Careers

Director of Development OR Aviation Development Manager

Location: Houston, TX

Company: Ascend Aviation Services (a wholly owned subsidiary of Sky Harbour Group)

Position Overview

Ascend Aviation Services is seeking an experienced Aviation Development Manager to lead and oversee the pre-construction process for aviation development projects. This individual will own projects from initial concept through entitlement, permitting, and
regulatory approvals, handing off to the Project Management team once construction begins. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in FAA regulations, entitlements, permitting, and coordination with municipalities and local authorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary owner of all pre-construction activities, from site evaluation through groundbreaking.
• Manage entitlement processes, zoning, land use, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with municipalities, local authorities, and state/federal agencies to secure all required approvals and permits.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, airport authority requirements, and aviation-related development standards.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants during project planning and design development.
• Develop and manage pre-construction schedules, budgets, and milestone deliverables.
• Identify potential risks and proactively implement strategies to mitigate permitting or entitlement delays.
• Act as a liaison between clients, internal stakeholders, and government entities.
• Transition projects smoothly to the Project Management team for construction execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Aviation Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in pre-construction or development management, with a focus on aviation or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record navigating FAA regulations, entitlement processes, zoning boards, and municipal approvals.
• Strong understanding of aviation facility development (hangars, terminals, maintenance facilities, etc.).
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills for working with local authorities and stakeholders.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Development Assistant – Aviation Development

Location: Flexible

Company: Ascend Aviation Services (a wholly owned subsidiary of Sky Harbour Group)

Position Overview

Ascend Aviation Services is seeking a Development Assistant to support aviation development projects during the pre-construction phase. This role will assist senior development leadership in managing site evaluation, entitlements, permitting, and regulatory coordination for aviation facilities. The Development Assistant will gain hands-on exposure to FAA regulations, municipal approvals, and aviation-specific
development processes while supporting multiple projects from early concept through readiness for construction.

This position is ideal for a development or pre-construction professional with foundational experience in aviation, infrastructure, or complex commercial development who is looking to grow into a senior role.

Key Responsibilities

• Support due diligence efforts such as ALTA surveys, geotechnical investigations, environmental reviews (Phase I/II), airspace analyses. pre-construction activities from initial site evaluation through entitlement and permitting.
• Maintain entitlement and permitting matrices across multiple jurisdictions and projects.
• Assist with zoning, land use, and entitlement documentation and tracking.
• Coordinate with municipalities, airport authorities, and state/federal agencies under the direction of senior development leadership.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, airport authority requirements, and aviation development standards.
• Support coordination with architects, engineers, consultants, and internal stakeholders during planning and design development.
• Assist with document control and version management for drawings, reports, and regulatory submissions; help develop and maintain pre-construction schedules, budgets, and milestone deliverables.
• Support development leadership with data analysis, market research, and site benchmarking as needed.
• Track permitting timelines and identify potential risks or delays for escalation to senior leadership.
• Prepare meeting materials, regulatory submissions, and project documentation.
• Support the transition of projects to the Project Management team once construction is authorized.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development and entitlement processes, templates, and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Aviation Management, Planning, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in development, pre-construction, construction management, or infrastructure-related roles.
• Working knowledge of entitlement processes, permitting, zoning, or regulatory approvals (aviation experience preferred but not required).
• Familiarity with aviation-specific planning concepts such as ALP coordination, Part 77 airspace, and airport minimum standards, FAA regulations, airport authority requirements, or public-agency coordination is a plus.
• Exposure to aviation or infrastructure projects such as hangars, terminals, maintenance facilities, or industrial developments is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, civil drawings, architectural drawings, and zoning codes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organization with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-project development environment.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and eager to learn complex regulatory and development processes within aviation development or project management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with project tracking or scheduling tools is a plus.

Project Manager — Aviation & Industrial Construction

Reports to: Vice President of Construction

Location: Houston, TX

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Overview

We are seeking a Project Manager with strong expertise in commercial construction, particularly in aviation (private aircraft hangars), industrial, manufacturing, and distribution projects.

Our company specializes in Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) systems and tilt-wall construction, with a niche focus on delivering high-performance hangars for private aviation clients.

