Aviation Project Engineer (Mid to Senior level)

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Join our aviation team and take your career to new heights in the exciting world of aviation infrastructure. Our aviation project capabilities span the full spectrum—from securing funding and early-stage planning for existing airports to the construction of brand-new facilities. We serve a diverse range of clients, including municipal and general aviation airports, small to medium hub airports, airlines, and airport tenants. With a comprehensive suite of planning, design, and construction services, we deliver seamless, cost-effective project coordination that drives real impact in the communities we serve.

About the role

Our full-time Aviation Project Engineer position focuses on shaping the future of aviation infrastructure. In this role, you’ll contribute to a wide range of airport and aviation projects, from layout and master plans to environmental assessments at airports of all sizes, including major commercial hubs. You’ll engage in hands-on design, plan production, AutoCAD Civil 3D work, research, analysis, and technical writing, while also supporting public involvement and broader transportation and community planning efforts. This is an opportunity to work on meaningful projects that adhere to rigorous FAA standards while growing your skills in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical efforts on a variety of project types, sizes, and complexities.
• Mentor others on technical tasks and skills, and perform quality control on moderately complex deliverables.
• Produce the following independently and oversee others with less experience:
  • Engineer’s design reports
  • Construction quantity calculations and cost estimates
  • Project plans and specifications
  • Construction safety and phasing plans
  • Airport Layout Plan development
  • Other technical reports, memos, and design documents
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets; predict and deliver individual tasks within set levels of effort.
• Develop budgets and schedules for complex tasks, break down projects into logical tasks, and mentor others on prioritization.
• Interpret, select, and employ design codes (FAA advisory circulars, FAA orders, engineering briefs, and state-specific standard specifications) with advanced skill.
• Engage in frequent direct client communications to resolve technical issues on moderate to complex projects; lead client project meetings.
• Perform advanced technical work on large, complex projects with a high level of autonomy; review the work of others.
• May perform supervisory duties, including:
  • Overseeing team operations and daily workflow
  • Organizing workflow and delegating tasks
  • Recruiting, hiring, and training new employees
  • Monitoring productivity and providing feedback
  • Setting performance goals and conducting evaluations
  • Handling discipline and termination as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (required).
• 6 years of experience (5 years with an advanced degree).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).
• Valid driver’s license (required).

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Proficient in market-sector software: AutoCAD Civil 3D, AviPlan, FAARFIELD 2.0, ADIP/AGIS (preferred).
• Fully proficient understanding of technical fundamentals.
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills; ability to lead small teams (1–2 people) on challenging assignments.
• Independent thinker with clear communication and direction.
• Advanced ability to interpret and apply FAA and state-specific design codes.
• Strong project delivery skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and prioritization.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands.
• Must be able to talk and hear.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• May include periodic site visits and inspection work on project sites.