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Airfield Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RS&H

Airfield Engineer

Ontario, CA

$96K - $120K/yr

Bachelors or Masters of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering or other professionally recognized equivalent disciplines from an accredited ABET university * Minimum of 5 years' experience ...

Reynolds Smith & Hills Inc.

Airfield Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

You will have an opportunity to advance your career and professional development as the Project Manager, Project Engineer or engineering support (dependent upon experience) on airport projects. You ...

RS&H

Airfield Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

Bachelors or Masters of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering or other professionally recognized equivalent disciplines from an accredited ABET university * Minimum of 5 years' experience ...

RS&H

Airfield Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

Bachelors or Masters of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering or other professionally recognized equivalent disciplines from an accredited ABET university * Minimum of 5 years' experience ...

RS&H

Principal Airfield Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170K - $225K/yr

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking an Principal Engineer to join our Aviation Practice in Oakland, CA! Utilize your knowledge and skills in working together with the regional team across ...

RS&H

Principal Airfield Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$170K - $225K/yr

RS&H is currently seeking an Principal Engineer to join our Aviation Practice in Oakland, CA! Utilize your knowledge and skills in working together with the regional team across disciplines to ...

RS&H

Principal Airfield Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170K - $225K/yr

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking an Principal Engineer to join our Aviation Practice in Oakland, CA! Utilize your knowledge and skills in working together with the regional team across ...

RS&H

Airfield Engineering Associate I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking an airfield engineering associate to join our passionate ... Strongly prefer completion of Engineer-In-Training (EIT) or Engineering Internship (EI) exam or ...

HDR

Aviation Engineer - Airfield Design

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Aviation Engineer, FAA, airfield planning, airfield design Preferred Qualifications * A minimum of 3 years experience with Airfield Planning and Design * California PE license Qualifications Required ...

RS&H

Airfield Engineering Associate I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking an airfield engineering associate to join our passionate ... Strongly prefer completion of Engineer-In-Training (EIT) or Engineering Internship (EI) exam or ...

RS&H

Airfield Engineering Associate I

Los Angeles, CA

$85K - $95K/yr

RS&H is currently seeking an airfield engineering associate to join our passionate aviation team in ... Strongly prefer completion of Engineer-In-Training (EIT) or Engineering Internship (EI) exam or ...

RS&H

Airfield Engineering Associate I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking an airfield engineering associate to join our passionate ... Strongly prefer completion of Engineer-In-Training (EIT) or Engineering Internship (EI) exam or ...

RS&H

Airfield Engineering Associate I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking an airfield engineering associate to join our passionate ... Strongly prefer completion of Engineer-In-Training (EIT) or Engineering Internship (EI) exam or ...

HDR

Aviation Engineer - Airfield Design

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Aviation Engineer, FAA, airfield planning, airfield design Preferred Qualifications * A minimum of 3 years experience with Airfield Planning and Design * California PE license Required Qualifications

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Airfield Engineer information

See California salary details

$36

$57

$84

How much do airfield engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for airfield engineer in California is $57.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.86 and $70.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airfield engineer?

Airfield engineers are specialized civil engineers responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining airport runways, taxiways, aprons, and related infrastructure. They ensure that airport surfaces meet strict safety, durability, and regulatory standards set by aviation authorities. Their work often involves site assessments, coordinating with airport operations, and managing projects to minimize disruption to flights. Airfield engineers play a crucial role in both new airport construction and ongoing maintenance of existing facilities to support safe and efficient air travel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airfield engineer?

To thrive as an Airfield Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, strong knowledge of airfield design standards, and relevant work experience. Proficiency with CAD software, pavement design tools, and familiarity with FAA or ICAO regulations are typically required, along with professional engineering (PE) licensure. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you coordinate multidisciplinary teams and ensure safety compliance. These skills are crucial to deliver durable, safe, and regulation-compliant airfield infrastructure in a highly regulated environment.

What are some common challenges airfield engineers face when working on active runways or taxiways?

Airfield Engineers often work on projects that require construction or maintenance on active runways and taxiways, which presents unique challenges. Coordinating work schedules to minimize disruptions to airport operations is crucial, and safety protocols must be strictly followed due to frequent aircraft movements. These engineers must also communicate closely with air traffic control and airport management to ensure all work complies with aviation regulations and is completed efficiently. Flexibility, strong project management skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions are essential for success in this environment.

