Jessica A. Smith

About Jessica A. Smith

Senior-Level Leader, and Licensed Professional Engineer with 20+ years of success in engineering, capital projects, instructional design, asset and facilities management, proposal management, and reliability maintenance across aviation, aerospace, industrial, manufacturing, and commercial sectors. I specialize in turning complex, high-stakes challenges into actionable strategies that drive performance, reduce costs, and strengthen long-term operational resilience.My career spans leadership roles including Director of Project Management, Engineer in Responsible Charge, Airport Engineer, and Facility Maintenance Manager where I delivered multimillion-dollar projects, managed cross-functional teams, and ensured compliance with various regulatory bodies. I have extensive experience building infrastructure programs, optimizing maintenance operations, and implementing strategic training solutions that align with organizational goals.Recognized for a hands-on leadership style, I bridge the gap between technical execution and strategic planning—equipping organizations with sustainable processes, scalable systems, and high-performing teams. I am equally at home leading reliability-centered maintenance programs, overseeing capital development initiatives, or creating instructional frameworks that improve workforce performance.Key Strengths & Expertise-Capital Project Management (EPC/EPCM)| Aviation & Infrastructure Engineering-Facilities & Operations Management | Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM/PM)-Instructional Design & Training Development | Curriculum & Process Documentation-Strategic Planning | Budget & P&L Oversight | Executive Stakeholder Engagement-Procurement & Contract Negotiation | ISO, FAA Part 139, OSHA, PSM Compliance-CMMS (SAP, Cityworks)| ERP Systems | Data-Driven Process Optimization Directed $100M+ project portfolios across industrial and aviation sectors, consistently delivering on time and within budget. Led airport capital improvement programs (ACIP), securing FAA/state funding and implementing projects with zero operational disruption. Designed and delivered instructional programs to train technical staff, strengthen compliance, and standardize best practices. Implemented preventive and predictive maintenance programs that improved asset reliability, reduced downtime, and cut operational costs. Built and mentored diverse teams, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and continuous improvement.

Experience

1. Construction Project Manager, Aviation Paving Division

   Independence Excavating, Inc.

   Oct 2025 — Present · US

   As a Construction Project Manager in the Paving Division of Independence Excavating, Inc, I lead airfield infrastructure and heavy civil construction projects across the Southeastern United States. My work focuses on runway and taxiway reconstruction, apron expansions, and pavement rehabilitation in compliance with FAA Advisory Circulars and Part 139 safety standards. I coordinate closely with airport authorities, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and regulatory agencies to ensure each project meets the highest standards for safety, quality, and operational continuity. From pre-construction planning and cost control to field execution and closeout, I deliver complex projects within active airfield environments—balancing precision, communication, and efficiency to keep critical airport operations running smoothly.

Education

• University of Colorado Boulder

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Pre-Law Studies

• Georgia Institute of Technology

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), CEE/ENVE

  2008 — 2011