1

Airport Runway Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our Aviation team partners with airport owners and public agencies nationwide to deliver runway ... Professional Engineer (PE) license (multi-state registration preferred) * 15+ years of experience ...

Our Aviation team partners with airport owners and public agencies nationwide to deliver runway ... Professional Engineer (PE) license (multi-state registration preferred) * 15+ years of experience ...

Aviation Civil Engineer

Willmar, MN · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Bollig Engineering is a growing civil engineering firm specializing in aviation and municipal ... Plans, Airport Layout Plans (ALPs), runway design, taxiway design, apron layout and hangar ...

Role Overview 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 ...

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

Airport Design Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

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

Airport Design Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Airport Runway Design Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do airport runway design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport runway 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 does an airport runway design engineer do?

An Airport Runway Design Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction or rehabilitation of airport runways. Their work includes analyzing site conditions, ensuring compliance with aviation safety and regulatory standards, and selecting materials to withstand aircraft loads and weather conditions. They also collaborate closely with airport authorities, government agencies, and construction teams to ensure projects meet performance, safety, and environmental requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airport runway design engineer?

To thrive as an Airport Runway Design Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering, knowledge of aviation regulations, and a degree in civil or structural engineering—often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and familiarity with FAA standards and pavement analysis tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring compliance with safety standards. These abilities are crucial for designing safe, efficient runways that meet regulatory requirements and operational needs.

What are the main challenges an airport runway design engineer faces during a runway construction project?

Airport Runway Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards, and managing the impact of weather conditions on construction schedules. Additionally, they must ensure that new runway designs accommodate various aircraft types and anticipate future airport growth. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as engineers regularly collaborate with architects, contractors, and airport authorities to address unforeseen issues and keep projects on track.

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

AspectAirport Runway Design EngineerAirport Civil Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized in runway design, certifications in airport planningEngineering degree, civil engineering license, broader infrastructure focus
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, construction sites, airport projectsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, various civil engineering settings
Industry UsageSpecifically involved in runway and airport infrastructure designInvolved in broader airport infrastructure including terminals, roads, utilities

While both roles require engineering expertise, the Airport Runway Design Engineer specializes in designing and planning runways, focusing on safety and specifications. The Airport Civil Engineer has a broader scope, working on various airport infrastructure projects. Both roles are essential in airport development but differ in their specific focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Airport Runway Design Engineer jobs?

For Airport Runway Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Airport Runway Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

National Aviation Runway Design Lead

Manhattan, NY • On-site

WSP
Civil Engineering Construction • 10K+ employees

$180K - $310K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

At WSP, we are driven by inspiring future-ready solutions-and today's aviation infrastructure plays a critical role in shaping how communities connect. Our Aviation team partners with airport owners and public agencies nationwide to deliver runway, taxiway, and airfield infrastructure projects that are safe, resilient, and sustainable.

We are seeking a National Runway Design Lead to provide technical leadership, project delivery oversight, and business development support across WSP's aviation platform in the U.S.

This position may be based out of any mutually agreed upon WSP USA Office, with a preference to our Northeast Locations.

This is a senior technical and leadership role focused on leading, winning, and delivering runway and airfield design projects nationwide. You will serve as a trusted technical authority for clients and internal teams, supporting pursuits, shaping design strategy, mentoring staff, and ensuring consistent delivery excellence across our Aviation practice.
 

Your Impact
  • Serving as WSP's national technical lead for runway and airfield pavement design projects
  • Leading and overseeing planning, design, and delivery of runway, taxiway, apron, and airfield infrastructure projects
  • Providing technical leadership and QA/QC oversight to project teams across multiple regions
  • Acting as a key pursuit and proposal leader, supporting competitive strategies, technical approaches, and client interviews
  • Collaborating with regional aviation leaders on business development, capture planning, and client relationship management
  • Supporting Design-Build and Alternative Delivery projects, including reviews, risk mitigation, and execution strategies
  • Mentoring and developing aviation and airfield engineering staff nationally
  • Ensuring compliance with FAA Advisory Circulars, industry standards, and client requirements
  • Representing WSP with airport sponsors, airlines, FAA stakeholders, and industry organizations
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

You are a recognized airfield and runway design expert with strong client presence and experience delivering complex aviation programs. You bring a balance of hands-on technical depth, project leadership, and business development acumen.

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (or related discipline)
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (multi-state registration preferred)
  • 15+ years of experience in aviation and airfield design
  • Deep expertise in runway and taxiway design, pavement design, grading, drainage, and airfield geometry
  • Thorough working knowledge of FAA standards, including AC 150/5300-series
  • Proven experience supporting or leading pursuits, proposals, and client interviews
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work across geographically distributed teams

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience leading national or multi-region aviation programs
  • Design-Build or Progressive Design-Build experience
  • Established relationships with airport owners and aviation stakeholders
  • Experience mentoring and developing technical teams
  • Active involvement in aviation or transportation industry organizations

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations):  $180,800 - $310,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

#LI-AC1

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


What WSP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom