Associate Principal Plumbing & Fire Protection Engineer - Aviation

Buro Happold; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 151,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Annual discretionary bonus

Generous PTO (5 weeks) + holidays

401k with company match

License reimbursements

Job summary

Buro Happold in Washington, DC is seeking an Associate Principal Plumbing & Fire Protection Engineer to lead technical delivery on aviation projects within a hybrid work setup. You will manage scope, budgets, schedules, and teams while strengthening client relationships and supporting business development.

Ideal candidates bring 12+ years in plumbing & fire protection engineering and 10+ years in aviation, with a strong grasp of FAA requirements and US/international project experience.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in plumbing and fire protection engineering.
• 10+ years of aviation experience.
• Experience delivering complex projects and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong client relationship management and business development skills.
• Experience with FAA requirements and aviation industry practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and project leadership on complex aviation projects.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships with stakeholders.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules and resources.
• Organize technical and financial proposals for new work and participate in business development.
• Oversee discipline engineers and technicians, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Develop concept and preliminary engineering solutions and prepare specs.
• Monitor financial performance and resourcing of jobs.
• Ensure compliance with client objectives and applicable codes and policies.

Skills

Plumbing & Fire Protection

Aviation experience

Project leadership

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

P.E. license preferred

Tools

Revit

HydroCAD

HASS

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Washington DC

Job Reference burohappold/TP/132643/2626

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Competitive

Working Hours:

40

Location:

Washington DC

Closing Date:

05/01/2027

Job Category:

Engineering and Design

Business Unit:

USA

BEnv Public Health

We are looking for a talented and experienced Associate Principal Plumbing & Fire Protection Engineer to join our hybrid team in Washington, DC.

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

As a key part of the team, your responsibilities will be varied, but likely to include:

• 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.
• Organize 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 organizational 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
• 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.

Ready for something a little less ordinary?

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 thinking, 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 are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another.Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.

Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact [e-mail] so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.