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National Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WSP

National Aviation Runway Design Lead

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$180K - $310K/yr

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 ...

WSP

National Aviation Runway Design Lead

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$180K - $310K/yr

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 ...

RS&H

VP, National Aviation Market Growth Leader

The Opportunity The Vice President, National Aviation Market Growth Leader, as a key market leader in the Business Development Organization (BDO), has overall, firm-wide responsibility for developing ...

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How much do national aviation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for national aviation in the United States is $50,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between National Aviation vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectNational AviationCommercial Pilot
CertificationsFAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, additional ratingsFAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, specific aircraft ratings
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, national airlines, militaryPrivate airlines, charter services, cargo carriers
Industry UsagePublic transportation, national defense, government rolesPassenger and cargo transportation for commercial purposes

National Aviation typically involves roles in government, military, or national airlines requiring specific certifications and serving public or defense needs. Commercial Pilot focuses on transporting passengers or cargo for private companies or airlines. While both require FAA commercial pilot certifications, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

What is National Aviation?

National Aviation typically refers to the aviation activities, regulations, and infrastructure managed at a national level within a country. This includes the operation of domestic airlines, air traffic control, airport management, and the oversight of safety and security standards. National Aviation authorities work to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable air transportation for passengers and cargo. They also collaborate with international bodies to comply with global aviation standards and practices.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the aviation industry, high-paying roles such as airline CEOs, chief pilots, and senior executives can earn $500,000 or more annually, often supplemented by bonuses and profit sharing. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills, and are usually based in large airline or aerospace companies.

How hard is it to get a job with the FAA?

Getting a job with the FAA can be competitive and typically requires meeting specific qualifications, including relevant education, experience, and security clearances. Candidates often need to pass written exams, interviews, and background checks, and some positions may require specialized certifications or training. The hiring process can take several months due to thorough vetting procedures.

What is the highest paid aviation job?

The highest paid aviation jobs are typically airline pilots, especially captains of large commercial aircraft, who can earn salaries exceeding $200,000 annually. These roles require extensive flight hours, certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot license, and experience in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a National Aviation role, and why are they important?

To excel in a National Aviation role, you need in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, aeronautical science, safety procedures, and typically a relevant degree or pilot certification. Familiarity with air traffic control systems, flight planning software, and aviation management tools is often required. Strong decision-making, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial for ensuring safety and coordination. These competencies are vital for maintaining regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and safety in national aviation operations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in national aviation roles?

Professionals in national aviation roles often navigate complex regulatory environments, ensuring strict compliance with safety and operational standards. Coordinating with multiple agencies and stakeholders, such as air traffic control, airport authorities, and regulatory bodies, is a regular part of the job. Additionally, adapting to rapidly evolving technology and maintaining up-to-date certifications can be challenging but rewarding. Teamwork, strong communication skills, and a commitment to ongoing learning are essential for success in this fast-paced field.

What do national aviation services do?

National aviation services involve providing ground handling, fueling, baggage handling, aircraft maintenance, and passenger services at airports. Employees in this field often work in fast-paced environments and may require certifications such as safety or security training. Their goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and smooth airport and aircraft operations.
More about National Aviation jobs
What cities are hiring for National Aviation jobs? Cities with the most National Aviation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation jobs? The most popular types of Aviation jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching National Aviation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for National Aviation jobs are:
National Aviation jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Aviation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,571 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
National Aviation Runway Design Lead

National Aviation Runway Design Lead

WSP

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$180K - $310K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 58 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. 

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