Airport engineers design, construct, and renovate airport facilities, using computer simulations and overseeing ongoing construction projects. They specialize in civil, electrical, and transport engineering, as well as architecture and site supervision. They analyze budget statistics and use computer-aided design programs to develop detailed three-dimensional models. A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is usually required, and entry-level engineers work as assistants to gain experience before taking the professional engineer exam.
An airport engineer helps with the design, construction and renovation of public and private airport facilities. He or she develops blueprints and computer simulations to refine design concepts and then manages ongoing construction projects. Airport engineering is a multi-faceted field as it incorporates elements of civil, electrical and transport engineering, as well as architecture and site supervision. An airport engineer may specialize in a specific area, such as sketching out plans for runways and hangars, but many professionals oversee all design and construction elements.
When creating initial designs for a new airport, an engineer first analyzes budget statistics and topographical measurements provided by surveyors. He then creates several basic sketches of each element, including runways, towers, terminals, passenger lounges, check-in areas, and parking structures. Most airport engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) programs to develop detailed three-dimensional models and models. CAD designs are put into simulators to ensure structures are safe, effective and efficient.
Once an airport engineer’s plans are finalized and deemed acceptable by the responsible government body, construction can begin. Most airport engineers are actively involved in construction, working closely with site supervisors to ensure everything is built exactly to specification. An engineer inspects progress and resolves any issues or design flaws, making quick decisions. When construction is complete, the engineer again personally investigates all areas to confirm that they were built safely.
Airports are expensive structures, designed to operate in decades. When aging and outdated technology affects the quality and safety of an airport, an engineer is typically consulted to make renovation decisions. An airport engineer needs to stay current on the latest advances in transportation engineering technology to equip older airports with the most efficient systems. He or she may suggest larger holding areas, new passenger flight information centers, or state-of-the-art control tower equipment.
The minimum requirement to become an airport engineer is usually a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After earning a degree, an individual can take the first of a two-part professional engineer exam to begin building their credentials. It can then submit requests to private contractors, engineering consulting firms, and regional and national government organizations. Entry-level engineers typically work as assistants for several years to gain experience and build professional relationships in the field. With four to five years of experience, a worker can take the second professional engineer exam and start looking for senior airport engineer positions.
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