Aviation Pavement Lead (Federal Aviation / Airfield Infrastructure)

At GHD we are committed to addressing the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of energy, water and communities. 

About us
We are a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals providing clients with integrated solutions through engineering, environmental, design and construction expertise. 

Our future-focused, innovative approaches connect and support communities around the world, building resiliency and sustainability for generations to come. 

Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 11,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices, across five continents.

Who are we looking for?

The Aviation Pavement Lead is a senior technical leadership role within GHD’s Aviation Service Line, responsible for the delivery of airfield pavement engineering solutions across civil and federal aviation programs. The role operates at the interface of technical excellence, client engagement, and multidisciplinary project delivery.

This position typically supports FAA and/or DoD/NAVFAC-funded programs, requiring application of international and federal aviation standards and integration with broader airfield infrastructure systems. The role collaborates closely with design managers, airside planners, asset managers, and construction teams while maintaining direct engagement with airport authorities and federal stakeholders. 

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of duties and will see you involved in:

Technical Leadership

• Lead the planning, design, and assessment of airfield pavements, including runways, taxiways, and aprons
• Deliver pavement engineering outputs including PCR/ACR analysis, structural design (FAARFIELD), and condition assessments (SCI/PCI) 
• Develop design criteria and specifications aligned with FAA, ICAO, UFC, and UFGS standards 
• Provide technical assurance and peer review across project deliverables

Program and Project Delivery

• Act as discipline lead within multidisciplinary airfield programs, coordinating pavement interfaces with AGL, drainage, and geometry
• Support design management and construction-phase services, including QA review of materials, mix designs, and workmanship 
• Contribute to scope definition, risk identification, and delivery strategy development

Client & Stakeholder Leadership

• Serve as primary technical interface with airport operators, federal agencies, and defense clients
• Support proposal development and technical narratives for major pursuits
• Provide advisory support on airfield operations, constructability, and lifecycle planning 

Asset Management & Lifecycle Performance

• Lead pavement inspection programs and condition assessments
• Develop maintenance and renewal strategies based on asset criticality and aircraft loading 
• Optimize lifecycle performance through data-driven planning and prioritization

Technical Approach

• Apply industry-leading tools and methodologies (e.g., FAARFIELD, pavement management systems)
• Integrate performance-based design with constructability considerations
• Ensure alignment with federal aviation standards and operational constraints

Delivery Approach

• Operate within GHD’s project delivery framework with accountability for time, cost, quality, and risk outcomes 
• Maintain a forward-looking risk and opportunity perspective, supporting proactive decision-making
• Collaborate effectively across disciplines to deliver integrated airfield solutions

People, Leadership and Safety

• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to pavement engineers and project teams
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Promote strong internal and external relationships aligned with GHD’s values
• Positive HSE performance and engagement (e.g., HSE interactions recorded) 

What you bring to the team:

• Degree in civil engineering, pavement engineering, transportation engineering, or a related discipline; professional engineering registration required

• Significant experience leading airfield pavement planning, design, evaluation, rehabilitation, and construction support for runways, taxiways, aprons, and related airside infrastructure.

• Technical expertise in pavement structural design, FAARFIELD, ACR/PCR analysis, pavement management systems, and condition assessment methods such as PCI and SCI.

• Ability to lead multidisciplinary airfield delivery, coordinating pavement interfaces with airfield geometry, AGL, drainage, utilities, staging, and construction-phase requirements.

• Experience providing technical assurance, peer review, quality oversight, materials and mix design review, and construction-phase support for aviation pavement projects.

• Proven ability to engage airport authorities, federal agencies, defense clients, and internal stakeholders as a trusted technical advisor, including support for proposals and technical narratives.

• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring teams, managing project quality, schedule, budget, risk, lifecycle planning, safety, and continuous improvement within a consulting or engineering environment.

Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture!  Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility.  Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

The salary range for this position is $147,890 to $187.600.  The posted salary range represents the expected hiring range for GHD locations in its major city centers. Ranges may vary for positions in other locations. At GHD, base salary is determined by your skills, experience, qualifications and work location. We are committed to offering competitive compensation and adhere to all relevant pay transparency legislation.  

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruiting is just getting started and may be used during the process to improve efficiency and fairness. Your application may be reviewed by both AI and our hiring team. While AI supports some steps through the process, all final hiring decisions are made by humans.

Take on some of the world’s toughest challenges - with everyone at GHD backing you every step of the way. We'll give you control over your career, empower you to find innovative solutions and help you create a lasting impact. See where your commitment could take you with GHD.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.

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