Principal Civil Engineer - Aviation

AECOM; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Christchurch is seeking a Principal Civil (Aviation) Engineer to lead airside design projects across New Zealand. The ideal candidate has over 10 years' experience in the civil aviation sector and strong skills in 3D geometric design and airside planning. The firm offers flexible work arrangements and opportunities for professional development, making this a great role for forward-thinking engineers.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Additional annual leave

Medical insurance

Qualifications

• Over 10 years' experience in civil aviation sector delivering complex projects.
• Experience with ICAO Annex 14 and relevant design guidelines.
• Strong technical skills in preparing design drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead design tasks for airfield infrastructure including runways and taxiways.
• Prepare and review technical drawings and compliance documents.
• Mentor junior engineers and support their development.

Skills

3D geometric design

Airside planning

Client-focused communication

Construction monitoring

Education

Tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering

Postgraduate qualifications

Tools

OpenRoads

AutoCAD

Infraworks

Job description

Overview

Join AECOM’s Aviation team in a welcoming, collaborative environment where you’re encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. You’ll work with passionate colleagues who value teamwork, innovation, and technical excellence, delivering complex airside infrastructure projects across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. You’ll contribute to the design and delivery of major airside infrastructure with access to AECOM’s global reach and strong local presence.

Due to an internal transfer, we are seeking a Principal Civil (Aviation) Engineer to join our national aviation team. In this key role, you’ll lead and deliver a wide range of airside design projects across airports throughout Aotearoa, working within a collaborative environment committed to technical excellence and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support design tasks for airfield infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, aprons, pavements and grading.
• Undertake and review airside geometric design and stand planning tasks.
• Prepare and review technical drawings, specifications and bid documents in compliance with local standards.
• Provide construction-phase support, including site visits, submittal reviews and RFI (Request for Information) responses.
• Interface with clients and stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
• Contribute to or lead project and design management activities, including scope, schedule, and budget tracking.
• Mentor junior engineers and support their technical and professional development.

Qualifications

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered.

• Over 10 years’ experience in the civil aviation sector, delivering high-profile and complex projects; design management and project management experience is an advantage
• Tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering or a related field; postgraduate qualifications highly desirable
• Strong technical skills in 3D geometric design, airside planning, aircraft tracking (AviPlan), stand planning and developing design drawings, specifications and reports
• Detailed knowledge of, and experience applying, relevant standards and guidance:
• ICAO Annex 14 and related ICAO planning/design guidelines
• NZ CAA Advisory Circular Part 139 (or equivalent ICAO member states guidance)
• Relevant US FAA Advisory Circulars
• Experience with design and modelling software: OpenRoads, AutoCAD, Navisworks, Infraworks, ProjectWise, with past MX or Inroads experience highly beneficial
• Excellent communication and client-focused skills, with the ability to build and maintain trusted relationships at all levels
• Demonstrated experience in site-based construction monitoring
• Surveying experience and familiarity with GIS applications is advantageous

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing and hybrid work options
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
• Medical, life and income protection cover provided
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.