National Aviation Runway Design Lead

WSP in the U.S.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 180,800 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement savings

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is seeking a National Runway Design Lead to oversee runway and airfield design projects across the country. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in aviation engineering and a proven ability to lead technical teams while managing client relationships.

This role requires a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. WSP offers a competitive salary range of $180,800 to $310,000, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in aviation and airfield design.
• Deep expertise in runway and taxiway design.
• Thorough knowledge of FAA standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead runway and airfield design projects nationwide.
• Provide technical leadership and QA/QC oversight.
• Collaborate with regional leaders on business development.

Skills

Airfield and runway design expertise

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Overview

At WSP, we are driven by inspiring future‑ready solutions—and today’s aviation infrastructure plays a critical role in shaping how communities connect. Our Aviation team partners with airport owners and public agencies nationwide to deliver runway, taxiway, and airfield infrastructure projects that are safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Job Description

National Runway Design Lead – This senior technical and leadership role focuses on leading, winning, and delivering runway and airfield design projects nationwide. The position may be based at any mutually agreed U.S. office, with a preference for Northeast locations. Responsibilities include technical leadership, project delivery oversight, and business development support across WSP’s aviation platform.

Your Impact

• Serving as WSP’s national technical lead for runway and airfield pavement design projects.
• Leading and overseeing planning, design, and delivery of runway, taxiway, apron, and airfield infrastructure projects.
• Providing technical leadership and QA/QC oversight to project teams across multiple regions.
• Acting as a key pursuit and proposal leader, supporting competitive strategies, technical approaches, and client interviews.
• Collaborating with regional aviation leaders on business development, capture planning, and client relationship management.
• Supporting Design‑Build and Alternative Delivery projects, including reviews, risk mitigation, and execution strategies.
• Mentoring and developing aviation and airfield engineering staff nationally.
• Ensuring compliance with FAA Advisory Circulars, industry standards, and client requirements.
• Representing WSP with airport sponsors, airlines, FAA stakeholders, and industry organizations.

Who You Are

Airfield and runway design expert with strong client presence and experience delivering complex aviation programs. You bring a balance of hands‑on technical depth, project leadership, and business development acumen.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (or related discipline).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license—multi‑state registration preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in aviation and airfield design.
• Deep expertise in runway and taxiway design, pavement design, grading, drainage, and airfield geometry.
• Thorough knowledge of FAA standards, including AC 150/5300 series.
• Proven experience supporting or leading pursuits, proposals, and client interviews.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work across geographically distributed teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading national or multi‑region aviation programs.
• Design‑Build or Progressive Design‑Build experience.
• Established relationships with airport owners and aviation stakeholders.
• Experience mentoring and developing technical teams.
• Active involvement in aviation or transportation industry organizations.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation; paid parental leave; and paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected salary (all locations): $180,800 – $310,000. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than this range and offer additional benefits and compensation based on experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WSP USA (and all U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.