National Aviation Runway Design Lead
About The Position
At WSP, we are driven by inspiring future-ready solutions—and today’s aviation infrastructure plays a critical role in shaping how communities connect. Our Aviation team partners with airport owners and public agencies nationwide to deliver runway, taxiway, and airfield infrastructure projects that are safe, resilient, and sustainable. We are seeking a National Runway Design Lead to provide technical leadership, project delivery oversight, and business development support across WSP’s aviation platform in the U.S. This position may be based out of any mutually agreed upon WSP USA Office, with a preference to our Northeast Locations. This is a senior technical and leadership role focused on leading, winning, and delivering runway and airfield design projects nationwide. You will serve as a trusted technical authority for clients and internal teams, supporting pursuits, shaping design strategy, mentoring staff, and ensuring consistent delivery excellence across our Aviation practice.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (or related discipline)
- Professional Engineer (PE) license (multi-state registration preferred)
- 15+ years of experience in aviation and airfield design
- Deep expertise in runway and taxiway design, pavement design, grading, drainage, and airfield geometry
- Thorough working knowledge of FAA standards, including AC 150/5300-series
- Proven experience supporting or leading pursuits, proposals, and client interviews
- Strong communication skills and ability to work across geographically distributed teams
Nice To Haves
- Experience leading national or multi-region aviation programs
- Design-Build or Progressive Design-Build experience
- Established relationships with airport owners and aviation stakeholders
- Experience mentoring and developing technical teams
- Active involvement in aviation or transportation industry organizations
Responsibilities
- Serving as WSP’s national technical lead for runway and airfield pavement design projects
- Leading and overseeing planning, design, and delivery of runway, taxiway, apron, and airfield infrastructure projects
- Providing technical leadership and QA/QC oversight to project teams across multiple regions
- Acting as a key pursuit and proposal leader, supporting competitive strategies, technical approaches, and client interviews
- Collaborating with regional aviation leaders on business development, capture planning, and client relationship management
- Supporting Design-Build and Alternative Delivery projects, including reviews, risk mitigation, and execution strategies
- Mentoring and developing aviation and airfield engineering staff nationally
- Ensuring compliance with FAA Advisory Circulars, industry standards, and client requirements
- Representing WSP with airport sponsors, airlines, FAA stakeholders, and industry organizations
Benefits
- Medical coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- Disability coverage
- Life insurance
- Retirement savings
- Paid sick leave
- Paid vacation (or other personal time)
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
