Associate Director - Airport Design in Milton Keynes

This is a rare opportunity for a technically accomplished and commercially astute civil engineer to take on a leadership role within Tetra Tech RPS’s Aviation team. As Associate Civil Engineer, you will lead the delivery of complex airside infrastructure projects, shape client relationships, and mentor emerging engineering talent.

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 multidisciplinary inputs, and deliver high‑quality technical solutions.

Technical Expertise & Knowledge

• Expertise in runway and taxiway design, pavement rehabilitation, and drainage integration.
• Proficiency in DMG 27 pavement design and deep knowledge of UK 139, ICAO, and EASA regulations.
• Capability to review and coordinate AGL and electrical design interfaces, ensuring operational alignment.
• Strong ability to resolve unfamiliar technical challenges and deliver peer‑review‑grade outputs.

Stakeholder Management & Engagement

• Lead technical discussions, present design concepts, and translate complex engineering into actionable insights for non‑technical stakeholders.
• Serve as a technical peer at major airports and guide clients through scoping, standards interpretation, and delivery readiness at smaller airports.
• Coordinate survey, geomatics, and ground investigation teams, integrating outputs into coherent design packages.
• Represent the business at conferences and networking events to strengthen relationships and secure future opportunities.

Leadership, Management & Mentoring

• Manage resources across multiple projects, maintaining quality standards and ensuring timely delivery.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, provide guidance on technical challenges, professional development, and chartership progression.
• Promote knowledge sharing, encourage innovation, and support the adoption of digital design tools such as Civil 3D and BIM workflows.
• Coordinate cross‑disciplinary efforts with architectural and building services teams to deliver integrated, operable solutions.

Commercial Awareness

• Contribute to fee proposals, scopes, and design programmes, ensuring clarity of deliverables and assumptions.
• Monitor scope during delivery, manage change control, and identify opportunities for additional services.
• Understand contract forms, governance, and service agreements across operating units.
• Identify cross‑selling opportunities for survey and investigation services, managing associated logistics such as airside access and permits.
• Maintain profitability while delivering value and certainty to clients.

Project Delivery & Report Writing

• Manage projects through all stages, from feasibility and concept design to detailed design and construction support.
• Ensure programmes are realistic, actively managed, and aligned with client milestones.
• Coordinate civil, AGL, and drainage interfaces, staging designs that protect operational continuity and safety.
• Produce well‑structured, logically sequenced reports including pavement design summaries, drainage strategies, construction staging plans, risk assessments, and end‑of‑stage deliverables.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

Ideal candidates will hold Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with ICE or equivalent experience, extensive experience in airfield civil engineering, and a track record of managing complex projects and building strong client relationships.

Why Join Tetra Tech RPS?

We thrive on solving the problems that matter—whether in urbanisation, natural resources, or sustainability. With a collaborative culture, agile working, and access to world‑class expertise, you’ll deliver exceptional outcomes while building a fulfilling career in a forward‑thinking community.

Equal Opportunity

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 in this role, with working patterns agreed collaboratively to support wellbeing and performance.

Application

Submit your application today and discover what’s possible at Tetra Tech RPS.