Hybrid Aviation Design Engineer / Manager

talisman; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) with employer match

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Flexible work options

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Talisman is seeking an Aviation Design Engineer/Manager to support projects at the San Francisco International Airport. This senior role involves overseeing airfield and landside design while mentoring junior engineers.

You will coordinate various technical disciplines and manage client relationships effectively. Offering a competitive salary between $165,000 and $200,000 plus benefits like medical insurance and a 401(k) plan, this position supports hybrid work arrangements with relocation

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in airfield design and technical engineering.
• Active PE license preferred in California.
• Proven ability to manage teams and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee airfield and landside project design.
• Guide and mentor junior professionals.
• Coordinate across disciplines to maintain project alignment.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and financial performance.
• Represent the firm's capabilities to airport clients.

Skills

Leadership

Technical engineering

Project management

Client relationships

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Graduate degree or MBA coursework

Tools

Standard engineering software

Job description

We're partnered with a world-class infrastructure consultancy to find an Aviation Design Engineer/Manager to support projects at the San Francisco International Airport. We're looking for a seasoned aviation engineer who leads from the front: guiding teams, owning client relationships, and delivering landmark airfield projects from concept to completion.

About the role

You'll serve as a senior technical and managerial leader, overseeing airfield and landside design projects while mentoring junior engineers and acting as the primary point of contact for clients and regulatory agencies. This is a high-visibility role for someone who is equally comfortable reviewing design drawings and presenting to airport leadership - someone who takes ownership and drives results. You'll coordinate across disciplines including runway and taxiway design, drainage, geotechnical, and electrical - acting as the central hub that keeps everything aligned.

What you'll lead

• Oversee airfield and landside project design - reviewing sketches, concepts, drawings, and specifications produced by engineers, subconsultants, and CAD designers
• Guide and mentor junior professionals and technical staff through all phases of design and drafting
• Coordinate across airfield disciplines including runway and taxiway design, drainage systems, geotechnical work, and electrical - ensuring all workstreams stay integrated and on track
• Represent the firm's multidisciplinary capabilities directly to airport clients, from conceptual planning through construction administration
• Manage project quality assurance, communication protocols, deliverable standards, and progress reporting
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and billing - escalating financial or performance issues to senior leadership proactively
• Coordinate between internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies to keep complex projects aligned and on track
• Manage weekly workload forecasting and manpower planning for your team

What you bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (required); graduate degree or MBA coursework is a plus
• Active PE license (CA preferred)
• 10-15 years of experience in airfield design, project production and technical engineering
• Proven ability to manage teams, client relationships, and project financials simultaneously
• Strong public speaking, interpersonal, and persuasive communication skills
• Proficiency with production support systems and standard engineering software

What we offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability
• Employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid time off and flexible work options
• Employee assistance program and recognition programs
• A culture grounded in safety, integrity, collaboration, innovation, and excellence

Compensation:

Competitive salary: $165,000 – $200,000 (based on experience, skills, and location)

Location:

San Francisco, CA (HYBRID). Relocation assistance is provided.