Senior Professional Engineer / Project Manager - Airfield & Airport

GeoWorld; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 141,500 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits from day one

401(k) match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

GeoWorld is seeking a Senior Civil Professional Engineer / Project Manager with expertise in aviation projects. You will lead design and planning for complex airfield projects while ensuring quality control and mentoring junior staff.

The ideal candidate has at least 15 years of design experience in the aviation sector and is proficient in client management. This position is based in Riverside, California, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of design experience in aviation or transportation projects.
• At least 2 years of project management experience.
• Proficiency in preparing plan sets and construction cost estimates.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and planning for complex airfield projects.
• Manage project scopes, schedules, and financials.
• Develop strong client relationships and contribute to business development.

Skills

Design experience in aviation projects

Project management

Client management

Communication skills

Flexibility to travel

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in civil engineering

Registered as a Professional Engineer in California

Tools

Civil 3D

AutoCAD

ArcGIS

Job description

TKDA’s Aviation Engineering Team brings expertise in airfield/airport engineering & planning, integrated solutions, and comprehensive services. We are seeking Senior Civil Professional Engineer / Project Manager with expertise in aviation (airfield, airport and/or commercial airline) projects and client management. As shown by our extensive portfolio, TKDA has a proven history of developing long‑term sustainable aviation planning and design solutions for diverse clients, from large international airports to general aviation airfields and military bases. We take a “Seller‑Doer” approach to business development. You will collaborate with the Vice President of Aviation to further advance our services and enhance our reputation by contributing to the development of marketing plans, cultivating/maintaining relations with clients and agency representatives, tracking prospective opportunities, developing proposals, and delivering client presentations. TKDA is currently located in San Bernardino with plans to relocate to Downtown Riverside by October 2026. Additional information about the exact location of our Riverside office will be communicated by late May 2026 through a formal press release or “News” post.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and planning for a variety of complex site development and airfield design projects
• Lead project teams and manage project scopes, schedules, financials, and technical requirements
• Coach/mentor less experienced professionals with an emphasis on technical design standards and quality control
• Serve as a technical expert in a collaborative engineering environment
• Travel to project sites to develop strong rapport and ongoing relationships with current and potential clients
• Collaborate with passionate engineers, designers, technicians, and planners to provide engineering services to airports across the country including small general aviation airports, large international commercial airports, and military bases
• Attend industry‑related conferences, trainings, and other events to strengthen expertise and foster relationships with potential project partners and clients

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in civil engineering
• Registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of California
• Minimum of 15 years of design experience related to aviation, transportation, site development or municipal projects; well‑versed in the design of roadways, utilities, site grading, drainage and storm water management
• Minimum of 2 years of project management experience
• Reside within or be open to relocate to the Riverside, CA area
• Prior business development experience demonstrated by a track record of maintaining client relations and securing new project opportunities
• Proficiency in preparing plan sets, specifications, and construction cost estimates
• Ability to apply effective written and verbal communication when developing proposals, preparing technical reports, participating in or leading project team meetings, and delivering client or public presentations
• Flexibility to travel as needed (up to 20%) for team meetings, client consultations, public meetings, site assessments/visits, marketing presentations/interviews, conferences, etc. Occasional overnight travel may be required
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• 5–15 years of aviation project experience
• Previous training or experience with Civil 3D and/or AutoCAD
• Previous training or experience with ArcGIS
• Previous design experience with airfield or airport infrastructure projects
• Previous experience preparing proposals and contract documentation
• Familiarity with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and procedures

Compensation & Benefits

$141,500 – $185,000 a year. The listed salary range reflects base pay for candidates with 15–20 years of related experience. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.

Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre‑employment background screening, which includes Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be able to complete and pass any background, security, and/or drug test requests required by TKDA, clients, and state and/or federal agencies responsible for aviation operations as an ongoing condition of employment.

Comprehensive Benefits: Health benefits (medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one), Annual Incentive Plan (eligible for discretionary bonuses), HSA contributions (monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA‑eligible plan), 401(k) match (employer matching on 401(k) deferrals), ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan funded entirely by company profits), Paid Time Off (accrue PTO based on professional experience and eight paid holidays per year).