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Airport Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

James A Staley Co

Design Engineer

Carmel, NY · On-site

All major airports are little more than a one hour drive away. The company was incorporated in June ... Design engineer will develop test systems designs for aerospace components, including test fixtures ...

James A Staley Co

Design Engineer

Carmel, NY

All major airports are little more than a one hour drive away. The company was incorporated in June ... Design engineer will develop test systems designs for aerospace components, including test fixtures ...

Hollywood Woodwork

Design Engineer

Hollywood, FL

$21 - $25/hr

The Design Engineer at our millwork company is responsible for creating detailed designs and ... Our portfolio features luxury hotels, multifamily residences, corporate headquarters, airports ...

Boeing

Associate Airport Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Associate Airport Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is ... Conducts trade studies of airplane design characteristics and provides recommendations on ...

Boeing

Associate Airport Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Associate Airport Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is ... Conducts trade studies of airplane design characteristics and provides recommendations on ...

Ardurra Group, Inc.

Aviation Project Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Airport design and project management experience a must * Aviation engineering & construction administration experience required * Strong knowledge of FAA advisory circulars related to airport design ...

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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 9, 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:
Airport Design Engineer jobs near you
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.
Project Engineer - Aviation

Project Engineer - Aviation

McFarland Johnson

Glastonbury, CT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

At McFarland Johnson (MJ), you’ll own your future. We're a 100% employee-owned firm with 80 years of experience delivering innovative engineering, planning, environmental, technology and construction solutions that make a lasting impact on the clients and communities we serve.

Certified as a Great Place to Work, our employee-owners describe MJ's culture as collaborative, people-focused, and supportive. Join us, and help shape the future of infrastructure, together.

About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer to join our growing Aviation division in Glastonbury, CT.


Why Join MJ?

  • Career Growth: Accelerate your professional career with opportunities to lead, learn, and expand your expertise.

  • Collaborative Culture: Work alongside multidisciplinary teams that thrive on creativity, support, and teamwork. Collaborative is the most frequent word used to describe MJ’s culture in annual employee survey.

  • Employee Ownership: As a 100% ESOP, your contributions directly shape our shared success – you own your future.

  • Innovation & Impact: Work on projects that push boundaries, drive sustainability, and create real-world solutions.

  • Professional Development: From mentorship, ongoing technical training, and conferences we invest in your growth every step of the way.

  • Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible schedules, generous PTO, and a culture that values balance so you can thrive both professionally and personally.

  • Shape the next generation: For experienced professionals, MJ offers the chance to mentor emerging talent, share your expertise, and leave a lasting legacy in the industry.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Support and lead airport design and improvement projects from planning through construction.

  • Prepare and review plans, specifications, and contract documents for aviation infrastructure projects.

  • Assist with project management, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination across multidisciplinary teams.

  • Provide technical design support and independent production of engineering documents.

  • Serve as a Deputy Project Manager on select projects and assist with client coordination.

  • Participate in quality control (QA/QC) of project deliverables.

  • Support construction administration, including site visits and coordination with contractors.

  • Mentor junior engineers and support the development of emerging staff.

  • Ensure designs comply with FAA Advisory Circulars and airport design standards.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; Engineer in Training (EIT) will be considered.

  • 5–10 years of engineering experience, ideally within aviation or airport infrastructure.

  • 4+ years of airport design and/or aviation construction experience in private industry or government.

  • Strong understanding of FAA airport design standards and grant processes.

  • Experience with construction administration and aviation project delivery.

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and engineering design software. MicroStation Experience is a plus

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

  • Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.


Benefits & Perks:

  • Competitive salary.
  • Performance-based incentive payment plan/bonus structure.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage.
  • Generous Paid Time Off, including Parental Leave.
  • Fully funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
  • 401k match.
  • Ongoing technical training and professional development opportunities.


Join Us and Make a Difference:

Join a team where your work has purpose, your ideas are valued, and your growth is personal. Apply today and become a part of a company where you can #ownyourfuture.

Apply