Associate Director - Airport Design

Associate Civil Engineer – Airport Design

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This is a rare opportunity for a technically accomplished and commercially astute civil engineer to take on a leadership role within Tetra Tech RPS’s Aviation team. As Associate Civil Engineer, you will lead the delivery of complex airside infrastructure projects, shape client relationships, and mentor the next generation of engineering talent. If you are passionate about technical excellence, stakeholder engagement, and driving innovation in airport design, this is your chance to make a lasting impact and help position Tetra Tech RPS as a trusted partner in the aviation sector.

We are seeking an experienced civil engineer with a strong background in airfield design and multidisciplinary project delivery. You will take ownership of projects from feasibility through to construction support, ensuring compliance with UK 139, ICAO, and EASA standards. Acting as the primary point of contact for airport operators and contractors, you will manage design programmes, coordinate inputs across disciplines, and deliver high‑quality technical outputs.

You will also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and contributing to business development efforts that support the long‑term growth of the aviation team.

You will be joining a dynamic and client‑focused team with a growing portfolio of work across regional and defence airports, including Leeds Bradford, Alderney, Norwich, Bournemouth, Guernsey, and BAE Warton. With a strong pipeline of opportunities and a collaborative operating model, this role offers significant scope for leadership, influence, and career progression.

You will bring strong technical competence in runway and taxiway design, pavement rehabilitation, and drainage integration. Proficiency in DMG 27 pavement design and a solid understanding of UK 139, ICAO, and EASA regulations are essential. While AGL and electrical design are handled by specialists, you will be expected to review and coordinate these interfaces to ensure alignment with civil works and operational needs.

You will also assess hydrological assumptions and drainage system capacity, ensuring that all elements of the design are integrated and operable. Your ability to resolve unfamiliar technical challenges and deliver outputs that meet rigorous client and peer review standards will be critical to success in this role.

As the primary client liaison, you will ensure clarity, responsiveness, and trust throughout the project lifecycle. You will lead technical discussions, present design concepts, and translate complex engineering into actionable insights for non‑technical stakeholders. At major airports, you will operate as a technical peer, aligning design decisions with operational and commercial objectives. For smaller or regional airports, you will guide clients through scoping, standards interpretation, and delivery readiness.

Internally, you will coordinate survey teams, geomatics specialists, and ground investigation inputs, integrating outputs into coherent design packages. You will also represent the business at conferences and networking events to strengthen relationships and secure future opportunities.

This is a leadership role within the aviation team, requiring the ability to manage resources across multiple projects, maintain quality standards, and ensure timely delivery. You will mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing guidance on technical challenges, professional development, and chartership progression. You will promote knowledge sharing, encourage innovation, and support the adoption of digital design tools such as Civil 3D and BIM workflows.

Cross‑disciplinary coordination with architectural and building services teams will be essential to deliver integrated, operable solutions that respect operational phasing and safety requirements.

Commercial acumen is integral to the role. You…