Baggage Handling Systems (BHS) Aviation Lead

At Jacobs, we’re transforming how people and communities connect through innovative, resilient infrastructure. As our Baggage Handling Systems (BHS) Aviation Lead, you’ll help airport clients plan, design, and deliver baggage handling solutions that improve operational performance, passenger experience, and long-term airport capacity.

In this key role, you’ll provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, from master planning and concept development through detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational optimization. Working alongside airport authorities, airlines, operations teams, contractors, and multidisciplinary design professionals, you’ll help deliver safe, efficient, and scalable BHS solutions while strengthening client relationships and supporting the continued growth of our aviation practice.

What you'll do

• Lead the planning and design of baggage handling systems for new airport terminals, expansions, and modernization programs.
• Develop system layouts, baggage flow strategies, operational concepts, capacity analyses, and demand forecasts.
• Prepare design criteria, technical reports, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Evaluate BHS technologies, including conventional and high-speed conveyors, Early Bag Storage (EBS), Individual Carrier Systems (ICS), RFID tracking, Checked Baggage Inspection Systems (CBIS), and automated sortation.
• Lead BHS scope, schedule, budget, quality, and project risk management activities.
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, architectural, airport planning, and operations teams.
• Support procurement through RFP development, technical evaluations, and vendor selection.
• Review contractor submittals, shop drawings, and system integration plans.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, operational readiness, and system cutovers.
• Build trusted relationships with airport authorities, airlines, security agencies, operations teams, and other aviation stakeholders.
• Lead client workshops, technical meetings, and presentations.
• Support proposals, project pursuits, and client development within the aviation market.
• Mentor and support the development of engineering and technical team members.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Airport Engineering, or a related discipline
• 15-20 years of experience in aviation infrastructure, baggage handling systems, material handling systems, or airport operations
• Experience delivering airport terminal development projects across North America
• Strong understanding of airport baggage handling operations and passenger terminal planning
• Knowledge of IATA standards and airport design practices
• Experience with capacity modeling and simulation tools
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, BIM workflows, and Microsoft Office applications
• Project management and stakeholder engagement experience
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to airports and project sites as required
• Ability to provide occasional after-hours support during commissioning and operational cutovers

Ideally, you'll also have

• Experience delivering projects in active airport operational environments.
• Experience working with major BHS suppliers such as Siemens Logistics, Vanderlande, BEUMER Group, Daifuku, or Alstef Group
• Experience supporting BHS procurement, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness
• Demonstrated experience developing client relationships and supporting aviation project pursuits
• Experience mentoring or developing engineering and technical professionals

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.