Aviation Lead Airfield Engineering

Aviation Lead Airfield Engineering

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We are seeking a highly skilled Aviation Lead Airfield Engineering to drive the design and development of airfield infrastructure, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with international aviation standards. This role requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in airfield engineering, capable of leading complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.

Your new role, what’s involved?

• Lead and manage the planning, design, and development of airfield runways, taxiways, aprons, helipads and associated facilities, ensuring compliance with ICAO, FAA, EASA, GACA, and other regional aviation regulations.
• Conduct feasibility studies, site investigations, risk assessments, and technical evaluations to determine project viability and optimal design solutions.
• Develop detailed engineering designs, specifications, technical reports, and construction documentation, ensuring high-quality deliverables aligned with industry best practices.
• Oversee pavement design, grading, drainage, airfield lighting, and marking layouts, collaborating closely with geotechnical and electrical specialists.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including structural, electrical, geotechnical, and environmental engineers, to ensure seamless integration of airfield components.
• Engage with clients, airport operators, regulatory authorities, and other key stakeholders to ensure project alignment with operational and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior engineers and design teams, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources, ensuring timely delivery within cost constraints while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Conduct value engineering reviews, risk assessments, and quality assurance processes to optimize design efficiency and constructability.
• Stay abreast of emerging aviation technologies, materials, and sustainability practices to drive innovation in airfield engineering.

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in civil engineering, with a focus on aviation infrastructure and airfield design.
• Proven track record of leading and managing complex airfield design projects, preferably in the Middle East or other high-growth aviation markets.
• Deep understanding of international aviation design standards, including ICAO Annex 14, FAA AC 150/5370, EASA, IATA, and regional regulations.
• Strong expertise in pavement design, grading, drainage, and airfield lighting layouts.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, GIS and relevant airfield simulation/design tools.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, managing competing priorities and delivering results under pressure.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), or equivalent certification is a plus.

Key Technical Skills

• Airfield Design: Runways, taxiways, aprons, aircraft parking layouts, and stand configurations.
• Pavement Design: Rigid and flexible pavement design using FAARFIELD, PCASE, COMFAA, aligned with Middle East climate conditions.
• Grading & Drainage: Design for extreme weather conditions, flash flood management, and dry climate considerations.
• Marking & Signage: ICAO/FAA-compliant airfield markings and signage, adapted for regional visibility and environmental conditions.
• Airfield Lighting & Navaids: AGL system layouts, ILS, PAPI, and approach lighting, integrated with ME regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance: ICAO Annex 14, FAA AC 150/5370, EASA, IATA, and regional authorities (GACA, GCAA, ACAA, DGCA).
• Geometric Design: Aircraft movement layouts, safety zones, clearances, and regulatory compliance for major Middle East airports.
• Site Investigations & Surveys: Topographic surveys, geotechnical analysis, and sand-resistant pavement considerations.
• Construction Documentation: Design reports, technical drawings, and specifications tailored to regional construction standards.
• Simulation & Modelling: Aircraft taxiing analysis, apron capacity assessments, and airside traffic simulations for hub airports.
• Material Selection & Sustainability: Heat-resistant pavement materials, sustainable drainage solutions, and carbon footprint reduction strategies.

What’s in it for you?

What if we can have work-life balance? What if we can be rewarded in ways that support our individual needs? What if we can be accepted for who we are? Here at WSP – we can!

WSP recognizes that work is only one part of our lives and making time for the other things in our life is important – be that our families, our friends or ourselves. So, if working from home, working part-time or having flexible start and finish time will help with this let us know as part of your application.

As well as rewarding you with competitive pay, WSP offers standard benefits including first class medical cover, generous days annual leave, paid professional subscriptions and company shares options.

Be you, be happy – we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects and maximizes the contribution individuals can bring to WSP. We recognise the benefits that people with varying backgrounds and experiences can bring. Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

Apply now and be the future of WSP!

WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering professional services consulting firms. We are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower. We are technical experts and strategic advisors including engineers, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals. We design lasting solutions in the Property & Buildings, Transportation & Infrastructure, Environment, Industry, Resources (including Mining and Oil & Gas) and Power & Energy sectors as well as project delivery and strategic.