Civil Engineering Department Head

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Project: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Reports To: Project Director / Program Manager

Position Summary

The Civil Site Department Manager will lead and oversee all civil site engineering and construction activities associated with airport infrastructure projects at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The role requires extensive experience in aviation-related civil engineering, including airfield pavements, utilities, drainage systems, roadway improvements, grading, and landside/airside development. The successful candidate will manage multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with airport authorities and regulatory agencies, and ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with FAA requirements and airport operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage the Civil Site Department, including engineers, inspectors, construction managers, and subcontractors.
• Establish departmental objectives, work plans, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to project teams.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Project Delivery

• Oversee planning, design coordination, procurement, construction, and commissioning of civil infrastructure projects.
• Manage multiple concurrent airport projects with varying levels of complexity.
• Ensure efficient execution while maintaining airport operational continuity.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions as required.

Aviation Infrastructure Management

• Direct development and construction of:
  • Runways and taxiways
  • Airfield pavements
  • Aircraft aprons and hardstands
  • Drainage and stormwater systems
  • Utility relocations and installations
  • Airport roadways and parking facilities
  • Site grading and earthworks
  • Landside and airside infrastructure improvements

Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as primary liaison with airport authorities, FAA representatives, airlines, utility providers, consultants, and contractors.
• Participate in coordination meetings and stakeholder reviews.
• Ensure project execution aligns with airport operational and security requirements.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
  • FAA Advisory Circulars
  • Airport Design Standards
  • OSHA Safety Requirements
  • Federal, State, and Local regulations
  • Environmental and permitting requirements
• Support inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews.

Financial & Contract Administration

• Develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Review change orders, claims, forecasts, and cost reports.
• Oversee consultant and contractor performance.
• Support contract negotiations and procurement activities.

Quality & Safety

• Implement and enforce project quality management systems.
• Ensure adherence to airport safety procedures and Construction Safety and Phasing Plans (CSPP).
• Monitor safety performance and drive incident-free project execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Minimum 12-15 years of civil engineering and construction experience.
• Minimum 7 years of leadership experience managing large infrastructure or aviation projects.
• Demonstrated experience delivering airport civil works projects at commercial airports.
• Strong knowledge of FAA standards, airport development regulations, and airfield construction practices.
• Experience managing large multidisciplinary teams and contractors.
• Proficiency with project management and engineering software platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience on major hub airport projects.
• Experience with Design-Build and CMAR delivery methods.
• Accreditation in PMP, CCM, or similar project management certifications.
• Experience working in active airfield operational environments.
• Knowledge of BIM and digital construction technologies.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Aviation Infrastructure Expertise
• Project Controls & Risk Management
• Contract Administration
• Stakeholder Management
• Budget & Cost Control
• Regulatory Compliance
• Construction Safety Management
• Communication & Negotiation Skills
• Team Building and Staff Development

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive-level salary.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Professional development and certification support.
• Relocation assistance (if applicable).