Aviation Civil Engineer Lead

Industry

Transportation

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by delivering innovative solutions for the world's busiest and most complex aviation environments. As an Aviation Civil Engineer, you'll contribute to high-profile airport infrastructure programs across California-supporting critical improvements that enhance safety, capacity, and passenger experience.

Working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, you'll help deliver airside and landside infrastructure through traditional and design-build delivery models, ensuring projects are constructible, efficient, and aligned with client goals.

What You'll Do

• Lead the delivery of complex aviation infrastructure projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with airport clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes and enhance airport operations.
• Manage all aspects of project delivery, including scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk management, resource planning, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring successful execution and alignment with client objectives.
• Perform civil engineering design for aviation infrastructure projects, including airfields (runways, taxiways, aprons), utilities, drainage, and landside improvements
• Collaborate with architects, planners, and construction professionals in an integrated design-build environment
• Support all phases of project delivery-from planning and preliminary design through final design and construction
• Prepare and review engineering calculations, construction documents, specifications, and technical reports
• Coordinate with airport authorities, FAA representatives, and local stakeholders across California
• Ensure designs comply with FAA standards (ACs), California codes, and local agency requirements
• Participate in design-build pursuits, including technical approach development, schedule input, and cost considerations
• Conduct site visits and provide construction-phase support, including RFIs, submittals, and field coordination
• Contribute to quality assurance and continuous improvement efforts

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering (Master's preferred)
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California, or ability to obtain
• 6-12+ years of civil engineering experience, with a focus on aviation projects
• Hands-on experience with design-build or progressive design-build delivery
• Strong knowledge of FAA design standards, airfield geometry, and grading/drainage design
• Familiarity with the California aviation market (e.g., LAX, SFO, SAN, OAK, SJC)
• Proficiency in engineering software such as Civil 3D and MicroStation/InRoads/OpenRoads
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Ideally, You'll Also Have

• Experience on large-scale airport capital improvement programs ($50M+)
• Familiarity with utility coordination, stormwater management, and sustainability practices (e.g., Envision)
• Previous involvement in design-build pursuits or proposal development
• Experience working with California public agencies and airport stakeholders

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

154,700.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

241,750.00

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $154,700.00 to $241,750.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on September 15, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.

Locations

CityStateCountrySan FranciscoCaliforniaUnited StatesIrvineCaliforniaUnited StatesSan DiegoCaliforniaUnited StatesLos AngelesCaliforniaUnited States