At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead civil engineering design for airside projects and manage multiple projects effectively.
- Company: Leading aviation consultancy with a focus on innovative airfield infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible location, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with genuine responsibility and influence in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Gain exposure to high-profile aviation projects while maintaining hands-on technical delivery.
- Qualifications: Experience in airside civil engineering and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
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.
Lead Design Engineer in London employer: Carbon60
Join a leading aviation consultancy that values hands-on design and project management, offering a flexible UK location and the opportunity to work on high-profile airside infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will enjoy a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and direct client engagement, ensuring your contributions are recognised and impactful. This role provides a unique blend of technical leadership and project delivery, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the aviation sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Design Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend aviation events, and engage on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and having your own questions ready. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Design Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience with airside civil engineering projects and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your project management experience and how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Let us know why you’re excited about working with us!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills related to airside infrastructure, like your knowledge of DMG 27 and UK CAA regulations. We’re keen to see how your expertise can contribute to our projects, so make it clear in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carbon60
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in your past airside civil engineering projects. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you managed them, and the outcomes. This shows your hands-on experience and ability to lead effectively.
✨Understand the Technical Details
Brush up on relevant regulations like DMG 27 and CAP 168, as well as your knowledge of AGL and drainage interfaces. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will demonstrate your technical expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients and stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your communication strategies and how you’ve balanced their needs with project goals. This is crucial for a role that requires strong client-facing skills.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Project Management
Since this role involves managing multiple projects, be prepared to talk about your project management approach. Discuss how you balance design quality, programme, and cost, and share any tools or methodologies you use to keep everything on track.