We are recruiting on behalf of a leading consultancy for an experienced Senior Project Engineer / Design Manager to join a long-term programme at a major UK Airport. This is a fantastic opportunity for an established design professional with strong airfields experience-particularly in runway and pavement design-to play a central role in a complex and high-profile aviation environment. This is a long term contract with a hybrid option and has been deemed inside IR35.
The Role
As Senior Project Engineer / Design Manager, you will be responsible for managing, coordinating, and assuring multidisciplinary design activities across a range of airfield and civil engineering projects. You will interface closely with internal design teams, contractors, airport stakeholders, and project leadership to ensure high-quality, safe, and compliant design delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and manage design development for airfield infrastructure projects, including runways, taxiways, aprons, and associated civil works.
Develop the design brief for external design consultants
Seek safe and cost effective design solutions to meet project requirements
Oversee design assurance, compliance, and technical quality across all design stages.
Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering inputs and ensure integration with operational airport requirements.
Monitor, co-ordinate and provide technical input into design changes throughout the construction and handover stages
Manage interfaces between design teams, contractors, and client stakeholders.
Provide technical leadership, problem solving, and design risk management.
Support project planning, reporting, and delivery against programme milestones.
Required Experience:
Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Project Engineer within aviation, airfields, or major civil engineering environments.
Strong background in runway design, pavement engineering, or airfield civil works.
Demonstratable knowledge and understanding of the technical and regulatory requirements related to Aerodrome Systems 9ie: Navigational Aids or Airfield Ground Lighting
Experience working in complex, safety-critical, or regulated environments.
Confident managing multi-stakeholder design coordination.
Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Good understanding of construction techniques and constructability issues
Preferred:
Experience working on live airport infrastructure projects.
Knowledge of ICAO, CAA, or EASA aviation design standards.
Knowledge and understanding of NEC contracts
Contract Details:
Long-term assignment with significant project pipeline.
Role determined as Inside IR35.
Competitive umbrella/day rate depending on experience