With nearly 20 years of experience in civil and environmental engineering, Melanie Johansen brings calm, confident leadership to every project she touches. As a Senior Project Manager and Office Manager at Century West, she guides teams and clients through complex challenges with clarity and care. Her work focuses heavily on aviation and public infrastructure, fields where strong coordination, thoughtful planning, and community impact intersect every day.
How Civil Engineering Became Her Path
Melanie grew up around engineering. Her father worked in the field, and while that exposure planted a seed, it wasn’t until high school that she really began to consider it as a career for herself. “I always liked math and science, but I didn’t want to do something that felt abstract or detached from everyday life,” she said. “I wanted to see how my work could make a difference in real, tangible ways, on the ground, in the community. That’s what pulled me toward civil engineering.”
With encouragement from a teacher, she pursued the field seriously and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Calvin College in 2007.
Building a Career at Century West
Melanie joined Century West eight years ago as a project manager. Over the years, she has become a Senior Project Manager and stepped into a leadership role overseeing office operations in Western Washington. She’s also become more involved in company-wide operations, supporting her colleagues while guiding projects that improve essential public infrastructure.
“Century West gives you the space to shape your path,” she said. “If you’re curious and motivated, there are so many opportunities to grow and take ownership of your work.”
Though she doesn’t describe herself as naturally outgoing, Melanie has developed a steady and approachable leadership style that resonates with her teams. “I was a little unsure at first about stepping into a leadership role. But I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t have to be loud. If you care about people, listen, and stay engaged, you can be effective without being the most extroverted person in the room.”
Finding Fulfillment in Aviation Projects
Earlier in her career, Melanie focused on land development. But when she began managing aviation projects, she found herself drawn to the complexity and coordination they required and discovered she genuinely enjoyed the work.
Her portfolio includes a wide range of aviation efforts, from stormwater improvements to airfield lighting and pavement rehabilitation. One standout was the Port Angeles Runway Rehabilitation project.
“That one really sticks with me,” she said. “It was a long lead-up before construction, and once we got into it, the entire team – Century West, the Port, the FAA, and the contractors – worked together really smoothly. There were a lot of challenges along the way, but everyone stayed focused on solutions. It didn’t feel like a group of separate stakeholders. It felt like one team trying to get it right. That made it incredibly rewarding.”
She’s also come to appreciate the balance involved in aviation work. “A lot of our projects serve two clients: the airport and the FAA. Advocating for our airport clients while also respecting federal standards is a constant part of the job. You have to communicate clearly, and you have to stay organized. But when it all comes together, it’s extremely satisfying.”
Engaging with the Broader Industry
In addition to her project work, Melanie is active in Washington’s aviation community. She attends events, learns from peers, and shares her insights with organizations such as the Washington Airport Management Association (WAMA) and the Washington State Community Airports Association (WSCAA).
“These organizations are really valuable for staying connected with others doing similar work,” she said. “You get to hear about what’s happening at other airports, learn from different project experiences, and just stay in tune with where the industry is going.”
She also values the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day and see the bigger picture. “It’s easy to get caught up in your current workload, but attending these conferences helps you zoom out. You realize that a lot of us are working on similar problems, and when we share ideas, it raises the quality of work across the board.”
What She Enjoys Most About Her Work
When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Melanie didn’t hesitate: helping small and mid-sized airports succeed.
“So many smaller airports are stretched thin. They’re managing critical infrastructure with limited resources, and federal funding programs can be really complicated to navigate,” she said. “Being able to guide them through that process, help them secure funding, and see those projects move forward, that’s what I find most rewarding. It feels like you’re really making a difference, not just doing paperwork.”
She also emphasized the culture at Century West. “There’s a strong sense of balance. We’re focused on delivering high-quality work, but there’s also a real respect for personal time and flexibility. That makes a big difference.”
Advice for the Next Generation
We asked Melanie what advice she would give to engineers just starting out, especially those unsure about their long-term path. Her advice was clear: stay open.
“Be willing to try something you hadn’t considered. I didn’t set out to work in aviation engineering, but when the opportunity came up, I gave it a chance, and now it’s what I love doing,” she said. “Some of the most fulfilling parts of your career might come from the things you didn’t plan. Stay curious and keep learning.”
Melanie’s journey is shaped by curiosity, steady growth, and a commitment to practical impact. At Century West, she leads by example and helps keep our projects and people moving forward.