Aviation Discipline Leader

RS&H seeks an experienced Aviation Discipline Leader to establish and grow our Houston aviation practice in one of America's most dynamic aviation markets. This role offers autonomy to build the local practice while leveraging national expertise and multidisciplinary resources, with a clear path to employee ownership in a nationally recognized firm.

About the Role

You will lead, develop, and deliver aviation projects of varying sizes and complexity, manage client relationships, grow your team, and drive business development. This is an opportunity to shape the future of aviation infrastructure across Southeast Texas while building equity in an employee-owned firm.

Responsibilities

• Establish RS&H as the premier aviation engineering firm across Southeast Texas.
• Build deep relationships with airport authorities, airlines, and key stakeholders throughout the region.
• Drive business development from the Gulf Coast to Central Texas.
• Lead local industry engagement and professional networks.
• Recruit and mentor top engineering talent from Houston's strong technical workforce.
• Lead projects spanning airfield design, terminal infrastructure, utilities, and more.
• Oversee project execution from concept through construction, managing contracts, quality, budget, and client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with Houston-based multidisciplinary teams while leveraging national resources.
• Define strategic direction for the Houston practice alongside senior leadership.
• Work directly with senior leadership to deploy aviation initiatives across the state.
• Participate in firm equity and bonus programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 12+ years of aviation or infrastructure engineering experience.
• Texas PE license (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• Proven success leading design teams and managing client relationships.
• Strong business development track record.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel across Southeast Texas (typically day trips).

Preferred Qualifications

• Established relationships within Texas aviation markets.
• Active involvement in regional professional organizations.
• Experience with FAA grant programs and airport funding.
• Background spanning design and construction administration.

Benefits

• Employee ownership with a clear path to equity.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities.
• Work-life balance in one of America's most livable cities.
• Collaborative culture where your leadership shapes firm direction.

About RS&H

As an employee-owned firm, RS&H is an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 6 Aviation Design Firm. We serve airports nationwide as trusted advisors, delivering expertise in airfield design, environmental planning, and resiliency. Our integrated approach and collaborative culture enable you to work on meaningful projects while continuously developing your skills.