While working an internship with a general contractor at Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is when Matthew Walsh caught the aviation bug.
“I was assigned as a project engineer on the construction of a new air traffic control tower at O'Hare International Airport. That was part of the O'Hare Modernization Program at the time. So, getting to work out at the airport on a daily basis, it really allowed me to see the magnitude of some of the other capital projects that were happening outside of just the new air traffic control tower project that I was a part of. There was a lot of different runway and airfield civil projects that were happening concurrently. So that really opened my eyes to the fact that civil engineering and aviation was a career field and a possibility that I was obviously really interested in,” Walsh recounted.
Today a project engineer with HNTB Corporation, Walsh’s aptitude for complex projects is demonstrated in his successful project engineering management role that has focused on aviation civil design and construction services. Over his six years with HNTB Corporation, his experience includes design, planning and construction management of airfield projects at MCI, DAL, OKC, IAH, SDF and GCK. His attention to detail and communication skills have elevated him to also serve as quality manager for HNTB’s Kansas City office.
While working for HNTB, Walsh pursued and completed his MS in Engineering Management from the University of Kansas in 2019. He actively contributes to the aviation community through his involvement in the Airport Consultants Council Engineering Committee and the City of Kansas City Chamber and committees.
“I'm really proud of the fact that in my time with HNTB I've gotten the opportunity to work on a number of complex planning, design, and construction capital projects and then been able to deliver those same projects on time and under budget for our clients. I have also been very fortunate to work with an experienced aviation team at HNTB that has really helped me grow as an engineer and gain the knowledge required to be successful in my role as a design task lead,” said Walsh.
One of those projects Walsh is the design lead on is a $40 million reconstruction of Kansas City International Airport’s (MCI) Runway 1L-19R. This project is a full-depth reconstruct of a 60-year-old, 10,801-foot primary parallel runway with new PCC section. Studies were conducted on preliminary pavement evaluation, future exit taxiway locations, airfield operation simulations, deep storm system replacement, and electrical infrastructure replacement. Additionally, Walsh is the electrical/drainage subconsultant coordinator for the project.
“That's been a really exciting project for me and for our team to really be involved in all aspects of the project and see that from the get-go through a pavement assessment, airfield planning study, all the way through design, and now we're on schedule in the first year of construction,” Walsh added.
Walsh also serves as deputy project manager for MCI’s Runway 9-27 and Taxiway C rehabilitations, which includes civil design lead, project phasing and subconsultant coordinator responsibilities.
