1

Airport Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Are you ready to take your career to new heights in the dynamic world of airport design and ... Whether you're an experienced airport engineer or an emerging leader in civil aviation, this role ...

Design of airport engineering projects including runways, taxiways, aprons, airfield lighting, navigational aids, etc. * Preparation of engineering design reports, construction plans, and contract ...

You will play a vital role in the development of airfield and landside planning and design for airport improvement projects. Join a team of passionate aviation planners and engineers who are ...

You will play a vital role in the development of airfield and landside planning and design for airport improvement projects. Join a team of passionate aviation planners and engineers who are ...

You will play a vital role in the development of airfield and landside planning and design for airport improvement projects. Join a team of passionate aviation planners and engineers who are ...

Our Airports Team is taking airport design to the next level. From roadway to runway or full ... The role of an Aviation Engineer is to lead various airport engineering and planning projects at ...

Our Airports Team is taking airport design to the next level. From roadway to runway or full ... The role of an Aviation Engineer is to lead various airport engineering and planning projects at ...

Our Airports Team is taking airport design to the next level. From roadway to runway or full ... The role of an Aviation Engineer is to lead various airport engineering and planning projects at ...

Our Airports Team is taking airport design to the next level. From roadway to runway or full ... The role of an Aviation Engineer is to lead various airport engineering and planning projects at ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Airport Design Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do airport design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Airport Design Engineers?

Airport Design Engineers are specialized civil engineers who plan, design, and oversee the construction and maintenance of airport facilities, including runways, taxiways, terminals, and support infrastructure. They ensure that airport layouts comply with aviation regulations and safety standards, and work closely with architects, government agencies, and contractors throughout the project lifecycle. Their expertise helps facilitate efficient airport operations, accommodate future growth, and enhance passenger safety and experience.

What is the difference between Airport Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectAirport Design EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, specialized training in airport designBachelor's in Civil Engineering, professional engineering license
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, airports, transportation agenciesConstruction sites, consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsageFocused on airport infrastructure projectsBroad, including roads, bridges, buildings

While both roles require civil engineering fundamentals, Airport Design Engineers specialize in designing airport-specific infrastructure such as runways, taxiways, and terminals, whereas Civil Engineers work on a wider range of infrastructure projects. The roles often overlap in skills and credentials but differ in project focus and industry application.

What are some typical challenges Airport Design Engineers face during the planning and construction phases of airport projects?

Airport Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders—including regulatory agencies, airlines, and local communities—to ensure compliance with safety standards and operational requirements. Balancing the technical demands of runway, taxiway, and terminal design with environmental considerations and budget constraints is also common. Additionally, adapting designs to accommodate future expansion and evolving aviation technology can add complexity to projects. Successful engineers excel at clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and staying updated on industry best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airport Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airport Design Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering, airport planning, and regulatory standards, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and licensure (such as a PE). Proficiency in design software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and knowledge of FAA or ICAO standards are typically required. Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex design challenges. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant airport infrastructure that meets both operational and regulatory requirements.
What cities are hiring for Airport Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Airport Design Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Airport Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Airport Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Airport Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Airport Design Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Airport Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
FT - Airport Principal Engineer - Airport Division

FT - Airport Principal Engineer - Airport Division

Ogden City Corporation

Ogden, UT • On-site

$88K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Ogden City (Utah) rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

