Aviation Lead Airfield Engineering

WSP USA; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm is seeking a highly skilled Aviation Lead Airfield Engineer in Dubai. You will oversee the design and development of airfield infrastructure, ensuring compliance with international standards. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience and a strong background in pavement and airfield design. Join us to contribute to groundbreaking aviation projects and drive innovation in the field.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in civil engineering, focusing on aviation infrastructure.
• Proven track record in managing complex airfield design projects.
• Deep understanding of international aviation design standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and development of airfield infrastructure.
• Conduct feasibility studies and technical evaluations.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, and resource management.

Skills

Airfield Design

Pavement Design

Grading & Drainage

Airfield Lighting & Navaids

Regulatory Compliance

Site Investigations & Surveys

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

MicroStation

GIS

Job description

""Think bigger scale. Think higher profile. Think ground-breaking. Join WSP, and you’ll be at the heart of a team of international experts all dedicated to growing and sharing their expertise and working on projects that transform society for all of us. 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.""

• 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.

• 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.