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Airport Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lochner

Airport Engineer Associate

Grand Junction, CO · On-site +1

$30 - $32/hr

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

Lochner

Airport Project Engineer

Centennial, CO · Hybrid

Whether you're an experienced airport engineer or an emerging leader in civil aviation, this role offers unmatched potential for technical advancement, project management, and strategic leadership.

Lochner

Airport Engineer Associate EIT

Grand Junction, CO · On-site +1

$30 - $33/hr

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

Lochner

Airport Engineer Associate EIT

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

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

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Airport Engineer information

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$110K

$142.5K

$171.5K

How much do airport engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport engineer in the United States is $142,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,000.00 and $159,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airport engineer?

Airport engineers are specialized civil engineers who plan, design, and oversee the construction and maintenance of airport facilities, including runways, taxiways, terminals, and support buildings. They ensure that airport infrastructure meets safety regulations, environmental standards, and operational requirements. Their work involves collaborating with architects, contractors, and regulatory agencies to optimize airport efficiency and safety. Airport engineers also address issues like drainage, lighting, and pavement design to support both current and future air traffic needs.

What does an airport engineer do?

As an airport engineer, your primary duties include planning and designing the construction of aviation facilities so that they are safe and functional. Airport engineers, like civil engineers, study maps, survey reports, and blueprints as part of the planning and design process. You may also evaluate construction materials, job equipment, and labor costs associated with building airports. This career deals with legal responsibilities, and you must take into account government regulations and requirements to ensure airport facilities are up to code.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airport engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airport Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering, regulatory knowledge (such as FAA standards), and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with design and drafting software like AutoCAD, project management tools, and airport-specific planning systems is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills are essential for coordinating with stakeholders and managing complex projects. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and compliant airport infrastructure development and maintenance.

What are some common challenges airport engineers face when managing large-scale airport construction or renovation projects?

Airport Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders—including regulatory agencies, contractors, and airline representatives—to ensure all project requirements are met. Managing tight project timelines while adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations can also be demanding. Additionally, they must address unexpected issues like weather delays or supply chain disruptions, which require adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Effective communication and meticulous planning are essential for successfully navigating these complexities.

What is the difference between Airport Engineer vs Airport Planner?

AspectAirport EngineerAirport Planner
Primary FocusDesign, construction, and maintenance of airport infrastructureLong-term development, land use, and capacity planning of airports
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, engineering licenses, certifications in civil or structural engineeringUrban planning or civil engineering degree, planning certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, engineering offices, airport facilitiesPlanning offices, government agencies, airport authorities
Industry UsageDesigning runways, terminals, and infrastructure projectsMaster plans, capacity analysis, land use planning

While both roles are essential in airport development, Airport Engineers focus on the physical construction and maintenance of airport infrastructure, requiring engineering credentials. Airport Planners concentrate on strategic development and capacity planning, often with urban planning expertise. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the aviation industry.

Is an airport engineer a good career?

An airport engineer designs, maintains, and oversees airport infrastructure such as runways, terminals, and lighting systems. The role requires technical skills, knowledge of engineering principles, and often a relevant certification or degree. It offers stable employment opportunities in the transportation sector and involves working in a dynamic environment with safety considerations.
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Airport Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airport Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,500 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

Senior Airport Engineer (Redevelopment)

New York, NY • On-site

The Port Authority of NY & NJ
5 - 10K employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

276th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Good schedule notice

Learn more about The Port Authority of NY & NJexternal

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description
Position at The Port Authority of NY & NJ
About the Role
The Aviation Department is currently seeking a Senior Airport Planner/Architect/Engineer to join the Aviation Planning team that will help transform the Port Authority's airports into world-class 21st Century airports. The successful candidate will have broad understanding in the following aviation planning disciplines: landside, terminal and airside.
Responsibilities
  • Developing, overseeing, and analyzing airport simulation models, including terminal and airside models.
  • Reviewing, directing, and overseeing technical work associated with a wide variety of airport planning and redevelopment projects and initiatives.
  • Preparing capacity analyses for airport facilities, including terminal, airside, and support facilities components.
  • Developing planning concepts and alternative layouts utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) and GIS software.
  • Preparing and delivering technical reports, studies, presentations, and briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Coordinating with the FAA and other stakeholders regarding Airport Layout Plan (ALP) updates and related regulatory submissions.
  • Developing site development plans and planning analyses to support airport redevelopment initiatives.
  • Providing technical planning support related to airport operations, land use compatibility, airport zoning, planning standards, and applicable codes and criteria.
  • Supporting stakeholder coordination efforts and responding in a timely manner to operational and project-related requests.
  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and operational stakeholders to advance airport planning initiatives.
  • Traveling to all Port Authority airports, as required.

Minimum Qualifications
  • For internal applicants, candidates must meet all performance and attendance standards and have successfully completed all probationary periods.
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related field.
  • Experience in aviation facility planning and design, including the development of planning strategies, terminal planning analyses, and supporting airport infrastructure needs assessments.
  • Experience preparing and delivering site plans, terminal or airport infrastructure functional layouts, conceptual drawings, and presentation materials.
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD and related computer-aided design software.

Desired Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related field.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports and present information to stakeholders.
  • Experience working independently to develop planning strategies, establish priorities, and manage multiple concurrent projects and assignments.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to complex airport planning challenges, resolve conflicts independently, and exercise sound professional judgment.
  • Knowledge of industry best practices and contemporary approaches to world-class airport planning, design, and redevelopment.
  • Experience with aviation planning and design software, including AviPlan, Revit, and airport simulation tools.
  • Professional licensure as a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer (PE) in New York and/or New Jersey preferred.
  • Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, including the FAA, and working within complex stakeholder environments.

Selection Process
The application process varies by position but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.
Compensation, Benefits & On-Site Collaboration Requirements
In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business, and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required on business needs.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipate that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors.
The expected compensation range for this role is: Minimum: $100,256 Midpoint: $130,318 Maximum: $160,394
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offer a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.
Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.
How to Apply:Interested candidates should apply to this job by clicking on the "Apply Now" button and submitting a resume. The Port Authority of NY & NJ welcomes veteran and military spouse applications. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted.About The Port Authority:Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency's network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than twenty three billion in annual wages and eighty billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center is now the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.Equal Opportunity EmployerThe Port Authority of New York & New Jersey/Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.It is the Port Authority's policy, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws, to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment and who request the Port Authority do so, unless providing the requested accommodation would result in an undue hardship to the Port Authority.Job applicants may request a reasonable accommodation (1) if they claim a disability is affecting the interview process, or (2) to ensure that if they are selected for a position, they can perform the essential job functions. To submit a request, please contact the recruiter or email the Human Resources Department's Disability Accommodation Coordinator at [email protected].The Port Authority will treat any request for Reasonable Accommodation by a job applicant confidentially.

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