Project Engineer - Aviation

The Thrasher Group; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Flex Fridays

Job summary

The Thrasher Group in Gastonia, NC is seeking a Project Engineer to join our Aviation team. You will contribute to runways, taxiways, and related airfield projects, applying civil engineering fundamentals to design, permitting, and construction support.

You will collaborate with PMs, clients, and design teams to deliver projects on time, while coordinating with FAA and regulatory bodies. A BS in Civil Engineering and 3–5 years of relevant experience are required; PE license is preferred or

Qualifications

• BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in land development, aviation, or related fields.
• PE license preferred, or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Civil 3D.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering design and support for aviation projects from concept through permitting and construction.
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, and design teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, municipalities, utilities, and FAA representatives throughout design and permitting.
• Prepare and review permit packages for zoning, stormwater, environmental, and aviation-specific requirements, including plans, details, calculations, and reports.
• Develop bid and construction packages with plans, specifications, cost estimates, and permit documents.
• Oversee preparation of technical reports including assessments, preliminary engineering reports, SWPPPs, and airport layout plans.
• Provide guidance to staff engineers and review construction inspection reports for compliance with contract documents and FAA standards.

Skills

Engineering design

Project coordination

Regulatory coordination

Communication

Team leadership

Education

BS in Civil Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Civil 3D

Job description

The Thrasher Group North Carolina is a full-service architecture, engineering, and field services consulting firm with a proven track record of project success across the Mid-Atlantic region. Our multidisciplinary team delivers professional services to clients in five core markets: architecture, land development, water resources, transportation, and energy.

Thrasher provides real opportunities to be a part of vital projects, handle real-world responsibility, and develop a career that grows with you. Our multi-disciplinary teams work across the full life cycle of a project and with an array of industry professionals – giving you the knowledge and experience to do more. In short, we're not a steppingstone. Thrasher is a firm where people build better careers and better communities, all in the places they call home.

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Project Engineer to join our Aviation team in Gastonia, NC. This team delivers projects that strengthen local economies and improve community connections — from taxiway rehabilitations and apron expansions to security enhancements and airfield access roads. Aviation projects build directly on what site and land development engineers already know: grading, drainage, utilities, and pavement design — with the added energy of shaping the runways and airfields that keep communities connected.

You don't need prior aviation experience to thrive here. Bring your engineering skill set, your curiosity, and your drive to learn, and we'll help you take off in a new direction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide engineering design and support for aviation projects from concept through permitting and construction
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, and design teams to ensure successful project delivery
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, municipalities, utilities, and FAA representatives throughout design and permitting
• Prepare and review permit packages for zoning, stormwater, environmental, and aviation-specific requirements, including plans, details, calculations, and reports
• Develop bid and construction packages with plans, specifications, cost estimates, and permit documents
• Oversee preparation of technical reports including assessments, preliminary engineering reports, SWPPPs, and airport layout plans
• Provide guidance to staff engineers and review construction inspection reports for compliance with contract documents and FAA standards

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Education: BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited university

Experience: 3-5 years of relevant experience in land development, aviation, or related fields

Licensure: PE license preferred, or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe

Software: Proficiency in Autodesk Civil 3D and related design software; FAA design standards experience a plus

Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects

BENEFITS

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance; flexible spending and dependent care accounts; a Health Savings Account with company contributions; company-paid short- and long-term disability; and a $100,000 life insurance policy paid for by the company. We also offer supplemental life, dental, and vision insurance, along with accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness coverage for added peace of mind.
• We invest in our employees' futures through a traditional and Roth 401(k) with up to a 4% company match, profit sharing, and discretionary bonuses. Employees enjoy paid time off, paid parental leave, and support for continuing education and professional registrations, plus assistance with warehouse club memberships, gym fees, and race entry fees.
• We recognize the importance of work-life balance and offer schedule flexibility within a family-oriented culture, including Flex Fridays — a chance for employees to wrap up early once their week's work is done.

Pre-employment drug screening and background checks required. Must be authorized to work in the United States. EEO / AA / E-Verify employer.