Aviation Design Director

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WSP in the Middle East is seeking an experienced Airport Design Director (Engineering) to lead the planning, design, and engineering of complex airport infrastructure projects. This senior leadership role involves 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 Design Director will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for all property and building aviation-related prospects and projects, ensuring the successful delivery of innovative and efficient design solutions.

Your new role, what's involved

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 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.

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 global aviation leadership to share best practices, resources, and technical expertise to enhance overall company capabilities.

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

• 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 infrastructure design, engineering, and project management, including leadership roles in major aviation projects.
• Proven expertise in airfield design, terminal engineering, pavement engineering, drainage, and utility systems.
• Extensive experience working on complex mega airport projects and multi-billion-dollar infrastructure developments.

Technical & Industry Knowledge

• Strong understanding of ICAO, FAA, IATA, and national aviation regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with terminal planning concepts, passenger flow optimization, and airport simulation modelling.
• Strong understanding of 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.

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, and paid professional subscriptions.

Apply now and be the future of WSP!

Be you, be happy - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects and maximizes the contribution individuals can bring to 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 consulting services.

Future Ready at WSP

From net zero to climate change, from the needs of future societies to new ways of travelling we know that the future is very different to today. With Future Ready we see the future more clearly and challenge everyone in WSP to advise and design for this future as well as today. It's a programme that's having huge impact in WSP it's helping us grow, it's giving us purpose and it's the title of our global growth strategy. Learn more about Future Ready at Future Ready | WSP