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Senior Airport Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lochner

Senior Airport Design Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$125 - $170/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

Senior Airport Design Engineer

Mesa, AZ · On-site +1

$89K - $123K/yr

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

Lochner

Senior Airport Design Engineer

Kansas City, MO · On-site +1

$102K - $140K/yr

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

Lochner

Senior Airport Design Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site +1

$97K - $133K/yr

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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Senior Airport Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior airport engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior airport engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior airport engineer?

Senior Airport Engineers are experienced professionals who oversee the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of airport facilities and infrastructure. They are responsible for ensuring that runways, taxiways, terminals, and support systems meet safety and regulatory standards. Senior Airport Engineers often manage project teams, coordinate with regulatory authorities, and provide technical expertise to optimize airport operations. Their work is essential to the safe, efficient, and sustainable functioning of airports.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior airport engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Airport Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering, extensive experience in airport design and construction, and a relevant professional engineering license (PE). Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD and Civil 3D, as well as knowledge of FAA regulations and project management tools, is crucial. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant airport infrastructure while effectively leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.

What are some common challenges faced by senior airport engineers when managing large-scale airport projects?

Senior Airport Engineers often encounter challenges related to coordinating with multiple stakeholders, such as regulatory authorities, airlines, contractors, and local governments. Managing strict timelines and budgets while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards can be demanding. Additionally, adapting to evolving technology and integrating new systems into existing airport infrastructure requires strong problem-solving skills. Effective communication and leadership are essential to navigate these complexities and deliver successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Senior Airport Engineer vs Airport Civil Engineer?

AspectSenior Airport EngineerAirport Civil Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional license, experienceEngineering degree, often licensed, specialized in airport infrastructure
Work EnvironmentProject management, design, oversight at airportsDesign, construction, maintenance of airport civil structures
Industry UsageSenior role overseeing projectsEntry to mid-level role focusing on civil aspects

The Senior Airport Engineer typically has more experience and oversees airport projects, while the Airport Civil Engineer focuses on civil infrastructure design and construction. Both roles require engineering credentials and work within airport environments, but the senior position involves higher responsibility and project management.

What cities are hiring for Senior Airport Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Airport Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Senior Airport Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Airport Engineer jobs include:

Senior Airport Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior 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 $126,557 per year, or $60.8 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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