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Airfield Pavement Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Airfield Engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Concrete and asphalt airfield pavement design and evaluation * Stormwater, drainage, and utility ... Helping mentor junior engineers as local aviation staffing grows The role offers flexibility to ...

Senior Airfield Engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Airfield Engineer III | Portland (Lake Oswego), Oregon RS&H is passionate about aviation, and we ... Concrete and asphalt airfield pavement design and evaluation * Stormwater, drainage, and utility ...

Senior Civil Engineer, Aviation

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Senior Civil Engineer, Aviation In this role, you will be a part of the Aviation Design team based ... Airfield geometry, Airfield pavement design, Airfield lighting and signage, Utility installation ...

Senior Airfield Engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Concrete and asphalt airfield pavement design and evaluation * Stormwater, drainage, and utility ... Helping mentor junior engineers as local aviation staffing grows The role offers flexibility to ...

Professional Engineer (PE) license (multi-state registration preferred) * 15+ years of experience in aviation and airfield design * Deep expertise in runway and taxiway design , pavement design ...

Professional Engineer (PE) license (multi-state registration preferred) * 15+ years of experience in aviation and airfield design * Deep expertise in runway and taxiway design , pavement design ...

Your work will span airfield layout including runways, taxiways, and aprons; pavement design ... This is a high-impact role ideal for a civil engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment ...

As an airfield engineer specializing in airfield and landside planning and design, you will be ... pavement design, specifications, and construction safety plans * Collaborating and/or coordinating ...

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Airfield Pavement Design Engineer information

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$51K

$79K

$117K

How much do airfield pavement design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for airfield pavement design engineer in the United States is $79,049.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an airfield pavement design engineer do?

An Airfield Pavement Design Engineer is responsible for designing, evaluating, and managing the construction and maintenance of airport runways, taxiways, and aprons. They ensure that airfield pavements meet safety, strength, and durability standards, taking into account factors such as aircraft loads, environmental conditions, and material performance. Their work involves conducting site investigations, selecting appropriate materials, performing structural analyses, and coordinating with other engineering professionals to deliver safe and efficient airport infrastructure.

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

To thrive as an Airfield Pavement Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, pavement materials, and structural analysis, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (e.g., PE). Familiarity with pavement design software (such as FAARFIELD), CAD tools, and industry standards like FAA Advisory Circulars is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These competencies are crucial to ensure the safety, durability, and regulatory compliance of airport pavements.

What are some common challenges faced by airfield pavement design engineers, and how are they addressed on the job?

Airfield Pavement Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as accommodating heavy aircraft loads, ensuring compliance with strict aviation safety standards, and dealing with variable soil and weather conditions. To address these, engineers use advanced modeling software, collaborate closely with geotechnical experts, and frequently consult with airport authorities for up-to-date operational requirements. Effective communication and a strong understanding of regulatory guidelines are essential, as designs must balance durability, cost, and long-term maintenance needs.

What is the difference between Airfield Pavement Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectAirfield Pavement Design EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, specialized training in pavement designBachelor's in Civil Engineering, often with various specializations
Work EnvironmentAirports, military bases, transportation agenciesConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban planning
Industry UsageFocused on designing durable pavements for airfieldsBroader scope including roads, bridges, buildings

While both roles require a civil engineering background, an Airfield Pavement Design Engineer specializes in designing pavements specifically for airfields, ensuring they meet aviation safety standards. Civil Engineers have a broader focus on various infrastructure projects. The two roles share similar credentials but differ in their specific work environments and project focus.

What are popular job titles related to Airfield Pavement Design Engineer jobs?

For Airfield Pavement Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Airfield Pavement Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,049 per year, or $38 per hour.

Associate to Principal-level Pavement Engineer

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

GRI
Civil Engineering Constructionย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Associate to Principal-level Pavement Engineer
GRI is seeking an Associate to Principal-level Pavement Engineer to join our growing team and provide technical leadership, project oversight, and strategic growth in our pavement engineering practice. This senior-level position will lead projects involving pavement management, pavement rehabilitation and design, airfield pavements, forensic investigations, and construction management, while also playing a key role in business development, client relationships, and staff mentoring. GRI is an employee-owned, full-service geotechnical, pavement, geological, and environmental engineering consulting firm based in the Portland, Oregon area with satellite offices in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. We are an ambitious and highly trained team of engineers and geologists. GRI promotes a collaborative work culture, supports professional growth, and encourages work-life integration, resulting in a highly desirable work environment.
Key Responsibilities Technical & Project Leadership
  • Serve as technical lead and project manager for pavement engineering projects, including roadway and airfield pavement evaluations, rehabilitation, and new design.
  • Lead pavement management programs, including PCI data collection, analysis, and long-term capital planning.
  • Oversee and perform pavement design using AASHTO 1993, Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) methodologies, FAA pavement design standards, and UFC pavement design standards.
  • Review and interpret FWD backcalculation, GPR survey, and other advanced pavement evaluation data.
  • Provide expert input on forensic pavement investigations and rehabilitation strategies.
  • Oversee field investigations, data collection, and quality assurance.
  • Oversee construction administration services for pavements including; construction observations, material selection and testing, collaboration with contractors to confirm compliance with plans and specifications, and post construction testing to evaluate the efficiency of applied methods

Business Development & Client Management
  • Lead and support business development efforts, including proposal strategy, scope development, fee estimates, and client interviews.
  • Maintain and grow long-term client relationships with public agencies, airports, and civil primes.
  • Attend and present at AEC conferences to support business development.
  • Identify market opportunities and contribute to the strategic growth of GRI's pavement practice.

Staff Management & Mentorship
  • Manage and mentor engineering staff, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and career development support.
  • Review technical work products for quality, consistency, and compliance with industry standards.
  • Promote a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

Communication & Deliverables
  • Prepare, review, and approve technical reports, memoranda, and presentations.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to clients, stakeholders, and staff.

Minimum Required Qualifications
  • M.S. in Civil Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (Oregon or ability to obtain by comity).
  • 15+ years of experience in pavement engineering.
  • Proven experience managing projects, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated success in business development and client relationship management.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Experience in construction administration including; construction observations, responding to RFI's, and review of submittals.
  • Extensive experience in:
    • Pavement management systems (e.g., PAVER, StreetSaver)
    • Roadway and airfield pavement design and rehabilitation
    • AASHTO 1993 and MEPDG pavement design

Preferred Skills & Experience
  • Experience with ESRI ArcGIS.
  • Extensive experience with FAA pavement design standards and airfield pavement management.
  • Experience overseeing field and laboratory testing programs.
  • Strong leadership skills with a collaborative management style.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to use computers, tablets, and mobile devices.
  • Perform site visits that may include walking, standing, climbing, or crawling for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 70 pounds occasionally. โ€ข Ability to travel to project sites as required.

Compensation & Benefits GRI offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience and role.
  • Generous PTO accrual and 9 paid holidays.
  • 401(k) with immediate company contribution.
  • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability insurance.
  • Eligibility for annual bonuses.
  • Continuing education and professional development reimbursement.

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About GRI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Tigard, OR, US

Year founded

1984