Manager of Engineering

Why This Role

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority is seeking a Manager of Engineering & Construction to lead a diverse group of engineers, architects, construction managers, facility managers, and a capital and grants coordinator. This role will coach and develop direct reports and oversee the delivery of complex capital projects on both the airfield and landside at two airports, Reno-Tahoe International and Reno-Stead Airports. The projects shape the future of air travel in the Reno–Tahoe region. This is a leadership role with direct influence over multi-million-dollar capital programs, FAA-funded projects, and cross-functional infrastructure initiatives.

Reporting to the Chief of Planning & Infrastructure, you will manage, mentor and lead the Engineering & Construction Department for project execution excellence, and partner closely with executive leaders, internal and external stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and the FAA.

A fully completed official online RTAA Employment Application must be received by February 9th, 2026. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Recruitment will close without notice when enough applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made. For more information about this opportunity and to apply, visit:

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What You'll Do

• Manage the Engineering & Construction Department consisting of a diverse group of engineers, architects, construction managers, facility managers, and technical staff to oversee the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP)
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of professional engineers, architects, construction managers, facility managers, capital and grants coordinator, and other technical staff
• Oversee end-to-end delivery of capital improvement projects for both airside and landside projects. Project delivery starts with concept and includes budgeting, design, construction, closeout, and operational handoff
• Act as owner's representative for complex and high-visibility airport projects
• Oversee schedule, budget, and quality performance across multiple concurrent projects
• Oversee the management and negotiation of professional services agreements and construction contracts, ensuring compliance with NRS and FAA requirements while optimizing cost and value
• Partner with internal stakeholders including Operations, Maintenance, Finance, Purchasing, Planning & Environmental, and Commercial Business teams to align infrastructure investments with operational and business priorities
• Oversee capital budgeting, cost forecasting, change management, and risk mitigation
• Develop and maintain a 5-year capital improvement (CIP) program aligned with airport growth and strategic goals
• Serve as a primary liaison with the FAA's regional Airport District Office, City of Reno's Building and Community Development departments, and the State of Nevada's Labor Compliance Office and Public Works departments.
• Provide quarterly and yearly performance evaluations for department team members
• Comply with DBE goals, participation, compliance, and reporting
• Represent the RTAA through presentations to executive leaders, the Board of Trustees, community stakeholders, and industry organizations
• Stay current on aviation infrastructure trends, delivery models, and best practices

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What We're Looking For

• Proven leadership experience managing, supervising, and mentoring a diverse team
• Experience with engineering and construction programs in the fields of aviation, roadways, utilities, transportation, or public facilities
• Strong background in capital project delivery, including oversight of design management, construction management, and contract administration
• Experience working with complex government funded projects and navigating regulatory requirements preferred
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence stakeholders, and drive results in a highly collaborative environment
• Sound business judgment with demonstrated success managing budgets, schedules, and risk

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Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, architecture, or a closely related discipline
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the fields of engineering or architecture
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in management of capital improvement projects
• Minimum 2 years in a management or leadership role

Airport or aviation infrastructure experience strongly preferred

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Licenses & Certifications

• Current professional engineer (PE) or architect license/registration, with the requirement to be licensed in the State of Nevada within 1-year of start of job position

Valid Driver's License and ability to obtain an Airport SIDA badge

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Why RTAA

• Lead regionally significant aviation infrastructure projects
• High visibility with executive leadership and governing board
• Long-term capital program with meaningful scale and complexity
• Stable organization with the mission and impact of public infrastructure and the pace of a capital-driven enterprise
• Opportunity to shape the future growth of a dynamic airport system

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Entry Salary: $120,600 - $150,700 annually based on experience, with opportunity for annual step-based increases up to a maximum of $180,800. This is a salary and overtime exempt position. Initial salary placement will be based upon experience and qualifications.

Benefits: The RTAA offers a competitive wage and benefit package and provides a high-quality work-life balance. Employee benefits include employer paid contributions to the Nevada PERS retirement program; 100% employer paid health insurance for the employee (effective first day of the month after your hire date); paid vacation and sick leave; 14-paid holidays per year; and tuition reimbursement - just to name a few

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HOW TO APPLY:

A fully completed official online RTAA Employment Application must be received by February 9th, 2026. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Recruitment will close without notice when enough applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made. For more information about this opportunity and to apply, visit:

The RTAA Employment Application is the primary screening tool to determine an applicant's qualifications. A resume may be submitted in addition to, but not in lieu of, completing the RTAA Employment Application. While you may submit a resume, it is supplemental and will not be used to determine whether or not you have met the minimum qualifications. All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your RTAA Employment Application.

Below is a summary of our requirements:

• Provided detailed information to address how you meet and/or exceed minimum qualifications for the position.

• Provided a minimum of five (5) years of employment history.

• Explained any gaps in employment of six (6) months or more within the "Work History" section. To explain gaps, add a new employer, write what was occurring under the "Name of Employer" (e.g., unemployed, student, etc.), and list dates.

• If you had more than one (1) position with the same employer, separately list each position and the time you were in that position.

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Common Search Titles

Team Leader
• Engineering Manager
• Airport Engineering Manager
• Capital Projects Manager
• Chief Engineer
• Manager of Architecture
• Manager of Design
• Aviation Construction Manager
• Infrastructure Program Manager
• Capital Development Manager
• Capital Projects Manager
• FAA AIP Projects

The RTAA is an organization that thrives by living our core values and by honoring the dignity of all individuals. With teamwork, respect, versatility and a focus on excellence, we serve our employees and our community with pride and passion. We are a drug-free workplace, and an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a healthy work environment.