Associate Principal Plumbing & Fire Protection Engineer - Aviation

Buro Happold Limited; New York, Pittsburgh (NY, Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 151,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Discretionary bonus

Paid time off

401k match

Hybrid work

License reimbursements

Global network

Learning & development

Job summary

Buro Happold is seeking an Associate Principal Plumbing & Fire Protection Engineer to lead aviation projects in New York City or Pittsburgh, combining technical leadership with client management in a hybrid work model.

The role focuses on delivering complex plumbing and fire protection solutions, coordinating with clients, architects and engineers, and guiding budgets, schedules, and resources while applying FAA requirements and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of plumbing and fire protection engineering experience.
• 10+ years of aviation experience.
• Experience leading complex projects and managing budgets.
• Strong client relationship management and business development skills.
• Familiarity with FAA requirements and airport operations.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree; P.E. preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and project leadership on complex aviation projects.
• Communicate directly with clients and develop strong, lasting client relationships.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, and resources.
• Organise technical and financial proposals for new work and contribute to business development activities.
• Manage the workload of Project Discipline Engineers and Technicians, including verification of quality.
• Take responsibility for concept and preliminary engineering solutions for detailed design and prepare technical specifications.
• Monitor the financial performance of jobs.
• Set up and manage job/project administrative systems, including planning and monitoring job resourcing and expenditure, adjusting these as necessary.
• Apply a strong understanding of FAA requirements, airport operational constraints, and aviation industry best practices throughout project delivery.
• Keep senior staff informed of important and relevant service/design decisions and ensure the objectives of the client are achieved.
• Continually ensure practices, policies, strategy, and services represent the client’s best interests and that Buro Happold policy is in keeping with current legislation and relevant building codes.

Skills

Client relationship management

Project leadership

FAA requirements knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

Professional Engineer (P.E.) preferred

Tools

Revit

HydroCAD

HASS

Job description

Associate Principal Plumbing & Fire Protection Engineer – Aviation

We are looking for a talented and experienced Associate Principal Plumbing & Fire Protection Engineer to join our hybrid team in New York City or Pittsburgh, PA.

The Associate Principal Plumbing & Fire Protection Engineer will provide technical and project leadership across complex projects, with a particular focus on the aviation sector. You will work closely with clients, architects, other Buro Happold Engineers, and/or design team members as part of a dedicated and skilled team. In this role, you will be responsible for leading project delivery, managing scope, budgets, schedules and resources, and strengthening client relationships while supporting business development opportunities.

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional. From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary.

Your next role

• Provide technical and project leadership on complex aviation projects.
• Communicate directly with clients and develop strong, lasting client relationships.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, and resources.
• Organise technical and financial proposals for new work and contribute to business development activities.
• Manage the workload of Project Discipline Engineers and Technicians, including verification of quality.
• Take responsibility for concept and preliminary engineering solutions for detailed design and prepare technical specifications.
• Monitor the financial performance of jobs.
• Set up and manage job/project administrative systems, including planning and monitoring job resourcing and expenditure, adjusting these as necessary.
• Apply a strong understanding of FAA requirements, airport operational constraints, and aviation industry best practices throughout project delivery.
• Keep senior staff informed of important and relevant service/design decisions and ensure the objectives of the client are achieved.
• Continually ensure practices, policies, strategy, and services represent the client’s best interests and that Buro Happold policy is in keeping with current legislation and relevant building codes.

Your skills and experience

• 12+ years of experience in plumbing and fire protection engineering
• 10+ years of aviation experience
• Extensive experience in plumbing and fire protection engineering and project delivery
• Demonstrated ability to manage project scope, budgets, schedules, and resources
• Strong client relationship management and business development skills
• Strong understanding of FAA requirements, airport operational constraints, and industry best practices
• Relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) preferred
• Experience using Revit, HydroCAD, and/or HASS preferred
• Broad design knowledge, with experience working across a range of US and international projects
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead projects and multidisciplinary teams
• Confident, proactive character with the ability to lead in challenging situations
• Strong communication skills and experience working with internal teams and external clients
• Corporate membership in a relevant institution
• Strong organisational skills combined with the ability to work independently

Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they don’t meet all requirements.

What we offer

• Generous benefits package
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Generous PTO (5 weeks) in addition to 10 paid holidays
• 401k with company match
• Hybrid working & summer hours
• Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees
• Connection to a global network of experts on the forefront of industry initiatives
• Access to wide ranging learning and development opportunities
• Be a part of supporting our diverse company culture through open engagement with our Young Employees Forum, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, Buro Happold Women's Network, and/or our Black at Buro Happold Employee Resource Groups

Compensation

Anticipated base annual salary: $151,000–$212,000. The salary range listed for this position is intended as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as location, education, skills, experience, and market conditions. We recognize that candidates bring diverse backgrounds and qualifications, and compensation may be adjusted accordingly. The posted range should not be viewed as a strict minimum or maximum limitation. Benefits and any additional compensation elements are separate from the base salary range listed.

A place for everyone

Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.

Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive. We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.