Senior Project Engineer/Design Manager

Our client, a leading consultancy specialising in aviation infrastructure, is seeking an experienced Senior Project Engineer / Design Manager to join a major, long-term programme at a major UK Airport. This is a high-profile opportunity for a design professional with strong airfields expertise-particularly in runway and pavement design-to make a significant impact within a complex and safety-critical aviation environment. The role offers a hybrid working option and is within IR35 guidelines, providing long-term contract stability in a dynamic setting.

• Lead and manage design development for airfield infrastructure including runways, taxiways, aprons, and associated civil works.
• Oversee design assurance, compliance, and technical quality throughout all project stages.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering inputs, ensuring integration with operational airport requirements.
• Manage interfaces between design teams, contractors, and airport stakeholders to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Provide technical leadership, problem-solving, and risk management related to design solutions.
• Support project planning, reporting, and ensure delivery aligns with programme milestones.

• Significant experience as a Design Manager or Senior Project Engineer within aviation, airfields, or major civil engineering sectors.
• Strong background in runway and pavement design, airfield civil works, or pavement engineering.
• Experience working in complex, safety-critical, or regulated environments.
• Proven ability to manage multi-stakeholder design coordination effectively.
• Good understanding of highways design may be highly beneficial, especially in pavement, geometry, drainage, or large-scale civil works.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, capable of guiding multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience working on live airport infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of ICAO, CAA, or EASA aviation standards and regulations.

This is a long-term contract opportunity, inside IR35. The role offers competitive umbrella/day rates, dependent on experience. The position provides flexible, hybrid working options in a high-impact aviation environment.
If you have the right airfields experience and are ready to contribute to a major airport development project, apply now to join our client's dynamic team.