Principal Program Manager – Aviation Infrastructure

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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. What We Offer The City and County of Denver offers competitive pay commensurate with education and experience. New hires are typically brought into the organization between $165,000 - $220,000/year. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but are not limited to: A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service 457B Retirement Plan 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 12 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 Location & Schedule In this position you can expect to work on-site at 4-5 days per week at or near Denver International Airport. Who We Are & What You’ll Do Since opening on Feb. 28, 1995, Denver International Airport (DEN) has become one of the world’s busiest airports. In 2025, 82,427,962 passengers passed through DEN, making DEN 4th busiest airport in the U.S. and the world’s 10th busiest airport. DEN is Colorado’s primary economic engine, generating $47.2 billion in annual economic impact for the state. At DEN, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We celebrate individuality and strive to keep Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA) at the center of all that we do. Denver International Airport (DEN) is seeking two Principal Program Managers to lead major capital programs that support the airport’s continued growth and modernization. These positions will lead some of DEN’s largest capital programs including the expansion, renovation, and modernization of existing infrastructure and systems. These roles include guiding multidisciplinary project teams, and ensuring alignment across internal stakeholders and external partners. The position oversees project delivery, monitors progress, and supports executive reporting on program performance. Both roles are integral to advancing DEN’s long‑range infrastructure strategy and ensuring successful delivery of high‑impact airport programs. Specifically, as the Principal Program Manager, you will: Lead all phases of program and project management for a major aviation facility expansion, including scope, schedule, budget, and performance metrics. Oversee the development and implementation of the Program Management Plan, including delivery method evaluation and baseline definition. Manage program controls such as cost tracking, schedule management, risk mitigation, and change management. Direct procurement strategies, contract administration, and contractor performance oversight. Provide leadership and oversight to internal staff and consultant teams, including workload planning, performance management, and team development. Coordinate environmental services and permitting, including NEPA documentation and regulatory compliance. Support stakeholder engagement, including agency coordination, community outreach, and executive reporting. Ensure quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), records management, and document control processes are in place and followed. Provide leadership for Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) planning and execution. Monitor staffing budgets and support insurance and risk management strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Architecture.
• Five (5) years of professional experience at the type and level of an Engineer/Architect Manager, Engineer/Architect Supervisor, or Engineer/Architect Specialist.
• 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.
• Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application. Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• 10+ years of progressively responsible program‑level leadership delivering large, multi‑phase aviation, transportation, or public‑sector vertical infrastructure programs.
• Demonstrated success leading capital programs valued at $500+ million, with scope and complexity comparable to major concourse expansions, terminal redevelopment, or baggage system modernization.
• Proven ability to manage and develop multidisciplinary teams, including internal staff, owner’s representatives, and external consultant teams, on complex, fast‑paced programs.
• Strong background in public‑sector procurement, including RFP development, contract negotiation, and administration of major design, construction, and consultant contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with executive leadership, elected officials, and external stakeholders, exercising sound judgment and political acumen in high‑visibility environments.
• Experience delivering projects through innovative or alternative delivery methods (such as design‑build) within complex, occupied facilities.
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) or Master’s in Project Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of program and project management for a major aviation facility expansion, including scope, schedule, budget, and performance metrics.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the Program Management Plan, including delivery method evaluation and baseline definition.
• Manage program controls such as cost tracking, schedule management, risk mitigation, and change management.
• Direct procurement strategies, contract administration, and contractor performance oversight.
• Provide leadership and oversight to internal staff and consultant teams, including workload planning, performance management, and team development.
• Coordinate environmental services and permitting, including NEPA documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Support stakeholder engagement, including agency coordination, community outreach, and executive reporting.
• Ensure quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), records management, and document control processes are in place and followed.
• Provide leadership for Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) planning and execution.
• Monitor staffing budgets and support insurance and risk management strategies.

Benefits

• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 12 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal