When I first embarked on my journey in civil engineering at the University of Central Florida, I never imagined that I would end up specializing in airport design. My focus was primarily on water resources and transportation, with a lot of coursework in highway engineering. Interestingly, my university didn’t offer any aviation-specific courses, so my path to airport engineering was quite unexpected.
It all started with a chance conversation with one of my professors, who happened to be friends with Wilbur Mathurin from Hoyle Tanner. He mentioned that Hoyle Tanner was hiring, and although I initially thought aviation engineering was more aligned with aerospace, I decided to apply. To my surprise, I got a call back quickly, and that’s how my career in airport design began.
What to Expect During a Typical Day
SOFTWARE: A typical day for me involves a lot of work with AutoCAD Civil 3D, where I design various projects and create detailed drawings. Recently, I’ve been heavily involved in HydroCAD work, modeling pipe networks for major drainage projects at airports. These projects are particularly challenging because they are located on the coast, leaving little room for error in terms of elevations. However, it’s been a rewarding experience, especially with the collaborative efforts from our water resources division.
LOCATION: Most of my projects are based in New England, which has its own set of challenges compared to Florida. For instance, Florida uses Stormwise (formerly ICPR) for water quality and quantity calculations, while New England relies on HydroCAD. This required me to learn new software, but the skills I acquired in school were definitely transferable.
PROJECT VARIETY: One of the aspects I enjoy most about my job is the variety. While I haven’t been out in the field much lately, I do appreciate visiting different airports and observing their unique characteristics. Additionally, I coordinate with at least three to five team members daily, which fosters a collaborative environment. We often share our work through virtual desktops, making it easier to work on the same documents simultaneously.
IMPORTANT ASPECTS: A significant part of my job involves paperwork, particularly grant applications and environmental permitting. These are crucial for securing funding and ensuring that projects comply with regulations. It’s a team effort, with project engineers and junior engineers contributing to the initial stages before managers take over.
My Advice for Aspiring Engineers
For those considering a career in airport design, my advice is to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam as soon as possible. It was a requirement for graduation at my university, and I’m grateful for that now. Working towards the Professional Engineer (PE) license is also important, and I’m planning to focus on that this year.
If you’re considering a career in airport design (check out our listings), this engineering offers a flexible and dynamic career path. Whether you prefer fieldwork, design, or client-facing roles, there’s something for everyone. It’s a field that allows you to combine technical skills with creativity, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
