Aviation Project Engineer (Senior Level)

DOWL; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 115,668 - 173,502; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

HSA contributions

401(k) matching

Paid holidays

Job summary

DOWL's Aviation team seeks an Aviation Project Engineer to design and improve airports nationwide, from the Pacific Northwest to the Mountain West. You’ll contribute to layout plans, master plans, system plans, and environmental assessments with hands-on design using AutoCAD Civil 3D.

The role requires a BS in Civil Engineering, a PE license, and at least 10 years of experience. FAA design standards guide your work, and you’ll mentor others while coordinating with clients and FAA staff to

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in civil/aviation design.
• Experience leading FAA‑related design projects preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead production of design reports and project plans.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and cost estimation.
• Oversee project specifications and construction safety plans.
• Coordinate with clients and FAA stakeholders.
• Mentor junior staff and ensure quality control.

Skills

Team leadership

Client interaction

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

AviPlan

FAARFIELD 2.0

ADIP/AGIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

DOWL provides a comprehensive benefits package to support the health and financial well-being of our full‑time employees and their families. DOWL offers a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) (including employer contribution). Other benefits include flexible spending account, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, dependent care account, employee assistance program, a 401(k) plan with discretionary employer contributions for matching, profit sharing, student debt repayment, paid time off, paid holidays. Paid Time Off (PTO) accrues at a minimum of 16 days per year and accruals are on the first day of employment. Employees also receive nine paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For more details and eligibility please visit Careers - DOWL.

The salary range for this position is $115,668.00 - $173,502.00.

In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.

Aviation (infrastructure)

Join our team and take your career to new heights in the exciting world of aviation infrastructure. Our aviation project capabilities span the full spectrum—from securing funding and early‑stage planning for existing airports to the construction of brand‑new facilities. We proudly serve a diverse range of clients, including municipal and general aviation airports, small to medium hub airports, airlines, and airport tenants. With a comprehensive suite of planning, design, and construction services, we deliver seamless, cost‑effective project coordination that drives real impact in the communities we serve. Be part of a team that is shaping the future of air travel, one project at a time.

Summary

Ready to make an impact in the world of aviation? This full‑time position for an Aviation Project Engineer offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that designs and improves airports across the country, from the Pacific Northwest to the Mountain West, from small general aviation fields to large international hubs. You’ll contribute to a wide range of airport and aviation‑related projects, including layout plans, master plans, system plans, and environmental assessments. Your work will involve hands‑on design, AutoCAD Civil 3D, technical writing, research, analysis, and community engagement. You'll also have opportunities to support broader transportation and community planning efforts. Every project adheres to FAA standards, giving you the chance to grow your expertise while delivering work that meets the highest industry benchmarks. If you’re passionate about aviation, design, and building infrastructure that connects communities, we’d love to have you on our team.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Advanced
• Market Sector Software (AutoCAD Civil 3D, AviPlan, FAARFIELD 2.0, ADIP/AGIS preferred) - Advanced

Technical Expertise

• Advanced understanding of technical fundamentals
• Demonstrates expertise to others within and beyond market sector
• Provides creative solutions to complex technical challenges
• Leads internal mentoring and quality control of complex deliverables

Teamwork

Team player and team leader with the ability to follow on large or complex projects. Provides clear communication and direction, sets expectations, and takes responsibility for results of the team.

Project Delivery

Leads the production of and provides quality control for the following:

• Engineer's design report
• Construction quantity calculations and cost estimates
• Project plans
• Project specifications
• Construction safety and phasing plans
• Airport Layout Plan development
• Other technical reports, memos, and design documents

Understanding Budget and Schedule

Strong understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets. Demonstrates ability to predict and deliver individual tasks within a set level of effort. Consistently meets budget and schedule expectations on projects. Develops budgets and schedules for complex tasks and projects. Breaks down complex projects into logical tasks. Demonstrates ability to prioritize multiple assignments to successfully deliver projects on time and on budget. Mentors others on above.

Industry Standards and Regulations

Expertly interprets, selects, and employs FAA design codes. Actively mentors others on interpreting design codes. Understands limitations of design codes.

Client Interaction

Frequent direct communications with clients on large/complex projects; lead technical client project meetings. Understands appropriate messaging and legal risks. Participates in project interviews.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Primarily performs advanced technical tasks on complex, demanding projects for the market sector. Operates with a high level of autonomy. Reviews the work of others. Mentors others with less experience. May provide some project management services.

Supervisory Duties

• Oversees team operations and the daily workflow of the team
• Organizes workflow and ensures that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks
• Recruits and hires new employees
• Implements training for new hires and identifies training opportunities for current staff
• Communicates information from leadership to employees and vice versa
• Monitors employee productivity and provides constructive feedback and coaching
• Sets goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with company’s plans and vision and communicates them to employees
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations
• Decides on reward and promotion based on performance
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering required
• Years of experience required: 10 years
• Years of experience required with advanced degree: 9 years

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• PE required
• Driving is an essential job function or a valid driver’s license is required to support legitimate business purposes

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Position may include periodic site visits and inspection work on project sites.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.