Hybrid Aviation Design Engineer / Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical-dental-vision

401(k) matching

Stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Flexible work options

Assistance program

Recognition programs

Job summary

TALISMAN seeks an Aviation Design Engineer/Manager to lead airfield and landside design at San Francisco International Airport. You will guide cross-disciplinary teams, own client relationships, and deliver landmark projects from concept to construction administration.

You'll mentor junior engineers, coordinate runway/taxiway, drainage, geotechnical and electrical work, and ensure schedules, budgets, and QA are on track.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Active PE license (CA preferred).
• 10–15 years of airfield design experience.
• Ability to lead teams and manage client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee airfield and landside project design—review sketches, concepts, drawings, and specs produced by engineers, subconsultants, and CAD designers.
• Guide and mentor junior professionals and technical staff through all phases of design.
• 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.

Skills

Team leadership

Client relations

Airfield design

Public speaking

Engineering software

Regulatory coordination

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Graduate degree or MBA coursework

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.