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Airport Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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)

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 17, 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.
Aviation Planner

Aviation Planner

Garver

Overland Park, KS • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Garver rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Garver is seeking an Aviation Planner to support our growing Aviation team. This position could be located either in Kansas City Metro or San Antonio, TX. This position will work with Garver's Aviation Planning team and will be responsible for completing technical planning tasks, including Airport Master Plans, Airport Layout Plans, miscellaneous planning studies, and other supporting documents for commercial service and general aviation airports nationwide.
Responsibilities in the role include but are not limited to:
  • Production of narrative reports
  • Completing analysis related to airport planning/development
  • Participation in and directing the production of high-quality exhibits, documents and presentations to communicate the results of the planning study elements
  • Providing technical development/support for graphics and Airport Layout Plan (ALP) sets using programs such as AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and Bluebeam.
  • Contributing significantly to the overall success of the team and our projects

This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a growing team in a supportive, fast paced environment. With over 160 dedicated aviation staff members, Garver's Aviation team offers an opportunity for mentorship, career development, and diverse project exposure.
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).
  • Knowledge of FARs, FAA Advisory Circulars, and FAA orders that apply to airport planning and design
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), PDF software (Bluebeam, Adobe, etc.), and modeling software such as AutoCAD and GIS that maybe used in airport planning and engineering work.
  • Ability to complete detailed analysis related to airport planning/development/engineering
  • Work well with others in a team environment
  • Prioritize work and meet scheduled deadlines
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ideal candidates skills and qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in aviation management, aeronautical science, planning, engineering, or a related field
  • Technical expertise in standard airport planning or engineering procedures and approaches.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision
  • Ability to learn and adapt quickly to an ever-changing industry.

Grow With Us
Garver offers its employees programs such as company-paid professional memberships, company support for industry licenses and continuing education opportunities that foster a progressive atmosphere. Garver provides the tools, resources, and environment to develop leaders, stimulate ideas, and accomplish projects. By offering highly competitive salary packages, attractive benefits, and a comprehensive wellness program; Garver walks the talk when it comes to work-life balance.
Founded in 1919, Garver is an employee-owned engineering, planning, and environmental services firm focused on aviation, transportation, buildings, federal, water and wastewater services; surveying; advisory services; and construction engineering and inspection. In the top 100 of Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms list, with more than 1,400 employees, Garver provides an exceptional level of client service that reflects our people-first culture, which has achieved Zweig Group Best Firm to Work For Legacy Status. Learn how Garver invests in people and places they call home at GarverUSA.com.
Garver is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Our employment practices are based upon an individual's capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.
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