Job Description

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Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Senior Design Manager (Airside & Airfield)? to join our team! In this role you will lead the technical design delivery of airside and airfield infrastructure within the Integrated Design Delivery Partnership (IDDP) model. This role is critical to delivering world-class airfield facilities that meet international aviation standards, operational safety requirements, and capacity objectives.
The incumbent will oversee multi-disciplinary engineering teams and consultants, ensuring that design standards, construction quality, and operational requirements are maintained throughout the project lifecycle. The position requires deep understanding of airfield systems, ICAO standards, and regulatory compliance to ensure successful project delivery.
What You'll Be Doing:
1. Technical Delivery Leadership

• Lead and manage the technical design delivery of all airside and airfield infrastructure works, ensuring alignment with IDDP objectives and operational requirements.
• Develop and maintain technical delivery strategies, design criteria, and performance standards.
• Coordinate with Program Director and Deputy Program Director to align design activities with overall program objectives.
• Ensure design deliverables meet quality, schedule, and budget targets.

2. Design Management & Coordination

• Coordinate multi-disciplinary design activities across apron, taxiways, aircraft stands, and related systems.
• Lead design review workshops to assess technical completeness, constructability, and compliance with standards.
• Ensure designs are optimized for performance, maintainability, life-cycle efficiency, and sustainability.
• Manage design consultants and specialist sub-consultants to deliver high-quality design outputs.

3. Technical Compliance & Standards

• Ensure all designs comply with ICAO standards, local building codes, ESTIDAMA requirements, and airport operational standards.
• Review and approve technical specifications, design criteria, and engineering documentation.
• Monitor design deliverables to ensure compliance with project standards, quality benchmarks, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with regulatory authorities and obtain necessary design approvals and permits.

4. Interface & Systems Integration

• Lead coordination and resolution of interface issues across airside and airfield infrastructure and adjacent systems.
• Ensure seamless integration between all technical disciplines and specialist systems.
• Coordinate with other Senior Design Managers to resolve cross-discipline interfaces and dependencies.
• Facilitate technical coordination meetings to address integration challenges and maintain project alignment.

5. BIM & Digital Design Coordination

• Oversee BIM implementation and digital design coordination for all design packages.
• Ensure effective use of BIM 360, Navisworks, and other digital platforms for clash detection and coordination.
• Lead federated model reviews and coordinate resolution of design conflicts.
• Promote digital engineering practices and innovation in design delivery.

6. Risk Management & Value Engineering

• Lead identification and mitigation of design-related risks that may impact cost, schedule, or performance.
• Facilitate value engineering and design optimization workshops to enhance project value.
• Promote innovative design solutions that improve efficiency, sustainability, and constructability.
• Maintain design risk register and implement mitigation strategies.

7. Scheduling & Progress Oversight

• Monitor design deliverables and ensure alignment with overall project schedule and milestone targets.
• Coordinate with Program Controls Manager to track progress, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure timely completion of design submissions to support procurement and construction schedules.
• Report design progress and performance metrics to program leadership.

8. Stakeholder Coordination & Technical Approvals

• Liaise with Abu Dhabi Airports, design consultants, regulatory authorities, and other key stakeholders.
• Facilitate collaboration among project teams to resolve technical challenges and maintain alignment.
• Prepare and present technical reports, design review outcomes, and decision papers to senior management.
• Secure necessary technical approvals and client sign-offs for design deliverables.

9. Constructability & Design for Manufacture

• Lead constructability reviews to ensure designs are practical, buildable, and optimized for construction.
• Promote Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles to enhance construction efficiency.
• Coordinate with construction teams and contractors during Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase.
• Ensure design solutions support efficient construction sequencing and logistics.

10. Leadership, Mentorship & Continuous Improvement

• Mentor design engineers, technical staff, and support teams, fostering technical excellence and collaborative teamwork.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing across design disciplines.
• Capture and document lessons learned to inform future project phases and enhance organizational capability.
• Support professional development and capability building within the design team.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related technical discipline (Master's degree preferred).
Professional registration or certification (e.g., P.E., CEng, PMP, CCM, or equivalent) is highly advantageous.
Minimum of 15 years' experience in airside and airfield infrastructure design, engineering, and delivery within major airport or infrastructure projects.
Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary technical teams and overseeing large, complex projects.
Extensive experience in design management, coordination, and stakeholder engagement within IDDP or similar delivery models.
Demonstrated experience in airport terminal, airside, or aviation infrastructure projects with successful project delivery outcomes.
Strong knowledge of airside and airfield infrastructure systems and interdependencies between apron, taxiways, aircraft stands, airfield lighting, and related disciplines.
Excellent understanding of international design and construction codes, including ICAO, NFPA, IBC, ESTIDAMA, and local Abu Dhabi authority standards.
Proficiency in design coordination tools and project management software (e.g., BIM 360, Revit, Navisworks, Primavera P6, MS Project).
Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities with strong attention to detail.
Strong leadership and communication skills with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
What Desired Skills You'll Bring:
Prior experience delivering major airport terminal projects, including design delivery, systems integration, and stakeholder coordination.
Understanding of sustainability standards (e.g., ESTIDAMA, LEED, BREEAM) and their integration into airport infrastructure.
Experience working in GCC region or Middle East with familiarity of local construction practices and regulatory environment.
Knowledge of Integrated Design Delivery Partnership (IDDP) or Design-Build delivery models.
Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest--APPLY TODAY!
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Skills Required