Airport Engineer

As an Airport Engineer at the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics, you will be responsible for supporting the engineering and construction programs by developing and reviewing Preliminary Engineering Reports, conducting inspections, and providing technical assistance to airport sponsors. You’ll also review capital infrastructure projects through various phases, manage pavement inspections, and create bid documents for construction projects, ensuring all efforts align with state and federal regulations.

To apply for the Airport Engineer position with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics, you need at least a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering for Level I, and for higher levels, relevant experience and registration as a professional engineer, along with a master’s degree, are required. Familiarity with pavement design, project management, and strong computer skills are essential to effectively perform in this role.

Yes, there are ample opportunities for career advancement as an Airport Engineer in Oklahoma. Depending on your experience, you may start at Level I, II, or III, with increasing responsibilities and salary ranges. The role enables you to grow within the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics, participate in significant projects, and develop further technical expertise that can pave the way for leadership positions in the future.

As an Airport Engineer at the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics, you will be involved in a variety of projects including airport infrastructure improvements, construction oversights using Federal and State funds, and assessing ongoing projects. You’ll participate in the development of Capital Improvement Programs and be instrumental in ensuring that the public airports in Oklahoma meet safety and operational standards.

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics supports its Airport Engineers in professional development through on-the-job training, mentorship, and opportunities to work on diverse projects. The agency encourages continuous learning and may support obtaining additional certifications or attending relevant workshops, ensuring you’re equipped with the latest insights and skills in airport engineering.

When responding to this question, detail specific projects you've managed or contributed to, emphasizing your organizational skills, your approach to timelines and budgets, and how you overcame any challenges. Sharing quantitative outcomes, like completing a project under budget or ahead of schedule, can highlight your effectiveness as a project manager.

Provide an example of a situation where you adhered to regulations, discussing the regulations applicable to airport engineering, such as those set by the FAA, and how you integrate these into your project designs and execution phases. Emphasize your attention to detail and commitment to safety standards.

Discuss your proficiency with AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and project management software, highlighting how you've utilized these tools in past projects to facilitate efficient workflows, accurate designs, and effective communication with team members and stakeholders.

Outline a specific challenge, whether related to project design, budget, or timeline, and illustrate your problem-solving process. Highlight your analytical skills and your ability to collaborate with team members or stakeholders to reach a satisfactory resolution.

When answering this question, mention technical criteria such as surface distress, load capacity, and maintenance history. Illustrate your methodical approach in collecting and analyzing data while ensuring that all safety standards are met during the inspections.

Discuss your familiarity with creating or reviewing Preliminary Engineering Reports, emphasizing your understanding of their importance in the project lifecycle. Describe your approach to ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations while collaborating with varied stakeholders.

Showcase your ability to simplify complex engineering concepts by using layman's terms, providing visual aids, or integrating examples that relate to stakeholders' interests and concerns. Highlight any successful experiences in communicating effectively in multidisciplinary teams or public presentations.

Share your understanding of FAA regulations and their impact on airport projects. If applicable, detail any specific experiences you’ve had in ensuring compliance with these regulations during your previous projects.

Explain your commitment to continuous learning, whether through attending seminars, engaging with professional organizations, or subscribing to relevant publications. Mention specific trends you've observed and how you’ve integrated new technologies in your previous work.

Use this opportunity to express your passion for aviation, your alignment with the Department's mission, and your desire to contribute meaningfully to Oklahoma's airport infrastructure. Highlight any personal connection or experiences that led you to seek this role.