Senior Aviation Construction Lead for Airport Projects

Mcfarland-Johnson,-Inc.-1; Freeport (ME); On-site; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Medical/Dental/Vision

PTO & parental leave

401(k) match

Professional development

Job summary

McFarland Johnson (MJ) is seeking a Senior Resident Engineer to lead construction oversight for major airport projects across the Northeast. You will serve as the primary field contact, mentor inspection teams, and collaborate with MJ’s managers and design teams on runway, taxiway, and related infrastructure.

The role requires 12+ years in construction oversight, strong drawings interpretation, and FAA/state DOT familiarity.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in construction inspection, construction engineering, resident engineering, or a related field.
• Experience leading field teams on complex civil infrastructure construction projects, including pavement, grading, drainage, utilities, or similar work.
• Airport construction experience strongly preferred; highway construction experience also valued.
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, specifications, and construction contract documents.
• Familiarity with FAA or state DOT construction requirements preferred.
• Experience with construction contract administration, including payment reviews, RFIs, submittals, change orders, and project closeout.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with clients, contractors, and project teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline preferred. Candidates with equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.
• PE registration or applicable inspection certifications are a plus.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites throughout the Northeast.

Responsibilities

• Lead onsite construction oversight to verify work complies with project plans, specifications, and contract requirements.
• Serve as a primary field contact for contractors, airport staff, inspection personnel, and MJ's project managers and design teams.
• Direct and coordinate field inspection teams, providing technical guidance, mentoring, and review of project documentation.
• Oversee construction progress, workmanship, schedules, and material testing, identifying potential issues and coordinating timely resolution.
• Oversee the preparation and review of daily field reports, photographs, quantity measurements, and other project records.
• Review contractor payment quantities and develop payment recommendations.
• Lead field coordination of RFIs, submittals, and change orders, working with project managers and design teams to evaluate technical, cost, and schedule impacts.
• Exercise sound judgment to resolve complex field issues, escalating matters as appropriate.
• Coordinate construction activities and phasing around ongoing airport operations to minimize disruptions.
• Lead construction progress meetings and coordinate punch lists, final inspections, and project closeout.

Skills

Field team leadership

Reading drawings & specs

Communication skills

Mentorship / coaching

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management

PE licensure preferred

Job description

McFarland Johnson (MJ) is seeking a Senior Resident Engineer to lead construction oversight for major airport projects across the Northeast. You will serve as the primary field contact, mentor inspection teams, and collaborate with MJ’s managers and design teams on runway, taxiway, and related infrastructure.

The role requires 12+ years in construction oversight, strong drawings interpretation, and FAA/state DOT familiarity.