Accomplished engineer and aviation infrastructure veteran plays key role in transportation expansion initiatives
DENVER (July 8, 2024) – Kimberly Watanabe, PE, has joined HNTB as senior project manager. From the firm’s Denver office, she oversees engineering and aviation project management strategies.
In her new role, Watanabe spearheads aviation infrastructure projects and strategic initiatives to improve program efficiency, safety and sustainability. Leveraging her extensive experience and knowledge of the region’s project development history, Watanabe manages comprehensive transportation infrastructure projects throughout Colorado.
“Kimberly’s extensive knowledge in engineering, design services and technical planning enhances our ability to meet the region’s growing infrastructure demands,” said Del Walker, PE, HNTB’s Denver office leader. “I look forward to leveraging her leadership skills to continue to provide outstanding value to our clients and community.”

HNTB’s Kimberly Watanabe
Before joining HNTB, Watanabe spent a decade working as the airside engineering supervisor for Denver International Airport. In this role, she managed the airside engineering team and program, supervising the design and construction of all airside projects, including runways, taxiways, deicing, utilities and apron projects. Most recently, she helped develop and lead the airside capital improvements program, optimizing federal grants for efficient resource utilization while prioritizing safety at the airport.
Among Watanabe’s notable projects throughout her 30-year career, she led the early program development for the South Platte River project. She also played an integral role in facilitating multimodal transportation and development upgrades to the Cherry Creek North Special District. Additionally, Watanabe provided strategic oversight for the design and construction of the Denver Justice Center, ensuring the completion of the project’s expansion efforts within the heart of downtown Denver.
Watanabe earned her Bachelor of Science in civil and environmental engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Science in civil engineering from Colorado State University. Beyond her professional aviation and transportation infrastructure achievements, Watanabe holds certifications as a student pilot and served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.