Construction (Aviation) Engineer / Manager - Airfield Infrastructure

Job Description

Job Description

Do you prefer being out in the field instead of behind a desk? Do you enjoy managing construction activities, solving problems in real time, and seeing aviation infrastructure projects come to life? If so, join TKDA's Aviation team as a Construction Engineer supporting airport construction projects throughout Minnesota and across the country.

As a member of our multi-disciplined team, you will work alongside civil engineering, electrical engineering, and planning professionals to provide services to general aviation and commercial airports across the country. As shown by our extensive portfolio, you will contribute to the rehabilitation and construction of runways, taxiways, aprons, utilities, roadways, NAVAIDS, fueling facilities, and security enhancements, which will provide you with a variety of challenging project opportunities. This position is focused on aviation construction management and field engineering. Candidates should have education or experience related to construction engineering, construction management, civil engineering, transportation infrastructure, or similar disciplines. 

In this position, you will oversee construction operations of various projects at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, general aviation airports throughout greater Minnesota, and at various commercial airports throughout the country for commercial airlines. This position is primarily field-based and requires frequent travel to active airport construction sites throughout Minnesota dn other airport locations around the United States. You will be responsible for ensuring day-to-day construction activities are consistent with the plans and specifications. You will also collaborate with contractors and airport and/or airline representatives to review and provide input on construction issues and inspect activities in accordance with quality standards and code requirements to ensure projects come in on time and under budget with minimal change orders.

While on-site, you will serve as an advisor throughout the construction process by attending pre-construction and progress meetings, providing on-site routine technical and safety representation, preparing and presenting status reports, negotiating change orders, identifying issues and providing assistance in resolving construction and design related challenges. You will also be responsible for determining desired/required material specifications and coordinating material testing, conducting surveys, measuring quantities for payment, logging and photographing observation and construction activities, and assisting or providing guidance to construction inspectors. While in the office, you will assist with the development of proposals, estimate project budgets and schedules, and conduct constructability reviews of project plans.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related infrastructure-focused discipline.

• Recent graduate or experienced professional with up to five years of progressive transportation or municipal construction management experience.
• Experience supporting airport construction, runway rehabilitation, taxiway reconstruction, utility improvements, or other heavy civil infrastructure projects is highly desirable. 
• Strong working knowledge of construction methods/practices, the preparation and assembly of construction documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately interpret and verify engineering specifications and construction plans in accordance with construction operation activities and requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to participate in and lead discussions during plan reviews, progress meetings, project team meetings, and site observations.
• Basic working knowledge of AutoCAD or Civil 3D.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to travel up to 75% to perform site inspections/observations ; overnight travel may be required.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round on active construction sites and in close proximity to active airport operations; ability to work overnight hours on occasion during primary construction season (April – October).
• Ability to carry up to 50 pounds across rough terrain and stand for extended periods of time to perform observation and inspection responsibilities. 

• Authorization to work permanently in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. TKDA does not provide employment visa sponsorship or transfers.

Advantageous Qualifications

• FAA licensed drone pilot.
• Previous experience conducting engineering, as-built, and topographic surveys for transportation, utility design, or similar infrastructure projects; working knowledge of total stations, global positioning system (GPS) and data collectors.
• Previous experience processing survey field data to develop background AutoCAD drawings.
• Valid Construction Site Management, Erosion & Sediment Control, or Concrete Inspection certifications. 

The listed salary range reflects only the starting base pay range for candidates with 0-5 years of related experience. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.

Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.

Note: To be considered for this position and to perform the assigned responsibilities, the selected candidate must complete and pass all background and security requests required by state and/or federal agencies responsible for aviation operations as a condition of employment.

Join Our 100% Employee-Owned Firm

At our company, every employee is an owner. From the front desk to the corner office, every one of our 430+ professionals thrive on collaboration and holistic development. Our success is collective, and so are the rewards.

Comprehensive Benefits

Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one

Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses

HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan

401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals

ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits

Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year

Upon receiving a formal offer, you will get a personalized Total Compensation Overview (TCO) to see how everything adds up and what it looks like to be part of our community.

TKDA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristics protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, all applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. 

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future visa sponsorship needs or requirements. TKDA does not sponsor any type of employment visas, including but not limited to H‑1B, F‑1 OPT/CPT, TN, or other work authorization programs.

*Pre-Employment Screening*

Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.

*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*

TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.