What is the difference between Airfield Engineer vs Airport Operations Specialist?

AspectAirfield EngineerAirport Operations Specialist
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in aviation or civil engineeringAirport management or operations certifications, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, maintain, and repair airfield infrastructureOversee daily airport operations, coordinate staff and services
Employer & IndustryAirports, civil engineering firms, government agenciesAirports, airline companies, transportation authorities

While both roles are vital to airport functioning, Airfield Engineers focus on infrastructure design and maintenance, ensuring runways and taxiways meet safety standards. Airport Operations Specialists manage daily activities, coordinating staff and services to ensure smooth airport operations. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles in the aviation industry.

What are popular job titles related to Airfield Engineer jobs in California?

For Airfield Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Airfield Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Airfield Engineer jobs in California are:

Airfield Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airfield Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,500 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Airfield Engineer

RS&H

Ontario, CA

$96K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design and manage airport infrastructure projects including runways, taxiways, aprons, pavement, stormwater, and utility infrastructure.

  • Coordinate with airports, airlines, FAA, and other tenants to ensure project requirements are met.

  • Oversee construction administration and management activities to ensure project completion on time and within budget.

Job description

RS&H is passionate about aviation! We’re proud to design and manage a wide range of civil projects at airports across the U.S. and abroad from runways and taxiways to complex infrastructure programs. Our work represents hundreds of millions of dollars in construction value, delivered for clients who share our passion for shaping the future of aviation.  

 

Our Associates focus on innovative design and technical excellence with a passion for completing projects on time, within budget and to our client's complete satisfaction. RS&H fosters valued service and rewards our staff who are creative, organized, self-motivated and collegial. You will have an opportunity to advance your career and professional development as the Project Manager, Project Engineer or engineering support (dependent upon experience) on airport projects. You will have the opportunity to lead, develop and deliver projects of varying sizes and complexity, initiate and maintain client contact and assist the team in winning the work.

Activities include the geometric design of runways, taxiways, and aprons; bituminous and concrete pavement design; stormwater and utility infrastructure design; coordination with airports, airlines, FAA and other tenants; and construction administration/management. This is a unique opportunity to join a team that will embrace your ideas to even better serve our great family of airport clients. 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelors or Masters of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering or other professionally recognized equivalent disciplines from an accredited ABET university
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience, preferable with at least two years of airport design experience
  • Professional Engineer license or ability to obtain PE License within 6 months (preferable)
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil3D, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required for use in completing assignments

If this sounds like the role for you and you're ready to join an amazing team, please apply. #LI-EC1 

Benefits 

  • Click Here for Full Benefits Information

Typical salary range for this position in Ontario is $96,000 – $120,000 and commensurate with experience relative to the position.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

Please note: no agency representation or submissions will be recognized for this vacancy. Candidates should apply directly to this role to be considered. It is the responsibility of all third-party recruiting and employment agencies to know and adhere to our recruiting policy.


Joining our Aviation team means an opportunity to explore your potential and apply your diverse skills to serve the large and small airports of the aviation industry as a trusted advisor. You can do this in a collaborative and team-oriented environment among other driven professionals. Service areas include airfields, environmental planning, and environmental stewardship & resiliency. Join RS&H to define and master challenges, advance professionally, and build strong and lasting relationships.


Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firms, with associates who work hard every day to create tomorrow together. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities, and build relationships that are as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together. We attribute our success to our unwavering commitment to our core values: integrity, accountability, curiosity, and teamwork.

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About RS&H

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RS&H provides fully integrated architecture, engineering, and consulting services to help clients realize their most complex facility and infrastructure projects for land, air, and space. We are committed to bringing extraordinary solutions to our clients through the promise of imagination, ingenuity, and innovation. With a tradition of excellence that began in 1941, we are consistently ranked among the nation's top 100 design firms. We attribute our success to an unwavering commitment to our core values of: integrity, quality service, business success and valuing associates.

Industry

Architectural services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

South Jacksonville, FL, US

Year founded

1941

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