Manager, Civil Engineering

About the role

You will establish yourself as the definitive subject matter expert for your assigned group, driving the technical direction and execution of all civil engineering initiatives. In this capacity, you will own the full lifecycle development of complex projects, translating strategic objectives into actionable plans and deliverables. You will synthesize intricate technical concepts into clear guidance that ensures alignment with aviation standards and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, you will cultivate a culture of continuous improvement by championing the adoption of new methods and sustaining a high level of professional development. You will also act as a critical thought partner, resolving advanced engineering challenges and supporting solutioning for multifaceted project constraints. In addition, you will mentor team members by providing technical coaching and fostering their growth toward greater responsibility. You will steward the allocation of resources and effort to maintain project momentum and uphold quality standards. Ultimately, your leadership will ensure that all outputs are robust, code-compliant, and strategically positioned to support the organization's long-term goals.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead the scoping and conceptual design phase for taxiway and runway projects, ensuring feasibility and alignment with aviation operational needs.

Develop detailed design packages for deicing facilities, integrating environmental considerations and operational workflows into the final documentation.

Champion the application of advanced pavement design methodologies, validating structural solutions through rigorous analysis and peer review.

Spearhead the planning and design of roadway networks within aviation environments, coordinating with stakeholders to address access and safety requirements.

Own the development of utility infrastructure strategies, ensuring connectivity and compliance with aviation security and operational standards.

Execute comprehensive grading and drainage analyses, mitigating water intrusion risks and supporting resilient airfield performance.

Provide technical leadership in the creation of striping and signage plans, emphasizing clarity, regulatory adherence, and operational efficiency.

Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration, aligning engineering deliverables with scheduling, cost control, and quality expectations.

Conduct detailed reviews of contract documents, identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and opportunities for constructability improvements.

Mentor junior engineers by offering technical direction, feedback, and career development guidance within project environments.

Champion the documentation of design rationales, decisions, and assumptions to ensure traceability and future reuse of knowledge.

Drive the implementation of updated standards and best practices, embedding continuous learning into everyday project execution.

Oversee the production of high-quality technical reports and construction-ready drawings that meet client and regulatory expectations.

Proactively manage emerging critical issues, coordinating timely interventions to maintain project delivery integrity.

Requirements

You must hold a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related technical field from an accredited institution.

You are required to possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license or demonstrable eligibility to obtain one in the jurisdiction where work is performed.

You must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering, with a focus on aviation or transportation sectors.

You are expected to maintain current knowledge of relevant aviation standards, industry codes, and local design regulations.

You must have proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing multiple concurrent projects.

You should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying technical information to diverse audiences.

You must be proficient in industry-standard design software and analysis tools relevant to civil engineering applications.

You are required to comply with company policies, safety protocols, and quality management systems without exception.

Nice to have

Preference will be given to candidates who have direct experience with airport layout planning and associated FAR/AIP criteria.

Experience with integrated stormwater management and sustainable design practices is preferred.

Familiarity with aviation pavement management systems and condition assessment methodologies is a distinct advantage.

Demonstrated background in coordinating with aviation authorities and understanding of airport master planning processes is valued.

Experience supporting the development of deicing and fueling infrastructure will be considered an asset.

Knowledge of transportation demand modeling and intersection design principles is preferred when applicable.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Chicago, Illinois.

The role may require travel to project sites as necessary to conduct reviews and coordination.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship at this time.