At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex airport design projects and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Company: Join Tetra Tech RPS, a global leader in innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on aviation infrastructure while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Chartered or Incorporated Engineer with extensive airfield civil engineering experience.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Lead the delivery of complex airside infrastructure projects within Tetra Tech RPS’s Aviation team. As Associate Civil Engineer, you will shape client relationships, lead technical delivery, and mentor the next generation of engineering talent. This role focuses on technical excellence, stakeholder engagement, and driving innovation in airport design.
Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of complex airside infrastructure projects from feasibility through construction support.
- Manage design programmes, coordinate inputs across disciplines, and ensure compliance with UK 139, ICAO, and EASA standards.
- Act as primary point of contact for airport operators and contractors; mentor junior engineers and contribute to business development for aviation team growth.
- Coordinate interfaces with AGL and electrical design to ensure alignment with civil works and operational needs.
- Review hydrological assumptions and drainage system capacity; deliver integrated, operable designs.
- Represent the business at conferences and networking events to strengthen relationships and secure future opportunities.
Technical Expertise & Knowledge
- Strong competence in runway and taxiway design, pavement rehabilitation, and drainage integration.
- Proficiency in DMG 27 pavement design.
- Solid understanding of UK 139, ICAO, and EASA regulations.
- Coordinate and review interfaces with AGL and electrical design to ensure alignment with civil works and operational needs.
Stakeholder Management & Engagement
- Lead technical discussions, present design concepts, and translate complex engineering into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
- Operate as a technical peer at major airports; guide scoping and delivery readiness for smaller/regional airports.
- Coordinate survey teams, geomatics specialists, and ground investigation inputs; integrate outputs into coherent design packages.
- Represent the business at conferences and networking events to strengthen relationships and secure opportunities.
Leadership, Management & Mentoring
- Leadership role within the aviation team; manage resources across multiple projects and maintain quality standards.
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians; support chartership progression and professional development.
- Promote knowledge sharing and adoption of digital design tools (e.g., Civil 3D, BIM workflows); coordinate with architectural and building services teams.
Commercial Awareness
- Contribute to fee proposals, scopes, and design programmes; monitor scope and manage change control.
- Identify opportunities for additional services and cross-selling; understand contract forms and internal governance.
- Manage logistics for airside access and permits; aim to maintain profitability while delivering value to clients.
Project Delivery & Report Writing
- Manage projects from feasibility to construction support; ensure realistic programmes aligned with client milestones and operational constraints.
- Coordinate civil, AGL, and drainage interfaces; develop staging plans that protect operations and safety.
- Prepare technical reports (roughly up to 10% of workload) that are well-structured and tailored to project requirements (pavement design summaries, drainage strategies, construction staging, risk assessments).
Training, Qualifications & Experience
- Ideally Chartered or Incorporated Engineer with ICE, or equivalent experience.
- Extensive experience in airfield civil engineering and multidisciplinary project delivery; track record of managing complex projects and building strong client relationships.
Why Join
Join Tetra Tech RPS to work with a collaborative culture, agile working, and opportunities to contribute to impactful projects in water, environment, infrastructure, and clean energy. We are part of Tetra Tech, a global leader with a broad network and shared purpose.
Equality & Adjustments: 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 patterns agreed to support wellbeing and performance.
Application & Agency Note Submit your application to be considered for this role. We operate a Preferred Supplier List for recruitment agencies and do not acknowledge speculative CVs from agencies not on the list.
Associate Director - Airport Design in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: RPS
Contact Detail:
RPS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Airport Design in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and conferences where you can meet key players in airport design. Don’t be shy; introduce yourself and chat about your passion for airside infrastructure projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with runway and taxiway design, as well as any innovative projects you've led. This will help you stand out when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in reaching out! If you see a job 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
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on UK 139, ICAO, and EASA standards. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed complex projects and mentored junior engineers, as these are key aspects of the Associate Director role.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Airport Design in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Director - Airport Design role. Highlight your technical expertise in airside infrastructure projects and any relevant leadership experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about airport design and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any innovative projects you've led!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Since this role involves a lot of interaction with clients and contractors, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in your application. We love seeing candidates who can communicate complex ideas clearly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being considered. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at RPS
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of runway and taxiway design, as well as drainage integration. Be ready to discuss UK 139, ICAO, and EASA regulations in detail, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers and managing resources, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight any experience you have in guiding others and promoting knowledge sharing.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex engineering concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Prepare a few examples of how you've effectively engaged with clients or contractors in previous roles, as this will show your capability in stakeholder management.
✨Prepare for Project Delivery Questions
Expect questions about your experience managing projects from feasibility to construction support. Think of specific projects where you coordinated civil, AGL, and drainage interfaces, and be ready to discuss how you ensured quality and compliance throughout the process.