Principal Engineer (Airport)

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Closing Date: August 8th, 2025 or upon receipt of the first 50 application submission

Principal Engineer – Airport

Department of Administrative Services – Architecture & Engineering

Annual Salary Range: $99,091.20 – $148,636.80

Job Summary: Responsible for leading the group charged with the design and construction of capital improvement projects for General Mitchel International Airport and Lawrence J Timmerman Airport; provide strong input into decisions regarding the development and formulation of project planning/funding and grant programs; provide input into long range capital planning and facilities management. Drive exceptional customer service and team performance.

Essential Duties:

• Lead and supervise the team of project managers, engineers, and technicians that make up the Airport Engineering Unit. Continuously improve the way the unit operates and meets client needs. Engage the Airport Director and airport partners to understand needs and priorities and incorporate them into workplans. Represent Milwaukee County at Board Meetings, conferences, and in other official capacities. Develop a culture of safety, inclusion and integrity that aligns with County values and improves outcomes. Be an engaged member of the Airport and DAS Facilities Management team.
• Work to ensure team alignment with the unit’s mission, vision and goals: Our vision is to develop a culture that encourages teamwork, personal growth, and fosters client relationships while building the infrastructure for tomorrow’s airport. Our mission is to deliver projects and technical solutions that exceed client expectations and improve our community. Our goals are to: Create opportunities for personal and career development, Build a culture of teamwork, Build team resiliency and agility, Improve level of service to client and community, Consistently deliver successful projects , Keep work fun.
• Manage a team charged with running the projects included in the multimillion-dollar annual capital improvement program. Ensure accountability to program and client requirements. Manage business sponsor relationships. Provide clear and transparent reporting to stakeholders. Prepare technical studies, reports, estimates, preliminary and final designs, hire consultants and let and execute construction contracts. Collaborate with airport partners to develop capital improvement programs and prepare capital budget requests.
• Lead the team in controlling all aspects of a project including scope, schedule, budget, and quality. Coordinate with project stakeholders including the traveling public, Airport Department partners, and local, state, and federal agencies. Ensure compliance with Milwaukee County public works ordinances and other local, state, and federal requirements. Lead the handoff of completed projects to airport staff. Lead O&M training. Coordinate and ensure project closeout meets client and County requirements. Maintain accessible archives of all airport project documents.
• Support Airport Planning and Finance in the development of capital improvement plans and cash flow forecasts. Support Airline Lease and Use Agreement reporting. Support the Passenger Facility Charge and Airport Improvement Programs. Support grant and budget requirements. Develop operating budgets and cross charge estimates. Facilitate department overhead rate development.
• Support Airport Operations and Maintenance in the preparation and implementation of long-range maintenance plans and schedules. Assist and make recommendations on repair actions. Lead a cross functional committee to support collaboration between airport engineering, airport operations, and airport maintenance. Support airport in the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives.
• Support Airport Properties in the review of lessee, private, and outside agency land and facility improvements, construction documents, easements, ROE permits and other initiatives that may impact Airport lands or facilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current resident of the State of WI
• A Valid Driver’s License at time of application and maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and/or Civil Engineering
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.)
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) by the State of Wisconsin within six months and maintained during incumbency.
• Five (5) or more years of work experience in professional level of engineering work.
• Five (5) or more years of supervisory experience in personnel or project management.
• Advanced knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Will undergo a criminal history background check to maintain security clearance for unescorted access to secured area of the airport.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have thorough knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of civil engineering with emphasis on civil engineering work associated with airports and facilities. Familiarity with theories, principles, and practices of architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical, and airport engineering and construction.
• Ability to supervise and perform quality assurance on preparation of construction bid documents for a variety of public works projects.
• Ability to prepare analytical engineering reports on complex public works projects.
• Ability to effectively lead of team of professionals to deliver top quality customer service in a fast-paced environment.

NOTE: This original application is open to permanent residents of the state of Wisconsin at the time of application. In accordance with Section 11, Rule 3 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.