Aviation Discipline Leader

RS&H; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Competitive compensation

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

A leading engineering and consulting firm seeks an experienced Aviation Discipline Leader in Houston. The role involves establishing the firm as a premier aviation engineering provider, building relationships with stakeholders, and overseeing project execution. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Civil/Structural Engineering, 12+ years of relevant experience, and a Texas PE license. Join us to shape the future of aviation infrastructure while enjoying partnership opportunities and a collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of aviation or infrastructure engineering experience.
• Texas PE license or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Proven success leading design teams and managing client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Establish RS&H as the premier aviation engineering firm across Southeast Texas.
• Recruit and mentor top engineering talent from Houston's strong technical workforce.
• Define strategic direction for the Houston practice alongside senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Business Development

Communication

Team Management

Relationship Building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering from ABET-accredited program

Job description

The Opportunity

Lead in Houston's Booming Aviation Market | Employee Ownership

RS&H seeks an experienced Aviation Discipline Leader to build and lead our Houston aviation practice. This isn't just a management role – it's an opportunity where you'll become our go-to aviation engineering leader in the Houston market while building equity in a nationally-recognized, employee‑owned firm. You'll have autonomy to build the Houston practice while being supported by our national aviation expertise and multidisciplinary capabilities. In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead, develop and deliver projects of varying sizes and complexity, manage the client relationship, grow your team, and assist the team in winning work. We're offering partnership, not just employment.

Why Houston? Why Now?

Houston sits at the center of one of America's most dynamic aviation markets. With explosive regional growth, a booming aerospace sector, and accelerating infrastructure investment across Southeast Texas, there's never been a better time to lead aviation infrastructure development.

What You'll Do

Own the Market

• Establish RS&H as the premier aviation engineering firm across Southeast Texas
• Build deep relationships with airport authorities, airlines, and key stakeholders throughout the region
• Drive business development from the Gulf Coast to Central Texas
• Lead local industry engagement and professional networks

Build the Practice

• Recruit and mentor top engineering talent from Houston's strong technical workforce
• Lead projects spanning airfield design, terminal infrastructure, utilities, and everything in between
• Oversee project execution from concept through construction—managing contracts, quality, budget, and client satisfaction
• Collaborate with Houston‑based multidisciplinary teams while leveraging national resources

Shape Your Future

• Define strategic direction for the Houston practice alongside senior leadership
• Work directly with senior leadership to deploy aviation initiatives across the state
• Participate in firm equity and bonus programs

Required

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering from ABET‑accredited program
• 12+ years of aviation or infrastructure engineering experience
• Texas PE license (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• Proven success leading design teams and managing client relationships
• Strong business development track record
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Willingness to travel across Southeast Texas (typically day trips)

What Will Make You a Perfect Fit

• Established relationships within Texas aviation markets
• Active in regional professional organizations
• Experience with FAA grant programs and airport funding
• Background spanning design and construction administration

Our Commitment

• Employee ownership with clear path to equity
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Professional development and mentorship
• Work‑life balance in one of America's most livable cities
• Collaborative culture where your leadership shapes our direction

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
• Houston's exceptional quality of life with Texas‑sized opportunities

Ready to Lead?

If you're ready to own your career and define the future of aviation infrastructure across Texas, we want to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Agency Representation Notice

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, buildings, facility planning, 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.