Austin Aviation Sr. Design Engineer

RS&H; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Path to employee ownership

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development

Bonus programs

Equity and bonus programs

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Austin seeks a senior-level civil airfield engineer to lead aviation projects. Responsibilities include designing airfield systems, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring compliance with FAA standards. The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of experience, a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, and an active PE license. This role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for professional development in a collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant civil/airfield engineering experience.
• Active PE license in good standing.
• Proficient with FAA design standards and airport grant programs.
• Active PE license in good standing; Texas PE license within 6 months.
• Proficiency with design software and construction documentation tools.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local codes and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex aviation projects and provide technical guidance.
• Mentor junior engineers and ensure compliance with FAA standards.
• Prepare plans, specifications, and engineering analysis.
• Ensure compliance with FAA standards and federal/state regulations.
• Assist in business development and client relationship building.

Skills

Leadership in aviation projects

Mentorship

Technical expertise

Communication skills

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Design software

Job description

The Opportunity

RS&H seeks a senior-level civil airfield engineer to join our Austin aviation team. This is a technical leadership role where you'll serve as a subject matter expert, lead complex aviation projects, and mentor the next generation of engineers – all while building equity in an employee-owned firm. In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop and deliver projects of varying sizes and complexity, mentor the Austin aviation team, and assist the team in winning work. We're offering partnership, not just employment.

Why Austin? Why Now?

Central Texas offers an exceptional blend of professional opportunity and quality of life. RS&H is a known leader in the Austin Aviation market and we are seeking a high-level candidate to continue propelling us forward. Work on diverse aviation projects across the region while enjoying the collaborative culture and vibrant engineering community Austin is known for.

What You'll Do

Lead Complex Projects

• Design complete airfield systems from concept through construction
• Prepare plans, specifications, engineering analysis, and comprehensive project documents
• Conduct design studies, cost analyses, and site selection for aviation facilities
• Perform quality control reviews and ensure project milestones are met
• Provide field reviews and construction observations

Serve as Technical Expert

• Apply deep expertise to resolve complex design challenges
• Mentor junior staff on technical accuracy and best practices
• Lead discipline‑specific and small multidisciplinary teams
• Focus on innovative design and technical excellence
• Ensure compliance with FAA standards and federal/state regulations

Shape the Aviation Practice

• Contribute to new service development and process improvements
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders across Texas
• Participate in business development and technical proposals
• Represent RS&H's technical capabilities in the aviation market

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from ABET‑accredited program
• 12+ years of relevant civil/airfield engineering experience
• Experience with FAA design standards and airport grant programs
• Active PE license in good standing
• Texas PE license (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• Proficiency with design software and construction documentation tools
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local codes and regulations
• Proven ability to lead projects and provide technical guidance to junior staff
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

What Will Make You a Perfect Fit

• Experience leading major aviation projects or multiple moderate‑sized projects
• Track record of addressing complex technical challenges professionally
• Strong relationship‑building skills with clients and stakeholders
• Comfortable reviewing and mentoring others’ work
• Self‑motivated with ability to work independently and collaboratively

Why RS&H

As an employee‑owned firm, your contributions directly impact your future. An Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 6 Aviation Design Firm with an eye on employee culture, RS&H offers the stability of a national firm with the flexibility and culture of a collaborative team that values innovation and professional growth. We serve airports nationwide as trusted advisors, delivering expertise in airfield design, environmental planning, and resiliency. Our integrated approach and collaborative culture enable you to work on meaningful projects while continuously developing your skills.

What We Offer

• Path to employee ownership
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Professional development and technical training
• Diverse project portfolio across the aviation sector
• Austin's exceptional quality of life with Texas‑sized opportunities
• Participate in firm equity and bonus programs

Ready to Elevate Your Career?

If you're a seasoned airfield engineer looking for technical leadership opportunities and a path to ownership, let's connect.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

Please note: no agency representation or submissions will be recognized for this vacancy. Candidates should apply directly to this role to be considered. It is the responsibility of all third‑party recruiting and employment agencies to know and adhere to our recruiting policy.

The Team

Joining our Aviation team means an opportunity to explore your potential and apply your diverse skills to serve the large and small airports of the aviation industry as a trusted advisor. You can do this in a collaborative and team‑oriented environment among other driven professionals. Service areas include airfields, environmental planning, and environmental stewardship & resiliency. Join RS&H to define and master challenges, advance professionally, and build strong and lasting relationships.

The Company

Employee‑owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firms, with associates who work hard every day to create tomorrow together. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities, and build relationships that are as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together. We attribute our success to our unwavering commitment to our core values: integrity, accountability, curiosity, and teamwork.