We are recruiting on behalf of a leading consultancy for an experienced Senior Project Engineer / Design Manager to join a long-term programme at a major UK Airport. This is a fantastic opportunity for an established design professional with strong airfields experience-particularly in runway and pavement design-to play a central role in a complex and high-profile aviation environment. This is a long term contract with a hybrid option and has been deemed inside IR35.

As Senior Project Engineer / Design Manager, you will be responsible for managing, coordinating, and assuring multidisciplinary design activities across a range of airfield and civil engineering projects. You will interface closely with internal design teams, contractors, airport stakeholders, and project leadership to ensure high-quality, safe, and compliant design delivery.

• Lead and manage design development for airfield infrastructure projects, including runways, taxiways, aprons, and associated civil works.
• Develop the design brief for external design consultants
• Seek safe and cost effective design solutions to meet project requirements
• Oversee design assurance, compliance, and technical quality across all design stages.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering inputs and ensure integration with operational airport requirements.
• Monitor, co-ordinate and provide technical input into design changes throughout the construction and handover stages
• Manage interfaces between design teams, contractors, and client stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership, problem solving, and design risk management.
• Support project planning, reporting, and delivery against programme milestones.

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Project Engineer within aviation, airfields, or major civil engineering environments.
• Strong background in runway design, pavement engineering, or airfield civil works.
• Demonstratable knowledge and understanding of the technical and regulatory requirements related to Aerodrome Systems 9ie: Navigational Aids or Airfield Ground Lighting
• Experience working in complex, safety-critical, or regulated environments.
• Confident managing multi-stakeholder design coordination.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Good understanding of construction techniques and constructability issues

• Experience working on live airport infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of ICAO, CAA, or EASA aviation design standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of NEC contracts

• Long-term assignment with significant project pipeline.
• Role determined as Inside IR35.
• Competitive umbrella/day rate depending on experience.