Senior Aviation Architect

Job Description

Overview  

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Senior Aviation Architect to support complex airport programs and other long‑term capital initiatives in our Denver, CO office. While aviation is a focus, the ideal candidate is a well‑rounded senior architect capable of contributing across multiple market sectors as project needs evolve.

This role is well suited to a candidate with experience spanning planning, design, documentation, and coordination, and who is motivated to continue developing their aviation expertise over time. Initial assignments may include multi‑year architectural program support for airport owners, including owner’s representative responsibilities, architectural design oversight, bridging documents and coordination of multiple consultant design teams.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of architectural delivery within complex, regulated environments, along with the adaptability, technical breadth, and collaborative mindset needed to support a diverse architectural practice.

Your role  

• Lead or assist with architectural program management for large capital programs, coordinating across multiple projects and consultant teams.
• Serve in an owner’s representative or oversight role, reviewing consultant deliverables for quality, consistency, and alignment with program standards.
• Contribute to the planning, design, and delivery of airport facilities, including terminals, concourses, renovations, and phased upgrades in active operational environments.
• Participate in programming and conceptual design, balancing operational, technical, and architectural objectives.
• Apply knowledge of airport standards, FAA guidance, and AHJ review processes, with continued development of aviation expertise.
• Contribute to schedule, budget, and phasing strategies across multi-project or multi-year efforts.
• Support client decision-making, scope development, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring alignment across project goals.
• Develop and oversee Revit-based construction documents, including preparation of bridging documents for design-build and alternative delivery models.
• Direct and mentor project teams and junior staff to produce high quality architectural deliverables.
• Coordinate with airport staff, airlines, regulatory agencies, operators, and subconsultants to support effective and well coordinated project outcomes.
• Operate successfully in stakeholder intensive environments, facilitating collaboration and issue resolution.
• Interface with clients and support business development efforts through a seller doer mindset, including pursuits and presentations.
• Review and redline drawings using Bluebeam or equivalent tools.
• Coordinate specifications and support constructability, phasing, and cost informed design decisions.
• Contribute architectural expertise to non aviation projects when staffing needs arise, including federal, institutional, civic, transportation, or other commercial work.
• Apply strong fundamentals in architectural design, documentation, and coordination across a range of project types.
• Lead or support existing facility investigations, site observations, and field documentation, particularly in occupied or operational environments.
• Bring a flexible, team oriented mindset and willingness to adapt to evolving project assignments.

About you  

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (Master’s preferred).
• Registered Architect (RA), with the ability to obtain additional licenses as required.
• 10+ years of professional experience, with a significant portion dedicated to aviation projects.
• Experience delivering projects for large or medium hub airports.
• Understanding of complex stakeholder coordination, including owner groups, airlines, and regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency in Revit, with working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Strong technical writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
• Direct experience working on projects at Denver International Airport (DEN), preferred.
• Experience leading or supporting capital improvement programs (CIP) or multi project portfolios and long-term owner programs, preferred.
• Familiarity with FAA guidelines, airport design standards, and security driven design constraints, preferred.
• Proven ability to manage phasing, constructability, and occupied facility challenges unique to airport environments, preferred.
• LEED accreditation and experience coordinating sustainability or certification efforts, preferred.

What Sets You Apart

• Aviation is your specialty—but not your limita