Airport Civil Construction Engineer

Position Title:

Airport Civil Construction Engineer

Job Description:

As a registered Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or Project Management Professional (PMP), serves as the Owner’s field-based Civil Construction Engineer for complex airport capital improvement projects, with a primary focus on construction-phase execution. Projects may be located landside or airside at any of the three system airports and typically exceed $25M in construction value.

This position applies engineering judgment in the field to interpret contract documents, evaluate field conditions, and support implementation of the design in accordance with design intent, operational constraints, and regulatory requirements, in coordination with the Project Manager and Engineer of Record as required. While this role may support project management functions such as scope, budget, and schedule coordination, the primary emphasis is on field presence, construction coordination, and real-time technical problem solving during construction.

About the Position:

We are seeking an experienced civil construction professional to join our team as an Airport Civil Construction Engineer, supporting the delivery of critical airport infrastructure. This is primarily a construction-phase, field-based role focused on active construction execution, field coordination, and real-time engineering support. Serving as the Owner’s on-site engineering representative, you will work closely with contractors, inspectors, and project teams to ensure work is executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with design intent. You will play a key role in resolving field conditions as they arise, coordinating day-to-day construction activities, and keeping complex capital projects moving forward. This is a hands-on role where your technical expertise and decision-making directly support successful construction delivery in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

Position Salary Range:

$114,750 to $135,498 based on qualifications and experience.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)

• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• Paid vacation and personal leave

• 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available

• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)

• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually

• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

Typical Duties:

Primary focus of this position is construction-phase execution, field coordination, and engineering support during active construction.

• Serves as the Owner’s on-site engineering representative during construction, with a primary responsibility for field-based coordination, technical interpretation, and resolution of construction-phase issues, including review of RFIs, submittals, and field conditions for alignment with design intent, constructability, and operational impacts. Coordinates technical resolutions with the Project Manager and Engineer of Record as required.

• Works closely with the construction management team to oversee construction and monitor contractor performance, providing on-site engineering support, interpreting plans and specifications, and assisting in resolving field issues in real time.

• Supervises and manages in-house Airport Civil Inspectors, including assignment of daily work, oversight of inspection activities, verification of work in place, and ensuring consistency with project requirements, contract documents, and quality standards.

• Identifies design conflicts, ambiguities, and unforeseen conditions encountered during construction and facilitates resolution with the Project Manager, Engineer of Record, and project stakeholders.

• Evaluates construction sequencing, phasing, and contractor means and methods to ensure alignment with project requirements, safety, and airport operational constraints.

• Coordinates with consultants, project champion, end-users, internal departments, external stakeholders, and regulatory agencies, including regular coordination with construction personnel and inspectors to address active work in place and field conditions. Acts as central point of contact for stakeholders and keeps them informed of project activities and decisions that affect them.

• Ensures capital improvement projects are constructed in accordance with the contract documents and are completed within allotted budgets and time schedules. Identifies stakeholder needs and requirements and controls against unwanted extra work (“scope creep”).

• Develops and supports project scopes, budgets, milestone scheduling, and phasing to interface with fiscal constraints and airport operational needs. Identifies potential project risks and supports development of mitigation strategies.

• Assures complete designs and construction activities conform with applicable regulatory requirements, including City, State, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, advisory circulars, and Airport Improvement Program (AIP) requirements, and supports the interpretation and field implementation of those requirements during construction. Confers with appropriate stakeholders to solicit input and feedback.

• Assists in selecting consultants and specifying parameters for projects and scopes of work for consultants. Supports negotiation of consultant fees, milestone dates, and verification of scope compliance.

• Conducts pre-bid and pre-construction meetings and attends regular construction progress meetings. Has authority to negotiate and initiate contract change orders for departmental approval. Reviews and approves contractor pay requests and closeout documentation.

• Manages complex project challenges associated with an operational airport, including but not limited to tight closure deadlines, regulatory restrictions, and aviation safety. Supports the airport’s goal to “operate first, construct second,” with a priority given to safety.

• Follows established project delivery procedures and processes. Monitors project schedule, budget, and risk register throughout the life of the project and reports on project status.

• Recommends process improvements to division management.

• May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires twelve (12) years of project management experience in heavy civil or commercial building construction and the ability to successfully manage projects over $25M in construction value.

• Post-graduate education may be substituted for up to one year of the experience requirement.

• Incumbents must hold at least one of the following certifications: registered Professional Engineer (PE), licensed American Institute of Architects member (AIA), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or Project Management Professional (PMP). Out-of-state professional engineers and architects must be registered by the State of Utah within six months of employment.

• Ability to use computers, express ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing, and relate well with the general public, tenants, consultants, contractors, government personnel, supervisors, subordinates and co-workers. A focus on customer service and building good relationships with project stakeholders is essential.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license or driving privilege card.

• For airport civil project managers: Knowledge of engineering principles, codes, requirements and regulations relating to municipal engineering planning, design, construction and operation. Working knowledge of contract administration as related to municipal projects. Preference will be given to candidates who have previous experience managing FAA-funded civil projects at a commercial service airport or are an AAAE Certified Member.    

• For airport facility project managers: Knowledge of building construction and codes (building, fire, plumbing, mechanical and electrical) and knowledge of facility maintenance and management practices and sustainable building practices. Preference will be given to candidates who have previous experience managing airport terminal or facility projects at a commercial service airport or are an AAAE Certified Member.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funded or regulated airport projects, including familiarity with FAA Advisory Circulars and Airport Improvement Program (AIP) requirements preferred.

• Experience supporting or leading construction-phase activities for civil infrastructure projects, preferably in an airport environment.

• Experience with airfield, paving, grading, drainage, and underground utility systems.

• Strong ability to interpret construction documents and apply engineering judgment in field conditions.

• Experience working directly with project and construction management teams, inspectors, consultants, contractors, and other project stakeholders.

• Experience supervising or leading civil construction inspection staff.

• Experience in a Resident Engineer (RE) or field engineering role.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Utah or ability to obtain within the specified timeframe preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Light to moderate physical activity, including intermittent sitting, standing, and walking, with regular field presence on active construction sites that may require navigating uneven terrain and outdoor conditions.

• Intermittent exposure to stressful situations as the result of human behavior.

• Schedule is subject to irregular hours with occasionally urgent or emergency work required.

• Work may occur in active construction and secured airport environments, requiring adherence to applicable safety, access, and operational protocols.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

DEPARTMENT

Airport

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40