Principal Engineer - Electrical Engineering (AGL)

Job Description

AECOM Enterprise Capabilities is seeking for a Principal Engineer - Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) to join our team in Bogota/Colombia.

Lead the design and integration of Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) systems, including series circuits, CCRs, LED beaconing, PAPI, runway/taxiway lighting, and control/monitoring systems (ALCMS/ALCS), in compliance with international standards and client requirements. Coordinate with disciplines (Electrical, ITS/SCADA, safety) and manage technical quality, risks, and deadlines in medium- and high-complexity airport projects. The tasks may encompass, but are not limited to, the following, depending on project requirements and the design phase:

• Develop designs and detailed engineering: single-line/multi-line diagrams, calculation and specification of Constant Current Regulators (CCR), isolation transformers, sizing of primary/secondary cables, and design of final circuits.
• Design and review runway layouts and the placement of runway lights, PAPI, and approach systems in accordance with regulations (e.g., ICAO/EASA/FAA) and photometric criteria.
• Define and integrate ALCMS/ALCS (control logic, telemetry, I/O, protocols, interfaces with A-SMGCS/SCADA/BMS).
• Review and verification of design documentation to ensure compliance with industry standards and utility specifications.
• Prepare technical reports, bills of quantities (BoQ), technical specifications, tender documents, and acceptance/test criteria.
• Support for FAT/SAT, commissioning, and support for photometric tests and operational verifications.
• Manage risks, changes, multidisciplinary interfaces, and coordination with civil works (ducts, manholes, conduits).
• Ensure compliance with airside safety regulations and work plans in the operational environment.
• Support cost estimates, planning, cost control, and reporting to the project manager (PM) and client.
• Mentor junior engineers and conduct quality reviews (QA/QC).

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• BA/BS + 6 YORE or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Demonstrable (senior-level) experience in the design and/or construction of AGL systems at operational or greenfield airports.
• Solid knowledge of AGL series circuits, CCR, runway lighting photometry, PAPI, and separation/location criteria.
• Experience with ALCMS/ALCS and integration with SCADA/BMS/A-SMGCS (logic, alarms, protocols, redundancy).
• Proficiency in applicable regulations: ICAO Annex 14 (Vol. I), and, depending on the region, relevant FAA AC 150/5340/5345 or EASA/CS-ADR-DSN/EN.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD/MicroStation and electrical calculation tools; ability to prepare IFC/As-Built deliverables.
• Technical English (spoken and written) for documentation and international coordination.
• Knowledge of airside safety practices and working in restricted areas.

Preferable Requirements

• Overall 10+ years of work experience is preferred
• Experience with LED retrofits, CCR modernization, phased management to maintain operations, and resilience/reliability (N+1, selectivity).
• BIM design (Revit/Navisworks) and 3D coordination; use of CDE (e.g., ACC/BIM 360) and digital QA/QC workflows.
• Luminous flux/photometric calculations (AGi32/DIALux or equivalent) applied to airport environments.
• Protection and selectivity analysis (ETAP/SKM or equivalent) and coordination with medium-voltage systems.
• Experience with bidding (RFP/ITT), cost estimates, and technical evaluation of bids.
• Coordination with paving, drainage, geotechnical engineering, and site constraints for cable routing.

Valued Certifications and Training

• Professional license (e.g., local professional registration).
• Certification in Airport Lighting Systems, intermediate/advanced levels.
• Airport airside security training/clearance (AVOP/AVSEC or local equivalents).
• PMP/Prince2 (project management) desirable for roles involving sub-team leadership.
• BIM certifications (e.g., ISO 19650 Practitioner) and/or relevant software certifications.
• Courses on ICAO/FAA/EASA/EN regulations specific to AGL and electrical safety.
• Manufacturer Certifications for AGL Systems.

Additional Information

Additional information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship for Colombia work authorization is not available for this position, now or in the future.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.