Aviation Design Director

WSP; Dubai; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the Middle East seeks an experienced Airport Design Director to guide complex aviation projects. The role demands strong leadership, technical knowledge, and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders to enhance airport design and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in airport design and delivery.
• Proven expertise in overseeing new airfield development.
• Familiarity with ICAO, FAA, IATA standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of airport infrastructure.
• Oversee full project lifecycle from concept to commissioning.
• Drive adoption of advanced digital design tools.

Skills

Technical Leadership

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Design Delivery

Aviation Regulatory Knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, or Aviation Planning

Chartered Engineer (CEng, PE, or equivalent)

Tools

AutoCAD

BIM

Revit

GIS

AviPLAN

CAST

Job description

WSP in the Middle East is seeking an experienced Airport Design Director (Engineering) to lead the planning, design, and engineering of complex airport projects. This senior role involves both winning aviation projects as well as directing multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with international aviation standards, and driving innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.
The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of airport design, delivering world-class facilities that enhance operational efficiency, passenger experience, and environmental sustainability.
The Aviation Technical Director will be an integral member of the Middle East Aviation Business responsible for winning prospects and projects, ensuring the successful delivery of innovative and efficient design solutions.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Aviation Planning, or a related field.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng, PE, or equivalent) certification preferred.
- 15+ years of experience in airport design and delivery, engineering, and project management, including leadership roles in major aviation projects.
- Proven expertise in overseeing and delivering all components of new airfield design and development.
- Extensive experience working on complex mega airport projects and multi-billion-dollar infrastructure developments.
- Understanding of all aspects of design delivery including both AIA and RIBA stages including Operational Readiness (ORAT) and Handover.

Technical & Industry Knowledge

- Strong understanding of ICAO, FAA, IATA, and aviation regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with terminal planning concepts, passenger flow optimization, and airport simulation modelling.
- Strong understanding of digital tools including: AutoCAD, BIM, Revit, GIS, AviPLAN, CAST, and other airport design tools.
- In-depth knowledge of airport sustainability initiatives, net-zero strategies, and smart airport technologies.

Regional & Sector Expertise

- Familiarity with the Middle East aviation sector and regional regulatory requirements.
- Experience engaging with key stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, and subcontractors, to drive project success.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Project Delivery:

- Lead the design and engineering of airport infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, and airside/landside facilities, ensuring compliance with ICAO, FAA, IATA, ACI, and regional regulations.
- Oversee the full project lifecycle from concept development and feasibility studies to detailed design, construction support, and commissioning.
- Provide aviation technical leadership across multiple disciplines, including structural, civil, MEP, and sustainability initiatives within airport developments.
- Drive the adoption of BIM, GIS, and advanced digital design tools to enhance project efficiency and accuracy.
- Develop strategies to future-proof airport infrastructure, incorporating emerging technologies, climate resilience, and net-zero sustainability goals.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement:

- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including airport authorities, airlines, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry partners.
- Collaborate with architects, planners, contractors, and subcontractors to align design solutions with operational and safety requirements.
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients, understanding their needs and expectations while ensuring project objectives are met.
- Represent the company in industry forums, working groups, and regulatory discussions to influence aviation infrastructure policies and standards.
- Collaborate with other Business Units to develop and deliver a ‘OneWSP’ service offering to aviation clients.

Business Development & Strategic Growth:

- Develop and implement strategies to secure and deliver major aviation projects, aligning with business objectives and market opportunities.
- Identify new business opportunities, contribute to proposals, and lead bid strategies to secure high-profile airport infrastructure projects.
- Work closely with the local and global aviation leadership to share best practices, resources, and technical expertise to enhance overall company capabilities.