Aviation Project Engineer

Job Description

AECOM is seeking an experienced Aviation Project Engineer in Orange, CA to serve as the technical lead for airfield design projects. You will oversee engineering design delivery for major airfield improvements at large/medium/small hub airports including LAX, SFO, SMF, SJC, SNA, OAK, LGB, SAN, PSP, SBD, and others. This role goes beyond project execution — it’s about owning delivery from planning through construction, managing complex phasing and regulatory constraints, and shaping long-term infrastructure investments. You'll lead and mentor teams across multiple active projects while driving quality, constructability, and compliance with FAA and client standards.

AECOM has delivered civil and airfield infrastructure at more than 200 airports. Our aviation design teams are embedded in multi-year capital programs, typically ranging from $100M–$1B+, with civil packages covering runways, taxiways, aprons, and more. You’ll join a national team of aviation planners and engineers working on some of the most complex and high-visibility airport developments in the U.S.

How You’ll Contribute

• Lead airfield design from concept through final construction documents
• Direct multidisciplinary teams to deliver engineering packages for paving, grading, drainage, utilities, lighting, and signage
• Develop and seal construction drawings in alignment with FAA Advisory Circulars
• Coordinate design and technical input across planners, contractors, clients, and subconsultants
• Translate survey, geotechnical, utility, and sub-surface data into actionable design
• Integrate FAA design and safety criteria, airport operations constraints, and funding guidelines into all design phases
• Supervise and mentor junior staff across multiple active project sites
• Oversee design production using AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Ensure design quality, phasing feasibility, and on-time delivery
• Support stakeholder coordination with FAA, state agencies, airport sponsors, and permitting authorities

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• BS in Civil Engineering or related field + 10 years of airport/airfield planning or civil engineering design experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

Preferred:

• California Professional Engineer License or ability to obtain within 12 months
• Professional Engineer (PE) license — highly desired
• Experience leading design of airfield projects from planning through construction
• Familiarity with FAA Advisory Circulars, especially AC 150/5300 series
• Expertise in AutoCAD Civil 3D with oversight responsibility
• Experience working on active airfields, including with complex phasing, construction safety plans, and FAA coordination

Additional Information

• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position
• THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION NO SOONER THAN OCTOBER 15th 2026

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Compensation: 170000 to 270000 (USD) (YEARLY)