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Airfield Operations Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Airfield Operations information

See Minnesota salary details

$30.4K

$56.8K

$81.3K

How much do airfield operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for airfield operations in Minnesota is $56,766.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $61,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Airfield Operations vs Airport Operations Coordinator?

AspectAirfield OperationsAirport Operations Coordinator
CertificationsFAA certifications, safety trainingFAA certifications, customer service training
Work EnvironmentRunways, taxiways, airside areasTerminal, customer service, administrative areas
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, airports, government agenciesAirports, airline ground services
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on airside safety and operationsFocuses on passenger experience and ground services

While both roles are essential to airport functioning, Airfield Operations primarily manages airside safety and runway activities, whereas Airport Operations Coordinators oversee broader airport activities, including passenger services and ground operations. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles in the aviation industry.

What is airfield operations?

Airfield operations refer to the management and coordination of activities on and around airport runways, taxiways, and ramps to ensure the safe, efficient movement of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel. Professionals in this field monitor weather conditions, inspect runways, enforce safety regulations, and coordinate with air traffic control and emergency services. Their duties also include responding to incidents, managing wildlife hazards, and overseeing maintenance work to keep the airfield in compliance with aviation standards.

What are some common challenges faced by airfield operations personnel and how are they addressed?

Airfield Operations personnel often encounter challenges such as coordinating aircraft movements during peak traffic times, managing unexpected weather changes, and ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations. To address these, they rely on clear communication with air traffic control, utilize advanced scheduling and monitoring systems, and participate in regular safety drills. Teamwork and adaptability are essential, as situations can change rapidly and require quick, informed decisions to maintain safe and efficient airfield operations.

What does an airfield operations officer do?

An airfield operations officer is responsible for managing daily activities at an airfield, including coordinating aircraft movements, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and maintaining communication with pilots and ground staff. They often monitor weather conditions, oversee runway and taxiway conditions, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations, typically requiring relevant certifications and strong organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airfield operations specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airfield Operations Specialist, you need knowledge of airfield safety procedures, aviation regulations, and airport operations, often supported by a degree in aviation management or relevant certification. Familiarity with airfield lighting systems, NOTAMs, radio communications, and airport management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient airfield operations and compliance with strict regulatory standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Airfield Operations jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Airfield Operations jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Airfield Operations jobs in Minnesota?

For Airfield Operations jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Airfield Operations job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,766 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Design Engineer, Electrical - Airfield Lighting & Power Distribution

TKDA

Bloomington, MN โ€ข Hybrid

$85K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Our employee-owned and integrated team of multi-disciplined engineering and design professionals is looking for an Electrical Engineer who has an interest in or prior experience designing a variety of electrical systems for airfield / airport operations including lighting, controls, and power distribution for commercial and general aviation airports.
 
As a member of our team, you will work alongside a multi-disciplined group of Architectural, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Structural professionals to provide an array of services on various airport and aviation projects. You will work on various electrical and multi-disciplined projects. 
 
Responsibilities would include designing the electrical components related to power distribution, control systems, emergency generators, NAVAIDS, airfield lighting, and security and communications systems. You will also perform construction administration and inspection/observation duties.
 
Hybrid Work Environment: Tuesday – Thursday In-Office \u007C Monday & Friday WFH  with ideal candidate being in regular commuting distance of our office in Bloomington. 
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in power, lighting, and signal system design for commercial and industrial facilities
  • Previous experience with basic layout and design of electrical distribution equipment including panel boards, transformers, lighting, fire alarm, security, data
  • Previous design experience with 208/120 and 480/277 volt systems
  • Knowledge of National Electrical Code
  • Previous experience and strong working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit
  • Strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, and Excel)
  • Experience/knowledge working with Mechanical, Civil, Structural, and Architectural disciplines
  • Strong interpersonal skills and effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to participate in discussions during project team meetings and client consultations
  • Must possess a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record
Preferred Qualifications
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer in one or more states
  • Previous experience with business development responsibilities; scoping electrical design for proposals, fee estimates for electrical design, and interview participation
  • Aviation electrical system design experience including airport lighting, signage, series circuit, controls, NAVAIDS, power distribution, stand-by generators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and communication systems
  • Previous experience with FAA Advisory Circulars and Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC)
  • Previous experience with private owner underground/overhead medium voltage (13.8kV) site power distribution
  • Previous experience with industrial power system designs for motor and process equipment control including motor control full voltage, soft start, and variable frequency drives
The listed salary range reflects only the starting base pay range for candidates with 4-10 years of related experience. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Join Our 100% Employee-Owned Firm
At our company, every employee is an owner. From the front desk to the corner office, every one of our 430+ professionals thrive on collaboration and holistic development. Our success is collective, and so are the rewards.
 
Comprehensive Benefits
Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one
Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses
HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan
401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals
ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits
Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year
 
Upon receiving a formal offer, you will get a personalized Total Compensation Overview (TCO) to see how everything adds up and what it looks like to be part of our community.
 
TKDA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristics protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, all applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. 
 
All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future visa sponsorship needs or requirements. TKDA does not sponsor any type of employment visas, including but not limited to H‑1B, F‑1 OPT/CPT, TN, or other work authorization programs.
 
*Pre-Employment Screening*
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.
 
*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*
TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.

TKDA logo

About TKDA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1910

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