Martinez Keeps Airport Projects Flying Forward
Arturo Martinez, PE, ENV SP (BS ’15; MS ’15) is an Aviation Project Manager at EXP, an engineering, architecture, design, and consulting firm with over 4,000 employees. He recently kicked off a project at Miami International Airport (MIA) that is still in its infancy and will keep him busy for a few years as he leads the airfield civil updates that will modify over 15 aircraft gates to accommodate bigger aircrafts. These changes will support MIA’s continued growth.
In his current position, Martinez applies his engineering and project management expertise to keep projects moving forward at airports—everything from bringing in new business to managing and leading the airports’ engineering design, construction inspections, and oversight.
“Airports are like small cities where many aspects come together, including planning, roadway components, architecture, building and vertical engineering, safety and security, sustainability, and airfield design,” Martinez says. He asserts that airport projects are successful when each of these components are considered and coordinated across all disciplines and stakeholders.
To cite an example, Martinez explains that a runway rehabilitation is not a simple civil project. Planning must be completed for approval and funding from the FAA. Then the best timing must be determined with the airport and airlines to minimize disruptions to the public. Finally, a clear design must be presented that meets the pavement requirements and is preferably a sustainable project (through construction and maintenance) and security has to be maintained throughout the project. “A lot of coordination is necessary!”
"CEE gave me the tools necessary to succeed in the various projects I work on now.”
Martinez adds that the engineering and airport industries constantly evolve, requiring him to continue learning and adapting to the changes. “I strive to stay at the forefront of the technologies being utilized to respond to clients' needs efficiently and accurately. [This can include] new technology to design and manage projects more efficiently, or new standards and goals such as sustainability and equity goals.”
He says his experience at CEE was foundational to his career and success. “It prepared me to be a well-rounded project manager and engineer. CEE gave me the tools necessary to succeed in the various projects I work on now.”
Martinez concludes by stating that engineering is a rewarding career because it has impacts on the larger community. “I get to work on projects, give the projects shape, and through construction bring them to life.”