Program Manager, Emerging Aviation Technology

Description

About the Role

Under the direction of the Manager, Aviation Technical Services (ATS), the successful candidate will provide project management, operational and emergency support for the Port Authority’s system of five airports (JFK, EWR, LGA, SWF and TEB), with a primary focus on performing initial project management to implement emerging aviation operational technology initiatives, such as pilot/demonstration projects associated with airport integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM); ground vehicle automation, such as autonomous/supervised ground service and snow removal equipment; installation of new navigational aids (NAVAIDS) technology, such as Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS); and other technology-related projects that may arise as dictated by operational need, such as technology and devices that enhance the human-machine interface to improve situational awareness and help prevent runway incursions, including technologies such as vehicle head-up display (HUD), moving-map, driver simulators, enhancements and improvements to applications that simplify event management as well as policies and test implementations related to aircraft automated gate docking guidance systems. The successful candidate will also represent Aviation Operations in the agency Innovation Hub (iHub) program to assess candidate projects from across the agency for potential airport applicability.

Responsibilities

• Perform initial project management of emerging aviation technical and technology projects, such as those related to integration of AAM, NextGen NAVAIDS, autonomous vehicles, simulators and other devices that enhance the human-machine interface to improve situational awareness.
• Perform project management support for major multi-airport procurements, such as replacement of airport snow removal vehicles and Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) trucks.
• Provide technical support for the development of the Airport Operations Centers (AOC) and airport Emergency Operations Centers (EOC).
• Maintain and administer a portfolio of multi-facility contracts, which may include Airport Snow Removal Chemicals and the Runway Incursion Warning System
• Coordinate with airport Operations and Maintenance divisions, the Airport Certification & Safety group, the Aviation Technology & Innovation (ATI) group, the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) cadre, and the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) to develop SOP/SOGs and to improve technology and human factors integration for the AOCs and EOCs to more effectively and efficiently monitor and provide communication, coordination and dispatch functions for all airport operations, including emergency response, landside operations, terminal operations, airside operations (to include snow removal), facility maintenance, AirTrain operations, public safety and security operations for best in class life-safety and customer service, improved situational awareness and to facilitate collaborative decision-making among all airport stakeholders.
• Ensure effective collaboration between airport EOCs, AOCs and the agency Office of Emergency Management (PAOEM) during activations of airport EOCs or the agency EOC in support of sustained responses to emergencies that have a significant adverse impact on normal airport operations.
• Coordinate to provide Aviation HQ support for activations of airport EOCs and the agency EOC during weather and other emergency activation events.
• Serve as the Aviation point of contact for administration WebEOC, which supports AOC and EOC operations; assist in the development or sourcing of technology to improve AOC and EOC operations; and perform other administrative activities associated with operation and development of the airport AOCs and EOCs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, airport management, technology management, transportation, public administration, STEM or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience managing airport, engineering or technology projects.
• Experience performing contract administration.
• Able to pass a criminal history records check, as mandated by 46 CFR Party 1542, to meet all requirements necessary to obtain and maintain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Card credential with airfield Movement Area Driving and Escort Privileges.

Desired Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification.
• Five years of experience in an airport management, airport project management, airport operations or a facility maintenance role.
• Involvement in large procurements.
• Ability to balance multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated experience as a strong communicator with a proven ability to excel under pressure.
• Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and decision-making skills necessary to manage operational and emergency situations.
• Ability to work effectively with people representing diverse interests, such as airlines, terminal operators, service contractors, vendors, media, federal/state/local government officials, and industry experts.
• Ability to be proactive by identifying developing issues and putting measures in place to mitigate negative outcomes
• Familiarity with emergency response and emergency operations.