Construction (Aviation) Engineer / Manager - Airfield Infrastructure

TKDA•Bloomington, MN

4d•$73,600 - $81,800•Onsite

About The Position

TKDA is seeking a Construction Engineer to support aviation construction projects at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, general aviation airports throughout greater Minnesota, and commercial airports across the country. The role is part of a multidisciplinary Aviation team working with civil engineering, electrical engineering, and planning professionals. Projects include runway, taxiway, apron, utility, roadway, NAVAID, fueling-facility, and security improvements. The position focuses on aviation construction management and field engineering, is primarily field-based, and requires frequent travel to active airport construction sites. The Construction Engineer oversees day-to-day construction activities, checks conformance with plans and specifications, collaborates with contractors and airport or airline representatives, and inspects work for quality and code compliance. The role helps deliver projects on schedule and within budget while minimizing change orders. On site, the employee attends pre-construction and progress meetings; provides routine technical and safety representation; prepares and presents status reports; negotiates change orders; identifies issues and helps resolve construction and design challenges; determines material specifications and coordinates material testing; conducts surveys; measures quantities for payment; documents observations and construction activities; and assists or guides construction inspectors. Office responsibilities include assisting with proposals, estimating project budgets and schedules, and conducting constructability reviews of project plans. The role may involve working outdoors year-round near active airport operations, occasional overnight work during the primary construction season, and carrying materials or equipment across rough terrain. Travel may be up to 75%, including overnight travel. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship and must pass required pre-employment, background, and aviation security screening.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related infrastructure-focused discipline.
Recent graduate or experienced professional with up to five years of progressive transportation or municipal construction management experience.
Strong working knowledge of construction methods and practices and preparation and assembly of construction documentation.
Ability to interpret and verify engineering specifications and construction plans against construction operations and requirements.
Strong interpersonal skills and effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to participate in and lead discussions during plan reviews, progress meetings, project team meetings, and site observations.
Basic working knowledge of AutoCAD or Civil 3D.
Working knowledge of MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to travel up to 75% for site inspections or observations; overnight travel may be required.
Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
Ability to work outdoors year-round on active construction sites and near active airport operations, and to work overnight occasionally during the primary construction season (April–October).
Ability to carry up to 50 pounds across rough terrain and stand for extended periods to perform observation and inspection responsibilities.
Authorization to work permanently in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship; TKDA does not provide employment visa sponsorship or transfers.
Ability to complete required pre-employment background screening and pass state or federal background and security requirements for aviation operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting airport construction, runway rehabilitation, taxiway reconstruction, utility improvements, or other heavy civil infrastructure projects.
FAA-licensed drone pilot.
Experience conducting engineering, as-built, and topographic surveys for transportation, utility design, or similar infrastructure projects; working knowledge of total stations, GPS, and data collectors.
Experience processing survey field data to develop background AutoCAD drawings.
Valid Construction Site Management, Erosion & Sediment Control, or Concrete Inspection certifications.

Responsibilities

Oversee construction operations for aviation infrastructure projects at airports in Minnesota and across the country.
Ensure day-to-day construction activities comply with plans and specifications.
Collaborate with contractors and airport or airline representatives to review construction issues and provide input.
Inspect construction activities for compliance with quality standards and code requirements.
Attend pre-construction and progress meetings and provide on-site technical and safety representation.
Prepare and present project status reports.
Negotiate change orders and identify and help resolve construction- and design-related challenges.
Determine desired or required material specifications and coordinate material testing.
Conduct surveys and measure quantities for payment.
Log and photograph observations and construction activities.
Assist or provide guidance to construction inspectors.
Assist with proposal development, estimate project budgets and schedules, and conduct constructability reviews of project plans.