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Airport Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Requirements * 1-5 years of experience in airport engineer/planning for commercial service or general aviation airports or similar experience (e.g. pilot experience, airport management/operations)

Requirements * 1-5 years of experience in airport engineer/planning for commercial service or general aviation airports or similar experience (e.g. pilot experience, airport management/operations)

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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 Jul 18, 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 are airport engineers?

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 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.

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 cities are hiring for Airport Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Airport Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Airport Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Airport Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Airport Engineer jobs? The top employers for Airport Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Airport Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Airport Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Airport Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,500 per year, or $68.5 per hour.
Senior Airport Design Engineer

Senior Airport Design Engineer

Lochner

Kansas City, MO • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Are you ready to take your career to new heights in the dynamic world of airport design and development? Lochner is seeking passionate and driven professionals to join our expanding aviation team. This is your opportunity to work on high-impact national and international airport projects, lead multidisciplinary teams, and grow into a leadership role within a respected and forward-thinking engineering firm.

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. At Lochner, your career journey is supported by a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth. Let’s build the future of aviation together—this opportunity was designed with you in mind.

As a Design Engineer, you can experience the following: 

  • National and International Aviation Exposure: Work on cutting-edge projects across national and global airports.

  • Career Development Opportunities: Engage in continuous learning within a thriving aviation environment.

  • Leadership Opportunities: Contribute to and lead initiatives in airport design practice.

Your Impact:

  • Design of airport engineering projects including runways, taxiways, aprons, airfield lighting, navigational aids, etc.

  • Preparation of engineering design reports, construction plans, and contract documents / technical specifications.

  • Experience in design of general civil engineering projects including site design, sanitary wastewater, water and hydraulic evaluation a plus. 

Who you are:

  • B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering

  • Professional Engineer (PE designation) preferred.

  • 8+ years of experience in the civil engineering field; aviation related experience and knowledgeable of FAA criteria a plus

  • Ability to coordinate multiple project tasks

  • Self-motivated and able to handle a fast-paced position

  • Goal and deadline orientated

  • Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Microsoft Office

Joining Lochner means gaining access to a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your health and financial well-being throughout your career.

Lochner provides an extensive total rewards package that includes:

  • Competitive Premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Paid Time Off and Flexible Holiday Program
  • Company Paid Disability (includes paid Maternity Leave), and Life Insurance
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with Employer Contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical Expenses and/or Dependent Care
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Retirement Plan with Employer Match 
  • Flexible Work Schedules (Hybrid or Remote, when possible)
  • Wellness Program for Physical and Mental Health
  • Lochner Cares Non-Profit 501c3
  • Education and Training Assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Discounts
  • Paid Time Off for Charitable Acts of Service

What we offer – Learn more

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. 

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Intermittent sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, stoop, crawl, and lifting. The employee must frequently lift and/or move light equipment up to 20 pounds. Must be alert to equipment in the field, occasional need to work near hazardous equipment and machinery, occasional need to walk on uneven ground, exposure to dust, gas or fumes, exposure to noise, extremes in temperature or humidity, and potential work at heights. 

Equal Employer

Lochner is proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.  Lochner provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

All positions at Lochner require an applicant who has accepted an employment offer to undergo pre-employment screening. Background checks include SSN/SIN validation, motor vehicle verification, education verification, employment verification, a criminal check, search against global sanctions and government watch lists, and drug test. All employment offers are contingent upon successful results of the pre-employment screening.

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