Aviation Project Engineer 1

Why DOWL?

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you’re valued—we support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Aviation (infrastructure)

Join our team and take your career to new heights in the exciting world of aviation infrastructure. Our aviation project capabilities span the full spectrum—from securing funding and early-stage planning for existing airports to the construction of brand-new facilities. We proudly serve a diverse range of clients, including municipal and general aviation airports, small to medium hub airports, airlines, and airport tenants. With a comprehensive suite of planning, design, and construction services, we deliver seamless, cost-effective project coordination that drives real impact in the communities we serve. Be part of a team that’s shaping the future of air travel, one project at a time.

Summary

Take the lead in shaping the future of aviation as an Aviation Design Project Manager. In this full-time role, you'll play a key part in the engineering and design of impactful airport improvement projects—from small general aviation airports to major commercial international hubs. You’ll manage and contribute to a wide range of initiatives, including airport layout plans, master plans, system plans, and environmental assessments, all while ensuring compliance with FAA standards. Your work will span AutoCAD Civil 3D design, technical writing, research, public involvement, and coordination on both aviation and broader transportation or community design projects. If you're ready to apply your skills in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where your contributions help keep airports safe, efficient, and future-ready, we invite you to join our team.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software

Technical Expertise

Teamwork

Team player who leads small teams (1-2 people) to complete challenging assignments. Is an independent thinker, provides clear communication and direction to others, and takes responsibility for results.

Project Delivery

Produces the following independently and oversees others with less experience:

Understanding Budget and Schedule

Strong understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets. Demonstrates ability to predict and deliver individual tasks within a set level of effort. Consistently meets budget and schedule expectations on projects. Develops budgets and schedules for complex tasks, breaks down complex projects into logical tasks, and mentors others. Demonstrates ability to prioritize multiple assignments to successfully deliver projects on time and on budget.

Industry Standards and Regulations

Interprets, selects, and employs design codes FAA advisory circulars, FAA orders and engineering briefs, and state-specific standard specifications with advanced skill. Actively mentors others on interpreting design codes. Understands limitations of design codes.

Client Interaction

Frequent direct communications with clients to resolve technical issues on moderate to complex projects. Leads client project meetings. Understands appropriate messaging and legal risks.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Performs advanced levels of technical work on large, complex projects as a trusted technical member of the market sector. Operates with a high level of autonomy. Reviews the work of others. May perform some project management tasks.

Supervisory Duties

May be a supervisor:

Education and/or Experience

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Position may include periodic site visits and inspection work on project sites.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.