Area Manager – Commissioning and MEPFP

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AECOM is seeking an Area Manager – Commissioning and Activation to be based in San Diego, California, supporting construction of the New Terminal One program at San Diego International Airport. Reporting to the Terminal Project Manager, this position will oversee commissioning and activation activities with a particular focus on coordination of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection (MEPFP) systems.

The Area Manager will work closely with Design-Build contractors, inspectors, commissioning teams, airport operations, maintenance personnel, subcontractors, activation teams, third-party stakeholders and subject matter experts to support successful turnover and operational readiness of terminal facilities and systems. The role will coordinate technical, construction logistics, change management and schedule issues while helping maintain alignment with program requirements, budget and schedule.

This position requires substantial building systems and commissioning experience and the ability to resolve complex field issues in an active airport construction environment. The Area Manager will also support activation of major terminal systems, including the baggage handling system (BHS), passenger boarding bridges (PBB) and associated aircraft services.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee commissioning activities within the assigned area in coordination with the Authority’s Commissioning Agent, Design-Builder’s Commissioning Manager and project teams.
• Coordinate activation and turnover of the terminal baggage handling system, passenger boarding bridges and associated aircraft services, including preconditioned air, 400 Hz ground power and potable water systems.
• Maintain working knowledge of project scope, schedule, construction activities and commissioning requirements within the assigned area.
• Coordinate with Design-Build contractors, field inspectors and technical teams to resolve construction, commissioning, logistics, sequencing and system-interface issues.
• Work with airport operations, maintenance personnel, tenants, third-party stakeholders, commissioning teams and activation teams to identify operational impacts and coordinate upcoming work.
• Review applicable Project Definition Documents, owner design and construction standards, performance specifications, plans and specifications to understand project requirements.
• Coordinate with subject matter experts and inspectors to identify work that may not align with established project requirements and elevate concerns to the Project Manager.
• Identify potential logistics, quality, scope and coordination issues that could affect construction completion, commissioning or activation and support timely resolution.
• Support change management activities for the assigned area, including evaluating proposed changes and providing recommendations regarding merit, scope and supporting documentation.
• Evaluate construction and commissioning schedule activities and provide recommendations to the Project Manager regarding progress, sequencing and potential schedule impacts.
• Monitor field progress and maintain awareness of current construction, testing, commissioning and activation activities.
• Participate in recurring project, construction, inspection and stakeholder coordination meetings throughout the program.
• Meet with airport operations, tenants and other stakeholders to communicate upcoming activities, understand potential impacts and coordinate required accommodations.
• Monitor construction activities for alignment with approved plans, specifications and applicable project requirements.
• Take ownership of assigned issues, coordinate appropriate resources and escalate significant technical, schedule, cost or operational concerns to project and program leadership.

Minimum requirements

• BA/BS + 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Valid California Class C driver’s license and ability to meet applicable driver qualification requirements.
• As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a Motor Vehicle Records review.
• As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete required substance abuse screening.
• Ability to satisfy applicable airport security and access requirements.
• Night and weekend work will be required to support project and operational needs.
• US Citizenship is required for this role.

Preferred qualifications

• 10 or more years of experience supporting construction of complex buildings, terminals or major infrastructure projects.
• Significant experience with commissioning and activation of building systems on large, multidisciplinary construction programs.
• Strong technical knowledge of MEPFP systems and coordination between architectural, structural and building systems.
• Experience overseeing commissioning, testing, turnover and operational readiness activities.
• Experience with baggage handling systems, passenger boarding bridges or related airport terminal systems.
• Demonstrated experience conducting field construction observation and resolving building systems coordination issues.
• Experience supporting projects at an operating commercial airport.
• Experience working with Design-Build delivery teams, inspectors, commissioning agents, contractors and subject matter experts.
• Knowledge of change management, construction scheduling, field coordination and project controls processes.
• Ability to interpret design and construction standards, performance specifications, contract documents, plans and technical specifications.
• Experience coordinating with airport operations, maintenance teams, tenants and third-party stakeholders in an active operational environment.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and stakeholder coordination skills, with the ability to manage complex issues and competing priorities.

• This position will support construction, commissioning and activation activities at San Diego International Airport.
• The position requires regular coordination in active construction and airport operational environments.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.