Lead design engineer

Airside Civil Engineering Design Lead / Project Manager


📍 Flexible UK location | ✈️ Aviation & Airports | Permanent staff position | Salary commensurate with experience + benefits | Full UK Working Rights Required


We’re working with a leading aviation consultancy to recruit an Airside Civil Engineering Design Lead / Project Manager to support the delivery of airfield infrastructure projects across the UK.

This is a hands‑on design and delivery role, suited to someone who enjoys leading civil design while managing projects, stakeholders and fees — rather than a strategic Associate Director position.


The Role

You’ll lead the civil engineering design of airside projects while ensuring effective delivery across multiple workstreams. Operating in live airport environments, you’ll coordinate multidisciplinary inputs, engage directly with clients and manage programmes and budgets.


This role sits at the intersection of technical design leadership and project management.


Key Responsibilities

* Lead civil engineering design for airside infrastructure (runways, taxiways, aprons).
* Manage multiple projects concurrently, balancing design quality, programme and cost.
* Coordinate interfaces with AGL and drainage disciplines.
* Engage with airport operators and wider project stakeholders.
* Prepare and manage fee proposals, scopes and change control.
* Support projects from concept through detailed design and into construction support.


Experience & Knowledge

We’re looking for someone with:


* Proven experience delivering airside civil engineering projects.
* Experience working in live airport operational environments.
* Working knowledge of:

DMG 27

UK CAA UK 139

CAP 168

* An appreciation and understanding of AGL and airside drainage interfaces.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.


Chartership (ICE) is desirable but not essential if experience is demonstrable.


Who This Suits

* A Design Lead, Senior Engineer or Project Manager ready to take ownership of delivery.
* Someone comfortable being client‑facing and accountable for outcomes.
* A practical, delivery‑focused engineer who wants to stay close to the work.


Why Apply

* Exposure to high‑profile aviation infrastructure projects.
* Flexible UK location with travel to airport sites.
* A role with genuine responsibility and influence, without stepping away from technical delivery.


📩 Interested or want to discuss further?

Apply directly or contact me for a confidential conversation.