Associate​/Associate Director - Airport Civil Engineer

Apply Your Expertise to Shape the Future of our cities and environments.

At AtkinsRéalis, our Design & Advanced Technology practice brings together some of the UK's most diverse engineering and design expertise to tackle the most complex challenges facing our clients and communities.

We are seeking an Associate or Associate Director Civil Airport Engineer to join our growing Aviation team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced airport engineering professional to play a key leadership role within the business, combining technical excellence with strategic direction, client leadership, and business growth. Operating across major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, as well as an expanding portfolio of international commissions, you will help shape the future of aviation infrastructure while contributing to the growth of one of the industry's leading airport engineering practices.

You will join a business founded on deep technical expertise, operational understanding and a collaborative, solutions-focused culture. We are well established across the UK's major airports and continue to expand our international presence across Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

You will lead the planning, design and delivery of complex airport infrastructure projects, including airfield, landside and terminal-related developments, helping clients enhance operational performance, increase capacity, improve resilience and achieve their sustainability objectives. As a senior leader, you will play a key role in shaping our airfield civil engineering capability, leading major commissions, strengthening client relationships, and supporting the long-term development of our people, services and technical excellence.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly experienced engineer with a strong industry profile and proven leadership capability. Whether your strengths lie in technical leadership, project delivery, client development or business growth, the role offers significant scope to influence major investment programmes, shape strategic outcomes for clients, and contribute to the continued success of our aviation business.

You’ll benefit from:

• Influencing nationally significant airport infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally.
• Working on a diverse portfolio of airfield, terminal and landside developments at major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary aviation specialists across the UK and globally.
• Shaping project outcomes and client strategies from master planning and feasibility through to delivery.
• Opportunities to lead major commissions, strengthen client relationships and contribute to business growth.
• A culture that promotes innovation, technical excellence and professional development.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support work-life balance.
• Clear career progression pathways and professional development opportunities.

We offer hybrid working which involves 3 days per week being office/site based. This position can be based from our offices of London Nova, Epsom, or Manchester.

At Associate Director level, you will have accountability for technical excellence, client leadership, and commercial performance, alongside line management and mentorship responsibilities.

• Providing strategic leadership on complex UK and international airport civil engineering projects, acting as Project Director or Technical Lead as appropriate.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to airport operators, regulators, and stakeholders, building long‑term client relationships and repeat business.
• Leading the development and delivery of airfield infrastructure projects, including pavement designs, materials…