National Aviation Design Manager

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a National Aviation Design Manager in Charlotte, NC to support our growing aviation practice. In this role, you will lead high‑profile aviation design projects across the country while driving business development efforts to expand WSP’s presence in the aviation sector. This is an opportunity to work with a dynamic team on transformative aviation infrastructure projects while engaging with clients, pursuing new opportunities, and shaping the future of aviation design.

• Lead and manage the design process for major aviation projects nationwide, ensuring compliance with FAA standards, client requirements, and industry best practices.
• Develop and implement design strategies that align with program goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Serve as a key technical resource, providing guidance on airfield and landside infrastructure projects.
• Oversee and coordinate design and constructability reviews for multiple concurrent projects.
• Drive business development efforts, including identifying new opportunities, building client relationships, and developing pursuit strategies.
• Lead proposal development, including crafting technical approaches, staffing plans, and competitive pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with regional and national leadership to develop growth strategies, pursue major aviation projects, and expand WSP’s aviation portfolio.
• Represent WSP at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to enhance brand recognition and market presence.
• Lead go/no‑go decision‑making processes for aviation pursuits and drive capture planning strategies.
• Engage in contract negotiations, teaming agreements, and partnership development with key industry firms.
• Monitor industry trends, funding opportunities, and regulatory changes to inform business strategy and market positioning.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to ensure successful project delivery and financial performance.
• Develop and mentor technical staff, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in aviation design.
• Support construction administration tasks, including reviewing submittals, RFIs, and field modifications to maintain design integrity.
• Assist with the evaluation of change orders, risk management, and resolution of design‑related construction issues.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Expert knowledge of FAA design standards, aviation‑specific criteria, and regulatory requirements.
• 12+ years of relevant post‑education experience in civil engineering, with a focus on aviation infrastructure.
• Proven ability to lead complex design projects and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong business development acumen, with a track record of winning and delivering large‑scale aviation projects.
• Established relationships with key aviation clients, including airport authorities, airlines, and federal agencies.
• Experience in proposal management, pursuit leadership, and strategic growth planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in client engagement and relationship management.
• Knowledgeable of current technology and its application in aviation design and project delivery.
• Experience in construction administration, including submittal reviews, RFIs, and change order evaluations.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience leading national or large‑scale aviation programs, including major airport expansions and rehabilitations.
• Established relationships with key aviation clients, including airport authorities, airlines, and federal agencies.
• Familiarity with alternative project delivery methods (e.g., P3, CMAR, Design‑Build).
• Active participation in industry organizations such as AAAE, ACC, or ACI‑NA.

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WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings,…