Reporting to the VP of Construction, the Project Manager will oversee all aspects of assigned projects from pre-construction through close-out. This role requires leadership, technical construction knowledge, and the ability to manage complex logistics in fast-paced environments. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative culture and understands the precision required to deliver specialized facilities such as aviation hangars.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Manage all phases of assigned construction projects with a strong focus on PEMB and tilt-wall systems
• Oversee project scheduling, budgeting, and resource planning
• Lead project kickoff, progress, and close-out meetings
• Serve as the primary liaison between clients, subcontractors, vendors, consultants, and internal teams

Construction Execution

• Collaborate with pre-construction and design teams during project planning and value engineering phases
• Coordinate procurement, delivery, and erection of PEMB systems and tilt-wall components
• Ensure quality control and compliance with aviation-specific standards and client requirements
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction progress and ensure adherence to plans and safety standards

Financial & Contract Administration

• Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts, and change orders
• Lead contract negotiations with subcontractors and vendors
• Track project costs and maintain detailed financial reporting
• Work with accounting to ensure timely billing and cost management

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate project risks related to construction sequencing, safety, and site logistics
• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and aviation-specific guidelines
• Maintain accurate project documentation, reporting, and close-out records

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of commercial construction project management experience, with PEMB and tilt-wall project experience strongly preferred
• Proven track record managing complex aviation, industrial, or distribution projects
• Deep understanding of Tilt-Wall and PEMB design, procurement, and erection processes
• Experience delivering private aircraft hangars is a significant plus
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, scheduling, budgeting, and contract administration
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple clients
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills
• Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Procore, Project Sight, Bluebeam, MS Project, or similar)
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (preferred)

Commercial Site Superintendent

Location: Nationwide Travel (Project-Based)

Home Office: Houston, TX or Remote

Travel: Extensive (Jobsite-based role)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly driven Commercial Site Superintendent to oversee day-to-day field operations for aviation-related construction projects across the country. This individual will be responsible for the successful execution of all onsite activities, managing schedules, coordinating subcontractors and general contractors, enforcing safety standards, and ensuring quality control.

The ideal candidate has hands-on field leadership experience in commercial or industrial construction (in particular, PEMB and Tilt-wall) and thrives in a fast-paced, travel-based environment. You will be the primary site representative for commercial the
GC and must maintain exceptional communication with clients, subcontractors, general contractors, suppliers, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the on-site leader for all project-related construction activities from mobilization through final punch list and turnover.
• Coordinate and supervise all field labor, subcontractors, general contractors, and vendors to ensure quality, schedule, and safety standards are met.
• Maintain and manage daily project logs, progress reports, and site documentation.
• Enforce jobsite safety protocols and OSHA compliance through proactive risk management and regular safety meetings.
• Interface with project managers, architects, engineers, and inspectors to facilitate smooth workflow and timely resolution of field issues.
• Conduct site inspections and quality control checks throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Monitor schedules, lead daily huddles, and update the master schedule in collaboration with the project management team.
• Ensure that all work is performed in accordance with project specifications, drawings, and applicable building codes.
• Assist with material takeoffs, deliveries, storage, and inventory on site.
• Act as liaison between field operations and senior management, reporting progress and highlighting potential risks or delays.
• Oversee closeout procedures, including final inspections, commissioning, and warranty documentation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience as a site superintendent in commercial, industrial, or aviation construction.
• Proven experience managing subcontractors, general contractors, and vendors in diverse regions and climates.
• Strong knowledge of construction sequencing, methods, safety procedures, and building codes.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
• Proficient in Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, and scheduling software such as MS Project or Primavera P6.
• OSHA 30 certification (or ability to obtain immediately upon hire).
• Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel and remain on-site for the duration of each project (housing and travel expenses provided).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aviation or hangar/fixed base operator (FBO) facility construction.
• Experience working on design-build or fast-track delivery models.
• Knowledge of airport operations, FAA/TSA compliance, and security coordination is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with project completion bonuses
• Paid travel, housing accommodations, and per diem while on-site
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for advancement in a growing, exclusive, national aviation construction program for Sky Harbour Group

Ascend Aviation is committed to developing the next generation of industry leaders. Through partnerships with some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country, our internship program provides students with meaningful, hands-on experience across aviation operations, engineering, development, and corporate services.

Interns work alongside seasoned professionals on real projects that shape the future of aviation infrastructure and services. Our goal is simple: equip future graduates with the practical knowledge, mentorship, and professional confidence they need to transition seamlessly from the classroom to a successful career.