction management, and facilities maintenance management, we rethink industry needs to help keep clients on the cutting edge and add value to a project. Arora is a growing firm that welcomes individuals with a thirst for knowledge and the energy to tackle projects that help take the infrastructure of our world to the next level. DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this position. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against, on the basis of these factors or of disability.