494th of 644 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

AIRPORT PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
DEPARTMENT: Community and Economic Development
DIVISION: Airport
PAY GRADE 170: $88,090.33 to $127,730.98 Annual Salary
FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Non-Merit, Full-Time & Eligible for Benefits
GENERAL PURPOSE
This position performs professional civil engineering and project management work in planning, designing, overseeing, and managing construction and maintenance projects at Ogden-Hinckley Airport. Work involves technical oversight of airfield and landside infrastructure including runways, taxiways, utilities, terminal and support facilities, and related systems. Responsibilities include administering the Airport Capital Improvement Program (CIP), ensuring compliance with FAA design and engineering standards, coordinating with consultants and contractors, and supporting the Airport Manager in planning, budgeting, and execution of projects. The position requires advanced technical knowledge of airport construction and development and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Plan, manage, and oversee airport engineering and construction projects, including runways, taxiways, aprons, utilities, drainage, lighting, navigational aids, roadways, parking, and terminal facilities.
  • Administer and coordinate the Airport Capital Improvement Program (CIP); prepare cost estimates, budgets, schedules, and phasing plans; monitor expenditures and project status.
  • Ensure all airport design and construction projects comply with FAA Airport Design Standards, TSA regulations, city codes, and other applicable laws and regulations.
  • Conduct or oversee engineering design, contract development, bidding, and construction management; review and approve project plans, specifications, change orders, and pay applications.
  • Perform inspections of airport facilities and construction work to ensure compliance with standards, safety requirements, and quality expectations.
  • Serve as project engineer or owner's representative on airport development projects; coordinate with consultants, contractors, and city staff; resolve technical and construction-related issues.
  • Prepare, negotiate, and manage consultant and construction contracts.
  • Provide technical reports, recommendations, and presentations to the Airport Director and Executive Director of Community and Economic Development.
  • Support long-range airport planning efforts; assist in identifying funding sources and preparing FAA and UDOT grant applications.
  • Participate in safety and risk management activities; identify hazards and implement corrective measures to reduce liability to the City.
  • Assist in supervising and directing assigned project staff, consultants, or contractors; provide training, guidance, and evaluation as needed.
  • Maintain orderly records, project documentation, and compliance reports.
  • Respond to public, tenant, and stakeholder inquiries regarding airport projects.
  • Attendance and punctuality are essential functions.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in civil engineering or airport infrastructure project management, including construction oversight.
  • At least two (2) years of experience in a supervisory or project lead capacity preferred.
  • Airport or aviation-related engineering experience preferred.
  • Experience with FAA Force Account qualifications and procedures preferred.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Utah driver's license.
  • State of Utah Professional Engineer (PE) license required, or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
  • Must successfully pass security screening and airport badging requirements.
  • AAAE Basic and Advanced ASOS certified within 6 months
  • Airport Security Coordinator (ASC) certification within 6 months
  • Movement Area Qualified within 6 months
  • Air-band ground station operator qualified within 6 months
  • Employees will be required to complete NIMS IS100, IS200 ICS300, ICS400, IS700, IS701, IS702, IS703, IS704, IS706, IS775, IS803, and IEMC course(s), position specific ICS courses based on assignment within two years of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of FAA Part 139 and 1542.
  • Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to airports.
  • FAA Airport Design and Engineering Standards, TSA regulations, and related laws/codes.
  • Project budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and contract management.
  • Construction materials, methods, and quality control procedures.
  • Municipal administration and public project funding processes.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of program development and administration.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
  • Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
  • Managing large, complex airport construction and engineering projects.
  • Preparing clear and concise technical reports and presentations.
  • Using CAD, GIS, surveying tools, and standard engineering software.
  • Supervising consultants, contractors, and project staff.
  • Skill in planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the work of lower-level staff.
  • Skill in delegating authority and responsibility.
  • Skill in developing and administering goals, objectives, and procedures.
  • Skill in preparing and administering large and complex budgets.
  • Skill in analyzing problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Skill in researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
  • Skill in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
  • Skill in communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Interpret and apply federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, consultants, contractors, tenants, the FAA, UDOT, and the public.
  • Work independently under limited supervision while managing multiple projects.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • The ability to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: making observations; reading and writing; communicating with others; operating assigned equipment as required by the position.
  • Ability to maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others.
  • Ability to comply with all city policies and regulations, including safety and risk management standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Work is performed in both office and outdoor airport environments, including construction sites.
  • Exposure to dust, noise, heavy equipment, and adverse weather conditions is required.
  • Must be able to visually inspect construction projects, hear and communicate effectively in noisy environments, and travel between job sites.
  • The work is light work which requires exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
  • Must possess the visual ability to see clearly at close (less than 20 inches) distances, identify and distinguish colors, observe an area that can be seen up and down or left and right while eyes are fixed upon a given point, and adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus.
  • On occasion, work may require operation of airport related equipment to meet appropriate timelines for operational readiness.
  • After hours, weekend and holiday work availability required when warranted.
  • Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: standing, walking, sitting, using hands and fingers to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, talking, and hearing.

OGDEN CITY BENEFITS
  • Language Pay
  • Holidays
  • Sick, Vacation, and Comp Time Leave
  • Medical and Dental
  • EAP- Employee Assistance Program
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Employee Loan Program- Computer, Bike & Exercise equipment loans when available
  • Wellness Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement

THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION IS ATTACHED AS A PDF