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- Tasks: Lead complex airside infrastructure projects and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Company: Join Tetra Tech RPS, a leader in innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, collaborative culture, and access to industry experts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with extensive airfield civil engineering experience.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and involvement in exciting projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking an experienced civil engineer with a strong background in airfield design and multidisciplinary project delivery to lead the delivery of complex airside infrastructure projects, shape client relationships, and mentor the next generation of engineering talent within Tetra Tech RPS’s Aviation team.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
You will take ownership of projects from feasibility through to construction support, ensuring compliance with UK 139, ICAO, and EASA standards. Acting as the primary point of contact for airport operators and contractors, you will manage design programmes, coordinate inputs across disciplines, and deliver high‑quality technical outputs. The role also involves mentoring junior engineers and contributing to business development efforts that support long‑term growth for the aviation team.
Technical Expertise & Knowledge
Strong competence in runway and taxiway design, pavement rehabilitation, and drainage integration is required. Proficiency in DMG 27 pavement design and a solid understanding of UK 139, ICAO, and EASA regulations are essential. You will review and coordinate AGL and electrical design interfaces, assess hydrological assumptions, and ensure all design elements are integrated and operable.
Stakeholder Management & Engagement
As the primary client liaison, you will lead technical discussions, present design concepts, and translate complex engineering into actionable insights for non‑technical stakeholders. You will represent the business at conferences and networking events to strengthen relationships and secure future opportunities.
Leadership, Management & Mentoring
This is a leadership role requiring the ability to manage resources across multiple projects, maintain quality standards, and ensure timely delivery. You will mentor junior engineers and technicians, promote knowledge sharing, encourage innovation, and support the adoption of digital design tools such as Civil 3D and BIM workflows.
Commercial Awareness
You will contribute to the preparation of fee proposals, scopes, and design programmes, monitor scope, manage change control, and identify opportunities for additional services. Your overarching objective will be to maintain profitability while delivering value and certainty to clients.
Project Delivery & Report Writing
You will manage projects through all stages, from feasibility and concept design to detailed design and construction support. Technical reporting is a critical responsibility, typically accounting for up to ten percent of your workload. Reports must be well‑structured, logically sequenced, and tailored to project‑specific requirements, covering pavement design summaries, drainage strategies, construction staging plans, risk assessments, and end‑of‑stage deliverables.
Training, Qualifications & Experience
Ideally, you will hold a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with ICE or equivalent experience. You should have extensive experience in airfield civil engineering and multidisciplinary project delivery, with a track record of managing complex projects and building strong client relationships.
Why Join Tetra Tech RPS
At Tetra Tech RPS, we thrive on solving the problems that matter—from urbanisation to sustainability. With a collaborative culture, agile working, and access to some of the brightest minds in the industry, we empower our teams to deliver exceptional outcomes while building fulfilling careers.
Application
Submit your application today and discover what’s possible at Tetra Tech RPS. In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. Flexible working options are available, with working patterns agreed collaboratively to support wellbeing and performance.
Recruitment Agencies: We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.
Associate Director - Airport Design in Leeds employer: RPS
Contact Detail:
RPS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Airport Design in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, conferences, and meet-ups to connect with professionals in airport design. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best projects in airfield design and multidisciplinary project delivery. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers or clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out! If you see a role that excites you, apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Mentorship matters! Seek out mentors in the field who can provide guidance and insights. We believe that learning from experienced professionals can give you an edge in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Airport Design in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your expertise in airfield design and project delivery to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Associate Director role. Share your passion for mentoring and how you can contribute to our aviation team’s growth.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in DMG 27 pavement design and your understanding of UK 139, ICAO, and EASA regulations. We love seeing candidates who know their stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get back to you!
How to prepare for a job interview at RPS
✨Know Your Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in UK 139, ICAO, and EASA standards. Brush up on the specifics of airfield design and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these regulations. This shows you’re not just familiar but also serious about compliance.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of complex projects you've managed from feasibility to construction support. Highlight your ability to coordinate across disciplines and manage design programmes. This will demonstrate your leadership capabilities and readiness for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can translate complex engineering concepts into layman's terms. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully communicated with non-technical stakeholders in the past. This is key for building client relationships and ensuring project success.
✨Mentorship Matters
Reflect on your mentoring experiences and how you’ve supported junior engineers. Be ready to share specific instances where you promoted knowledge sharing or encouraged innovation. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also invested in developing future talent.
