Aviation Practice Leader

The Opportunity

Lead in Houston's Booming Aviation Market | Employee Ownership

 

RS&H seeks an experienced Aviation Discipline Leader to build and lead our Houston aviation practice. This isn't just a management role – it's an opportunity where you'll become our go-to aviation engineering leader in the Houston market while building equity in a nationally-recognized, employee-owned firm. You'll have autonomy to build the Houston practice while being supported by our national aviation expertise and multidisciplinary capabilities. In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead, develop and deliver projects of varying sizes and complexity, manage the client relationship, grow your team, and assist the team in winning work. We're offering partnership, not just employment.

 

 

Why Houston? Why Now?

 

Houston sits at the center of one of America's most dynamic aviation markets. With explosive regional growth, a booming aerospace sector, and accelerating infrastructure investment across Southeast Texas, there's never been a better time to lead aviation infrastructure development.

 

What You'll Do

 

Own the Market

• Establish RS&H as the premier aviation engineering firm across Southeast Texas
• Build deep relationships with airport authorities, airlines, and key stakeholders throughout the region
• Drive business development from the Gulf Coast to Central Texas
• Lead local industry engagement and professional networks

 

Build the Practice

• Recruit and mentor top engineering talent from Houston's strong technical workforce
• Lead projects spanning airfield design, terminal infrastructure, utilities, and everything in between
• Oversee project execution from concept through construction—managing contracts, quality, budget, and client satisfaction
• Collaborate with Houston-based multidisciplinary teams while leveraging national resources

 

Shape Your Future

• Define strategic direction for the Houston practice alongside senior leadership
• Work directly with senior leadership to deploy aviation initiatives across the state
• Participate in firm equity and bonus programs

 

What We're Looking For

 

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering from ABET-accredited program
• 12+ years of aviation or infrastructure engineering experience
• Texas PE license (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• Proven success leading design teams and managing client relationships
• Strong business development track record
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Willingness to travel across Southeast Texas (typically day trips)

 

What Will Make You a Perfect Fit:

• Established relationships within Texas aviation markets
• Active in regional professional organizations
• Experience with FAA grant programs and airport funding
• Background spanning design and construction administration

 

Our Commitment

• Employee ownership with clear path to equity
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Professional development and mentorship
• Work-life balance in one of America's most livable cities
• Collaborative culture where your leadership shapes our direction

 

Why RS&H

As an employee-owned firm, your contributions directly impact your future. An Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 6 Aviation Design Firm with an eye on employee culture, RS&H offers the stability of a national firm with the flexibility and culture of a collaborative team that values innovation and professional growth.

 

We serve airports nationwide as trusted advisors, delivering expertise in airfield design, environmental planning, and resiliency. Our integrated approach and collaborative culture enable you to work on meaningful projects while continuously developing your skills.

 

What We Offer

• Path to employee ownership
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Professional development and technical training
• Diverse project portfolio across the aviation sector
• Houston's exceptional quality of life with Texas-sized opportunities

 

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