Senior Engineering Manager – IT Infrastructure

Leading Edge Skills is a focused IT and Business training and consulting company, based in California, right in the heart of Silicon Valley, that prepares students in transitioning and launching a new career quickly. We also deliver strategic IT and Business consulting services that empower clients to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and drive innovation.

Our professionals are the most valuable and respected asset for us. We make sure our professionals make use of their full potential to not only transform the skill set among the student body but make them feel comfortable when they come across unexpected and challenging scenarios they may face at the workplace.

We are a trusted federal contractor delivering training and technical solutions for DOD - national agencies including the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy. Our programs are designed to advance technical and leadership capacity across transportation, defense, and technology sectors. We are seeking highly qualified professionals to join our team for an upcoming consulting contract supporting IT Infrastructure for international airports.

We're looking for humans with a passion, empathy, and accountability to lead consulting projects in a multifaceted role:

Senior Engineering Manager – IT Infrastructure (Airports)

Position Summary

The Senior Engineering Manager – IT Infrastructure (Airports) leads the planning, design, and delivery of complex airport IT infrastructure and telecommunications projects across major international airports in California.

This senior leadership role integrates project management, engineering design, and cost estimation, ensuring each "turn-key" infrastructure program is delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with applicable codes, safety standards, and aviation authority requirements.

The position requires deep technical knowledge of fiber-optic networks, low-voltage systems, conduit infrastructure, and electrical integration, as well as strong leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and subcontractors in secure, high-performance airport environments.

Key Responsibilities1. Project and Program Management

• Lead all phases of airport IT infrastructure and operations support projects, from concept to commissioning and warranty.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects under on-call or task-order contracts, ensuring timely execution, financial control, and quality delivery.
• Develop detailed project schedules using Microsoft Project, identifying milestones, dependencies, and critical paths.
• Coordinate permits, utility and area shutdown requests, and regulatory compliance with airport authorities and local building departments.
• Conduct weekly coordination meetings and provide regular progress updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Enforce safety, security access, and compliance requirements for all project personnel.
• Oversee preparation of status reports, outage summaries, and close-out documentation.

2. Engineering Design and Technical Oversight

• Direct the engineering design and integration of telecommunications, fiber-optic, and power systems within airport facilities and airfield zones.
• Approve AutoCAD Map 3D and ESRI GIS drawings, single-line diagrams, and construction documents for underground and in-building installations.
• Supervise field surveys, conduit mapping, and infrastructure verification to ensure design accuracy.
• Oversee fiber and copper cable installation, splicing, labeling, and certification testing using OTDR and power meter equipment.
• Ensure all designs and installations comply with TIA/EIA, BICSI, NEC, FAA, and airport infrastructure standards.
• Lead the development of system cutover and testing plans to maintain operational continuity during construction and upgrades.

3. Cost Estimation, Budgeting, and Financial Management

• Prepare comprehensive lump-sum proposals and Rough-Order-of-Magnitude (ROM) estimates for infrastructure and IT systems.
• Analyze material and labor costs, subcontractor proposals, and markups to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
• Develop value engineering alternatives that optimize scope and cost efficiency.
• Review and approve cost substantiation, progress payments, and change order justifications.
• Maintain full financial oversight of assigned projects, ensuring adherence to contract budgets and reporting requirements.

4. Compliance, Quality Assurance, and Documentation

• Implement robust QA/QC processes to ensure adherence to aviation infrastructure standards, electrical codes, and data cabling specifications.
• Review and approve test reports, inspection logs, and as-built drawings.
• Maintain documentation of all installations and certifications for regulatory and audit readiness.
• Ensure warranty, maintenance, and corrective work are completed promptly and at no additional cost to the airport operator.
• Support audits and inspections conducted by airport engineering and quality control divisions.

5. Licensing, Regulatory, and Compliance Oversight

• Ensure all construction and installation work requiring state licensing is performed under a valid California Contractor's License (Class A*, B, C-7, or C-10*).
• Oversee subcontractor compliance with state and local licensing, bonding, and insurance requirements.
• Coordinate permit applications, code inspections, and construction approvals with relevant city, county, or airport authorities.
• Provide guidance to management on maintaining and updating company and subcontractor licenses.
• Monitor all project activities to ensure full compliance with California building codes, electrical safety standards, and airport construction regulations.

6. Team Leadership and Coordination

• Supervise and mentor engineers, estimators, field supervisors, and technical staff.
• Build high-performing teams that prioritize safety, quality, and technical excellence.
• Oversee subcontractor coordination, performance evaluations, and compliance reviews.
• Promote collaboration across engineering, operations, and project control groups.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience managing telecommunications or IT infrastructure projects in airport, transportation, or large public-sector environments.
• Proven expertise in fiber-optic, low-voltage, conduit, and power systems design and installation.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD Map 3D, ESRI GIS, Microsoft Project, Excel, and cost estimation tools.
• Strong understanding of:
• National Electrical Code (NEC)
• TIA/EIA and BICSI standards
• California Public Works (Gray Book)
• FAA and airport construction protocols
• Excellent leadership, budgeting, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active or previously held California Contractor's License (Class A, B, C-7, or C-10) preferred.
• Candidates with valid licenses may be considered to serve as the company's Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) or Responsible Managing Employee (RME) to qualify the organization under California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) regulations.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.), Project Management Professional (PMP), Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credentials strongly preferred.
• Experience managing airport or aviation infrastructure projects in secure or operational environments.
• Prior experience coordinating multi-discipline teams across engineering, IT, and construction functions.
• Attitude required:
• Honesty, humility, and integrity
• Inclusive and respectful
• Strong work ethic
• Passion for learning
• Comfortable with autonomy
• Eager to add new skills and grow professionally
• Skills that are preferred, but not required:
• Curiosity
• Assertiveness
• A love of IT and/or technology
• Proficiency with Gmail, Google Docs, Slack, and internal LES tools.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $ $150.00 per hour

Work Location: Remote