National Aviation Civil Engineering Practice Leader

Job Description

Why join us?

AtkinsRéalis is growing fast in the U.S.—and there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of our journey.

We’re committed to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. That means creating solutions that matter, and building a workplace where every voice is heard, every perspective counts, and everyone belongs.

By connecting people, data, and technology across our global network, we’re tackling some of the world’s most complex challenges. And we’re looking for passionate, driven professionals like you to help shape what’s next.

Let’s build the future—together.

We are seeking a National Aviation Civil Engineering Practice Leader to join our team.

About Us

AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. For over 50 years, we’ve partnered with public and private clients across the U.S. to deliver infrastructure planning, engineering, construction, environmental consulting, urban planning, architecture, and program management. Our depth and breadth of expertise enables us to tackle the most technically complex and time-sensitive projects—driving innovation, resilience, and real-world impact where it matters most.

How will you contribute to the team?

Strategic and Team Leadership

• Provide leadership to a large team made up multiple design groups for the aviation civil engineering practice. This group includes airfield, airfield electrical, and landside engineers, among other subject matter experts.

• Inspire and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, project managers, and technical staff. Champion a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous professional development.
• Develop and implement national strategies for aviation civil engineering projects that align with organizational goals, industry trends, and regulatory frameworks.
• Build and structure technical delivery teams with appropriate skills for effective project delivery
• Identify key industry talent and hire key staff based on market strategy

Strategic Growth

• Expand upon existing strategies to drive organizational growth across the U.S. aviation market.
• Build personal relationships with partner firms, clients and contractors in support of strategic initiatives.
• Advise leadership on capabilities of resources that enable market growth and improve geographic reach.
• Identify gaps in resources that inhibit growth and develop plans to address them.

Project Oversight

• Lead all phases of airport infrastructure projects—including planning, budgeting, design, permitting, and construction—ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and timely delivery.
• Support project management in accountability of financial performance and productivity during project delivery.
• Work closely and coordinate with Regional Managers, Project Directors, Project Mangers, Commercial Managers, Legal/Contract and corporate finance during project delivery.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with applicable FAA, ICAO, TSA, and other federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental and safety standards.
• Maintain training of staff on design requirements and regulatory compliance.

Industry Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison with the aviation industry partners such as AAAE, ACI-NA, and other organizations that support the aviation engineering practice.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison with airport operators, federal agencies (e.g., FAA), state DOTs, consultants, and contractors to foster strong, collaborative relationships.

Technical Expertise

• Provide expert guidance and approvals on complex design elements such as pavement engineering, grading and drainage, utility coordination, and airside/landside integration.

Risk Management

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks throughout project planning and execution, including environmental, geotechnical, and construction-related challenges.
• Work in close collaboration with commercial, contracts, finance, legal on the oversight and management of change management, scope in the course of delivery.
• Demonstrate familiarity with typical contracts, legal and commercial terms impacting delivery of design work.

What will you contribute?

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering required; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.

• Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) license required; eligibility for licensing in multiple states preferred.

• Experience: Minimum 15 years