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Civil Project Engineer - Aviation

MacKay
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 5/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/9/2026
At MacKay, we believe great people are the foundation of our growth and success.

We are in an exciting phase of expansion, creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers. Whether your role is technical or part of our support services team, you play an important role in delivering high-quality work and helping our projects succeed.

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, relationship-driven Civil Project Engineer (PE) to join our growing team in Chicago, IL.

In this role, you’ll design and deliver aviation infrastructure projects from concept through bid documents and construction reviews. You’ll collaborate closely with clients, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams to produce high-quality engineering solutions that shape the communities where we live and work. You will implement technical designs, ensure adherence to engineering standards, and contribute to the development of innovative, buildable designs.

You’ll also have opportunities to mentor engineers-in-training, prepare client communications, and help drive project success through your technical capabilities and problem-solving. This position is ideal for an engineer who values collaboration, continuous learning, and making a tangible impact through their work.

We offer a comfortable, collaborative work environment with flexible work arrangements. We’re serious about our work – but we’re serious about fun, too.

If that sounds good to you, let’s talk.

Keys To Success

  • Provide design and technical delivery of a variety of civil engineering projects, primarily focused on aviation.
  • Communicate with clients regarding current projects, scope, and schedules.
  • Prepare engineering calculations and analysis reports to support design decisions.
  • Ensure project timelines and deliverables are met in collaboration with the project team.
  • Coordinate with internal teams, clients, and local agencies to ensure project requirements are met.
  • Review and interpret survey reports, maps, and as-built drawings.
  • Prepare technical reports and cost estimates.
  • Stay current with industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Registered PE in the state of Illinois.
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
  • 4-7 years of experience in aviation design including but not limited to runways, taxiways, tarmacs, and terminal sites.
  • Aptitude and demonstrated hands-on experience with computer applications in Civil Engineering in Bentley OpenRoads Designer/AutoCAD Civil 3D, required.
  • Excellent computer, writing, communication, and customer service skills.
  • Experience mentoring engineers-in-training and drafting technicians.

Why Join MacKay?

A people-first culture

At MacKay, we put people first. We are committed to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and do their best work. We support well-being, encourage balance, and create space for people to succeed both professionally and personally.

Meaningful work and real impact

Our teams take on complex infrastructure and environmental challenges that support critical systems and shape the places where people live and work. Every role contributes to delivering that work and making it successful.

Growth and opportunity

We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding across geographies, services, and markets. That growth creates opportunities for our employees to take on new challenges, build their careers, and contribute in new ways as the company evolves.

A strong and trusted foundation

Built on more than 50 years of experience, MacKay has developed a reputation for quality work, strong relationships, and dependable results. You’ll be part of a team with a solid foundation and a clear direction for the future.

Opportunities to share in success

We provide opportunities for employees to participate in ownership and build long-term financial value as the company grows.

Our Values

At MacKay, our values guide how we work, collaborate, and support one another.

  • Honesty. We build trust through transparency, integrity, and accountability.
  • Dedication. We are committed to the success of our team members, clients, and communities.
  • Relationships. We foster lasting connections that strengthen our work and the teams around us.

Who We Are

MacKay is an infrastructure and environmental services firm built on more than 50 years of experience and a growing collective of expertise.

We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding our reach, strengthening our capabilities, and bringing together talented teams across the country. That growth is creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers.

Every role at MacKay contributes to the success of our projects and the clients we serve. Whether your work is technical or operational, you are part of a team that delivers quality, builds relationships, and moves projects forward.

We’re looking for dedicated, talented individuals who deliver excellence, thrive in collaborative environments, and value both meaningful work and work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based on candidate experience and qualifications, as well as various market and business considerations.

The wage range for this position depends on experience.

US Pay Range: $105,000 USD - $130,000 USD

Full-time employees receive a well-rounded benefit package including access to our company-sponsored Medical (including an HSA High Deductible option), Dental, Vision, FSA, and Supplemental Life Insurance plans. We also offer 100% company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage. Employees are eligible to participate in our company's 401(k) plan with up to a 4% match. Additionally, employees receive paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, and are able to participate in employee ownership options. MacKay pays for expenses associated with licensure as well as annual performance bonuses.

Employment requires passing a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

As a federal contractor, we participate in E-Verify and are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Open until filled.

Salary : $105,000

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