Okay, I've searched for Aviation Project Manager roles in Federal Way, WA, requiring a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, 6+ years of experience, FAA standards knowledge, and full-time schedule. I have found 27 positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Aviation Project Manager role at Century West Engineering is fundamentally about leading and delivering FAA-funded airport projects with a specialized focus on general aviation and Part 139 commercial service airports. This position demands a blend of technical civil engineering expertise and strong project leadership capabilities. The core purpose is not just to manage projects but to foster lasting client relationships and guide multidisciplinary teams towards impactful infrastructure outcomes that reinforce local community vitality. Given the FAA’s stringent design standards and complex funding procedures, the candidate must possess deep regulatory knowledge, autonomy in decision-making, and the ability to navigate project challenges such as shifting client needs, regulatory compliance, and multi-stakeholder coordination. Success hinges on proactive client engagement, quality-driven technical delivery, and nurturing talent within the team—reflected in mentoring junior staff and growing project pipelines. The role requires 6+ years of relevant aviation experience and a PE license, underscoring the expectation of technical maturity and leadership in a federally regulated, public-sector environment. Performance will likely be measured by project completion quality, budget and schedule adherence, client satisfaction, and team development over the initial 6-12 months.

Company Analysis:

Century West Engineering is a well-established, employee-owned engineering firm deeply embedded in the public infrastructure arena of the Pacific Northwest. Their portfolio is predominantly composed of public sector projects, reflecting a mission-driven culture that values community impact, collaboration, and technical excellence. This environment creates a stable yet dynamic workplace where innovation is centered on serving civic needs, particularly through sustainable infrastructure design. Century West’s commitment to employee ownership suggests a culture that encourages accountability, long-term personal investment, and shared success, which will resonate strongly with candidates who seek meaningful work beyond typical private sector deadlines. The Aviation Project Manager role fits neatly within this framework—acting as a crucial link between public clients, technical teams, and regulatory bodies. The position commands visibility within the aviation division and requires cross-functional collaboration, which implicates working across disciplines and with external agencies. The company’s stable history mixed with an emphasis on professional development and work-life balance further indicates that succeeding here means aligning with their values of care, creativity, and collaboration while applying one’s technical skills to tangible community-centered projects.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to manage conflicting priorities among team members to keep an aviation project on track.
• Behavioral: Describe an instance where you proactively identified a client need that was not initially apparent and how you addressed it.
• Behavioral: How have you mentored junior staff in past roles, and what approach do you take to fostering their growth?
• Behavioral: Give an example of navigating a challenging FAA regulatory requirement during an airport project. How did you ensure compliance without compromising project goals?
• Technical: Can you walk me through your experience managing FAA-funded airport development projects and how you apply FAA design standards?
• Technical: How do you approach coordinating multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, designers, and subconsultants—to meet project milestones effectively?
• Technical: What project management tools or methodologies have you found most effective for tracking complex civil engineering projects in the aviation sector?
• Technical: Describe your experience with reciprocity of Professional Engineer licensure across states and how it has impacted your project work.
• Situational: Imagine a key subcontractor misses a critical deliverable close to a project deadline. How would you handle this to minimize impact on the project?
• Situational: Suppose a project stakeholder proposes a change that conflicts with FAA safety standards. How would you manage the situation and communicate your position?
• Situational: If you identify budget overruns halfway through an airport project, what steps do you take to bring the project back on track?
• Company Fit/Motivation: What motivates you to work in aviation infrastructure projects specifically, and how do you see your role contributing to local community vitality?
• Company Fit/Motivation: How do Century West Engineering’s values of caring, creativity, and collaboration align with your professional approach?
• Company Fit/Motivation: Why are you interested in joining an employee-owned company like Century West, and how do you think that would influence your work style?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the current aviation projects the team is most excited about and how this role will influence their success?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does Century West support ongoing professional development and licensure maintenance for project managers?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the biggest challenges Century West faces in delivering FAA-funded projects, and how does this role help address those?