Airport Designer

About This Role

This new position focuses on airside infrastructure planning, design, rehabilitation, and construction support for airport projects. The role involves providing technical expertise and managing projects from planning through delivery, ensuring compliance with aviation standards. It suits a professional engineer who can lead complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and expert guidance and manage comprehensive airside civil infrastructure projects throughout the planning, design, and delivery phases, ensuring compliance with applicable aviation standards and regulatory requirements
• Conduct engineering analysis, CAD drafting, and support design development utilizing specialized aviation software, design tools, and CAD platforms for airside and terminal design tasks
• Assess and evaluate alternative technical solutions to determine feasibility, constructability, and alignment with airport operational and client needs
• Prepare, review, and provide technical input on documentation and project deliverables, ensuring consistent quality control and compliance with client and internal standards
• Coordinate contract administration and construction-phase activities, including site support and technical responses during delivery
• Lead and manage project coordination and delivery activities, including resolving design and engineering issues, tracking open items with consultants, and coordinating scope, schedule, technical inputs, and resources across internal and external teams to support successful delivery outcomes
• Collaborate with internal and external multidisciplinary specialists (including environmental science, planning, and management) to develop integrated, holistic project solutions that go beyond standard engineering
• Act as a primary client interface for assigned projects, supporting communication, decision-making, and issue resolution throughout the project lifecycle
• Support preparation of project proposals and pursuit activities, contributing technical input and delivery strategy
• Experiment with AI-enabled tools to push the boundaries of traditional design
• Commit to self-development, ongoing learning, and professional development
• Drive continuous learning and mentor intermediate/junior staff in design and project delivery methodologies, developing the next generation of tech-forward leaders
• Support the professional growth of client staff through coaching and mentorship
• Contribute to Dillon’s corporate profile through active participation in professional associations and committees
• Proactively seek and cultivate new, long-term business opportunities that align with sustainability goals and drive responsible growth
• Travel to other Dillon offices or project sites as needed to support collaboration, share knowledge, and drive growth across the firm

Requirements

• Licensed to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or eligible to register
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related technical discipline
• 5 + years of experience in airport engineering, civil design, or site development
• Proven experience applying Canadian aerodrome standards (TP312 4th and 5th editions)
• Familiarity with a range of airport types, including regional, municipal, and gravel airstrips, as well as experience with major aviation hubs
• Strong analytical and project management capabilities, with the ability to manage schedules, budget, and priorities effectively
• Experience managing or supporting infrastructure projects through design and construction
• Strong technical judgment and attention to detail, with the ability to work independently
• Exceptional organizational and coordination capabilities to manage competing priorities across multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment
• Clear and effective communication skills for client engagement and proposal preparation
• A strong collaborative mindset across disciplines and stakeholders

Nice to have:

• Specialized knowledge of airfield pavement structural design and airside infrastructure, as well as ICAO and FAA standards, to analyze designs and propose solutions
• Proficient in engineering design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, AviPLAN, SkySafe, and AutoTURN
• Demonstrated success in engaging stakeholders through strong communication skills and facilitating workshops or meetings with large groups
• Experience with Facility Alteration Permit (FAP) compliance reviews or Contract Administration (CA) is considered an asset

Benefits

• Employee share purchase plan (Dillon is 100% employee owned, and share ownership is open to all employees)
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Generous retirement savings plan
• Student loan repayment assistance with matching employer contributions
• Wellness allowance
• Generous paid vacation
• Flexible work hours and hybrid working options
• Learning and Development opportunities (coaching, mentoring, advising, and co-creation of knowledge through internal learning opportunities)
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Goodlife Fitness Corporate Membership (reduced annual membership fees)

Important Details

• Locations: any of Dillon's offices throughout Canada

About the Company

Dillon Consulting Limited is a Canadian, 100% employee-owned professional consulting firm specializing in planning, engineering, environmental science, and management. With more than 1,100 professionals across 25+ offices nationwide, Dillon has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 19 consecutive years.