Senior Engineering Manager

Overview

SENIOR ENGINEERING MANAGER
(Engineering Manager, Senior)

This recruitment is open to the public and is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Engineering Manager, Senior vacancies. The eligible list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

Final date to receive applications Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately on both the ADK website and through the County of Orange's website. The ADK Executive Search link will be provided below. Please note - in order to be considered, all candidates must complete the County of Orange's application. The Final date to receive applications for this position is Monday, December 29, 2025 at 11:59PM PST.

To view the full recruitment brochure with ADK Executive Search, please !

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in the J.D. Power 2024 and 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, John Wayne Airport (JWA) has been a major cornerstone of Orange County for more than 100 years. Located in beautiful Southern California, we currently serve approximately 11.7 million annual passengers. The County of Orange owns and operates the airport and the service area includes more than three million people within 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County and beyond.

As a medium hub airport, we have commercial flights to more than 40 nonstop destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Eleven commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines fly out of the Airport. It is home to nearly 500 general aviation (private, non-commercial) aircraft, representing 60% of total operations, and includes two full-service fixed base operators and one limited use general aviation facility.

John Wayne Airport (JWA) is seeking an experienced Airport Engineering Manager (Engineering Manager, Senior) to lead a team of engineering and architecture professionals. This leadership role is critical to the success of JWA’s Maintenance Programs, which directly support all operational units within the Service Area.

The Airport Engineering Manager requires a seasoned administrator and innovative problem-solver. This position requires a high level of discretion, accountability, and technical expertise in developing and implementing operation policies, procedures, and methodologies.

• Lead and manage a team of engineers, architects, inspectors, and technical staff on complex projects and design studies
• Oversee the development and execution of a $20 million annual Maintenance Improvement Program (MIP), modeled after the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Oversee the GIS asset-centric mapping and maintenance, annual maintenance workplan development, and monitoring/assessment of in-house average daily production (ADP) rates
• Conduct engineering evaluations of vertical and horizontal airport infrastructure and systems, technical training, and project peer reviews
• In collaboration with other stakeholders, ensure accountability in the development of sound Project Definition Documents
• Oversee budgeting, planning, and directing team operations to align with departmental goals
• Hire, mentor, and evaluate staff performance while fostering a culture of safety and innovation
• Promote open communication between staff and the Deputy Airport Director
• Collaborate with other JWA departments and units to ensure integration of engineering initiatives

The ideal candidate will possess five (5) or more years of experience performing the duties of a professional civil engineer in California, which must include two (2) years of lead/supervisory experience. In addition, the successful candidate will possess three (3) or more years of professional engineering experience working on airport projects. The most successful candidates will also possess the following core competencies:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of engineering, architecture, and building construction practices and uniform building codes, Cal-OSHA building construction regulations, ADA, California Environmental Quality Act
• Thorough knowledge of FAA Airport Design standards, regulations, and advisory circulars and grant assurance requirements
• Applies knowledge of airport guidelines, safety regulations, established standards, and safe work practices
• Technical knowledge to manage architectural and engineering staff and consultants, define appropriate A/E design study scopes of work and apply the input of the A/E studies to the development of Project Definition Documents and provide input in the development of the Capital Improvement Plan
• Exercises sound judgment in selecting and utilizing personnel, materials, and equipment in alignment with airport standards and public expectations
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with subordinates, peers, management, and external…