Civil Engineer (Airports) – Pavements and Drainage

Role Overview

Joining Tetra Tech RPS as a Junior Airport Civil Engineer offers a specialized career path within a global leader in aviation infrastructure. Positioned between the technician and associate levels, you will transition your existing expertise in highways, ports, or general drainage into the high-stakes environment of airside design. Your mission is to support the technical coordination of safe and resilient airfield pavements and drainage systems for regional, defense, and international airports. Working in a multi-level team, you will translate project requirements into sophisticated 3D models and technical reports, progressing from supervised tasks to managing discrete work packages. This role provides a structured route to professional ICE accreditation through hands-on mentoring and exposure to complex, multi-million-pound development programmes.

Job Details

• Job Title: Junior Airport Civil Engineer

• Hiring Organization: Tetra Tech RPS

• Locations: Newark, London, or Birmingham, UK (Hub-based)

• Employment Type: Full-time (Hybrid available after initial 6–12 months)

• Industry: Civil Engineering / Aviation Infrastructure

• Occupational Category: Civil Engineers

• Responsibilities:

  • Designing and modeling airfield pavement (runways, taxiways, and stands) and integrated drainage solutions.

  • Conducting pavement inspections, materials assessments, and rehabilitation designs.

  • Translating project requirements into technical drawings, specifications, and hydraulic calculations.

  • Coordinating with internal specialists and technicians to ensure 3D model and drawing integrity.

  • Applying aviation standards (CAP 168, ICAO, EASA, MOD) to ensure compliant and traceable designs.

  • Developing client-ready technical reports, design notes, and end-of-stage documentation.

  • Mentoring technicians to ensure design intent is captured accurately in digital workflows.

  • Supporting site surveys and responding to technical queries during the construction phase.

• Requirements:

  • Degree or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering.

  • Proven experience in pavement or drainage engineering (highways or ports experience is transferable).

  • Proficiency in producing engineering calculations, drawings, and technical specifications.

  • Ability to work from a principal hub at least three days per week during the initial onboarding period.

  • Strong communication skills for multidisciplinary coordination and technical reporting.

• Preferences & Advantages:

  • Familiarity with Civil 3D or similar 3D design software.

  • Existing progress towards ICE professional qualification (chartership support provided).

  • Knowledge of airfield-specific standards (ICAO/EASA/MOD) or a strong desire to learn them.

  • Willingness to travel for site surveys and client meetings as required.