AtkinsRéalis
Aviation Technical Director

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Aviation Technical Director
Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice – AtkinsRéalis
Shape the future of aviation infrastructure, airports, and global transportation networks in this strategic leadership role.
About the Role
The Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice of AtkinsRéalis is seeking a highly experienced and commercially astute Aviation Technical Director to lead our UK-based Airports Team and expand our international aviation portfolio.
This is a technical leadership and business growth role, ideal for someone with:
- A proven track record in directory-level project delivery, technical assurance, and work-winning
- Passion for client engagement, international projects, and team development
- Experience leading complex aviation infrastructure projects (e.g., airfield design, surface access, airport expansion)
The Technical Director will:
- Lead high-profile aviation projects across UK airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Dublin) and internationally (Europe, Middle East, emerging regions)
- Act as strategic advisor to clients, regulators, and stakeholders while maintaining hands-on technical oversight
- Identify, bid for, and deliver global pipeline opportunities
- Grow and mentor the Airfield Planning and Airport Civil Engineering teams
- Shape processes, technical standards, and business expansion for long-term success
Location: Primarily London or Epsom (with flexibility for a Manchester base if preferred). Working model: Hybrid (3 days office/travel per week)
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Design Oversight
- Steer complex aviation projects from concept toCompletion—balancing strategic direction with technical execution
- Ensure excellence in design, quality assurance, and governance across all projects
- Act as Technical Design Authority, guiding teams while remaining engaged in critical stages
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Team Leadership & Capability Growth
- Forecast demand, assess gaps, and develop team capability to meet evolving project demands
- Lead, mentor, and build the next generation of Airport Civil Engineers and Airfield Planners
- Drive technical excellence while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture
- Optimise processes, services, and engineering governance for scalability
Client & Business Development
- Build and maintain relationships with aviation clients and regulators at senior levels
- Represent and influence stakeholders in tenders, bids, and strategy discussions
- Lead international expansion—securing opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond
- Drive repeat business through trusted advisory roles and strategic proposals
About You
Core Requirements
- Degree (Master’s preferred) in civil engineering, airport planning, or related field
- Relevant professional membership (e.g., ICE, CIEEM)
- Proven track record in airfield planning, pavement design, or airport infrastructure
- Experience as Project Director, Technical Lead, or Director-level multidisciplinary project delivery
- Expertise in airfield planning, surface access, and regulation compliance (e.g., CAP 168, ICAO standards)
- Strong commercial acumen in tender bids, client relationships, and business growth
- Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (required) – applicants must have 5+ years UK residency


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Ideal Candidate Attributes
- Commercial leadership with a passion for opportunity development
- Balanced thinker—expertise in both technical execution and strategic decision-making
- Influential communicator, able to simplify complex topics for clients and stakeholders
- Tailored BOOPA characteristics: integrated, ethical, creative, and collaborative
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and tailored rewards
- Flexible working (hybrid 3/2 model) and accrued holiday entitlement
- Global skill development through training programmes and upskilling
- Employee benefits personalised to health, wellbeing, and lifestyle
- Dedicated remote working support with technology provision
- Flexible development opportunities aligned with long-term career goals
Why AtkinsRéalis?
We are AtkinsRéalis—a world-leading engineering services and nuclear organisation combining deep domain expertise with innovative technology. Our world-class teams shape infrastructure and energy systems globally, delivering sustainable solutions that protect and enhance the planet.
Culture & Commitment:
- Inclusive, diverse, and empowering workplace with a commitment to equal opportunities
- Disability Confident Leader—we offer interviews to all qualified applicants with disabilities
- Family-friendly policies, flexible working, and resource groups supporting all backgrounds
Join a mission-driven organisation where every role contributes to engineering a better future.
Find out more: AtkinsRealis | LinkedIn: @AtkinsRealis *#DAT Worker Type: Employee | Job Type: Full-time Permanent
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