Project Engineer - Airports

MSA Professional Services, Inc; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the engineering field is seeking a Project Engineer to join their Airport design team in Urbana, IL. The ideal candidate will lead municipal airport engineering projects, utilizing their technical expertise to deliver compliant solutions while collaborating with a diverse team. This role offers a competitive salary and unique perks, emphasizing a commitment to community engagement and professional growth.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Minimum of 17 days Paid Time Off in the first year

Paid Holidays - 8 holidays per year

Paid Parental Leave - 2 weeks

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Generous employer match for 401k

Short Term Incentive (STIP) bonus

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant post-graduate engineering experience.
• PE license required.
• Ability to mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead designer for municipal airport engineering projects.
• Coordinate with internal teams and regulatory agencies.
• Conduct field investigations and oversee construction observation.

Skills

Solid understanding of engineering principles

Proficiency in digital tools

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Creative problem-solving

Capacity to manage multiple projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

GIS

Modeling software

Job description

Overview

MSA is seeking a Project Engineer to join our Airport deign team in our Champaign, IL office, focusing on delivering impactful aviation projects for municipalities in the Midwest. This position offers a flexible schedule and work environment.

What does it mean to serve communities for over 100 years?At MSA, it means creating spaces where people can raise families, grow businesses, connect with their neighbors, and feel at home.

We began in 1919 with a single entrepreneur in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Today, we’re a team of 400+ employee-owners making an impact across the country. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we take pride in our work—because we truly own it. That ownership mindset shapes everything we do, from the quality of our designs to the way we support one another.

We’re driven by integrity, collaboration, and a belief in building lasting relationships—with clients and with each other. If you’re looking for a place where your work matters, your voice is heard, and your contributions help shape communities for generations, MSA might be the place for you.

Responsibilities

What you will do:

• Serve as the lead designer for municipal airport engineering projects, applying sound judgment and technical expertise to deliver safe, cost-effective, and compliant solutions.

• Coordinate with internal teams, clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure timely and clear communication throughout all project phases.

• Prepare and certify construction documents, engineering reports, and design plans in accordance with FAA, state, and local standards.

• Conduct and oversee field investigations, site inspections, and construction observation to verify conformance with project specifications and quality standards.

• Utilize design tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, and modeling software to complete calculations, analyze data, and support project design.

• Support proposal development, project scoping, and cost estimating efforts under the guidance of senior engineers or project managers.

• Mentor junior staff and direct the work of technicians and drafters involved in design and document preparation.

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance project delivery efficiency and overall technical performance.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field relevant to the job responsibilities.

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant post-graduate engineering experience; or 2 years of experience for candidates holding a master’s degree in a related engineering field.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• PE license required.

• Solid understanding of engineering principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques.

• Proficiency in digital tools such as Microsoft Office and, depending on the role, GIS, BIM, and/or CADD.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Well-developed interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members and clients.

• Creative problem-solving ability to address complex and unfamiliar challenges.

• Capacity to manage multiple projects or tasks simultaneously.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

• Aptitude for mentoring junior staff and sharing technical expertise.

The salary for this position ranges from $79,000 to $126,500 per year commensurate with experience. Higher compensation within this range will be paid to candidates with significant experience and exceptional qualifications.

Why MSA?

• Better Together: A collaborative environment that values open ideas, diversity, and authenticity. Our diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success in our employee-owned firm.
• Multi-disciplinary Opportunities: Follow your interests, explore new experiences, and apply your skills where they have the most impact.
• We've Got Your Back: Enjoy support when you need it and independence when you don't. We are 400+ strong, working as one cohesive team.
• Passion & Purpose: We're passionate about our work and proud of it! Share inspirations, "geek out," and think big with us.
• Pay & Perks: Competitive pay and unique perks that make MSA stand out.
• Communities of Practice: Our think tanks and idea generators—regular collaboration and learning opportunities.
• Work-Life Integration: Life doesn't stop when work begins. We support your professional and personal balance.
• Commitment to Learning: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and cutting-edge technology to keep you connected and creative.
• Community Engagement: Giving back through volunteering, education, STEM outreach, and event participation, backed by corporate sponsorship and donations.

Best-in-Industry Benefits - Eligible employees enjoy:

• Quality Insurance Options: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Paid Time Off: Minimum of 17 days in the first year for full-time employees
• Paid Holidays: 8 holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave: 2 weeks for both parents, with additional time for birth parents under MSA’s Short Term Paid Leave
• Supplemental Insurance: 100% paid life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): 100% employee-owned, with stock provided at no cost
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan: Generous employer match, immediately 100% vested
• Short Term Incentive (STIP) bonus

MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. AtMSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us [e-mail]

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer