Airport Construction and Certification Coordinator

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; United States; On-site; USD 119,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Health savings accounts

Pension and retirement plans

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is seeking an Airport Construction and Certification Coordinator to oversee certification programs, regulatory compliance, training, inspections, and recordkeeping across DCA/IAD facilities.

The role includes coordinating major design studies, construction projects, and airport operations support, with duties in the 24-hour Command Center and liaison work with FAA offices. A strong background in Part 139 and airport operations is essential.

Qualifications

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in airport operations and/or airport construction management.
• Two of the seven years must have been as an Airport Operations Duty Manager or equivalent.
• Ability to understand the impact of construction on daily airport operations.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements governing airports.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Program Manager for the Operations Construction Coordination Program, coordinating construction-related activities and communicating impacts.
• Review project plans to mitigate operational impact and share lessons learned across departments.
• Ensure compliance with the airport's Part 139 program, including ACM, AEP, and WHMP.
• Maintain LOAs, MOUs, and other agreements with FAA offices and respond to inquiries.
• Act as Airport Operations Duty Manager in the 24-hour Command Center as needed.
• Inspect the airport for compliance with 49 CFR Part 1540/1542 and 14 CFR Part 139.
• Lead actions to prevent unsafe conditions during weather events or emergencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Airport operations

Construction management

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Compensation Grade: S22

Salary Range: $119,280.00-$172,955.00

Opening Date: October 16, 2026

Closing Date: October 31, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As the Airport Construction and Certification Coordinator, you will oversee and ensure compliance with regulatory and policy requirements to ensure the safe, efficient, and secure operation of the airport complex. You will manage programs related to airport certification, including training, inspections, recordkeeping, and the implementation and maintenance of the Airport Certification Manual (ACM) and its supporting documents. In coordination with engineering and operations staff, you will oversee the functional requirements of major design studies and construction projects, as well as facility improvement activities for airlines and other tenants. You will also serve in the Airport Operations 24-hour Command Center, supporting continuous and compliant airport operations and performing related duties as assigned.

Serves in the Airport Operations Department at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the Program Manager responsible for the Operations Construction Coordination Program to ensure construction and infrastructure maintenance activities are reviewed, coordinated, and communicated to affected parties and potential impacts are resolved. Provides Airport Operations representation in construction-related meetings, develops schedules and milestones, and tracks project progress to completion.
• Reviews project plans to identify and mitigate impact on operation of the airport complex by identifying, documenting, and implementing "lessons learned" from each project; by assisting in resolving technical interdependency issues in planning, design, construction, and activation for each project in coordination with other departments; and by conveying relevant information to key personnel working with the project.
• Serves as the Program Manager responsible for ensuring the compliance of the airport’s Part 139 Airport Certification Program in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and Airport Directives, including but not limited to the development and management of the Airport Certification Manual (ACM), the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), and the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP).
• Serves as a liaison with the FAA ATCT, FSDO, and Eastern Region to maintain LOAs, MOUs, and other agreements with respect to Washington Dulles International Airport. Prepares responses for official FAA inquiries, including Letters of Investigation (LOIs) and Letters of Compliance (LOCs)
• Serves as an Airport Operations Duty Manager, Supervisory managing the Airport complex from the Airport Operations 24-hour Command Center as needed.
• Inspects the airport complex to ensure compliance with 49 CFR Part 1540 and 1542, and 14 CFR Part 139 requirements.
• Ensures potential threats or incidents are contained and advises the Airport Operations Department Manager and designated security coordinator for future corrective action.
• Directs or initiates action to prevent unsafe operating conditions during inclement weather and emergencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned or as determined on own initiative.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in airport operations and/or airport construction management at a 14 CFR Part 139 certificated airport. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Two of the seven years must have been as an Airport Operations Duty Manager or equivalent position.
• Ability to understand the impact of construction on daily Airport operations.
• Skill in managing and administering multiple, major projects concurrently and in ensuring coordination and integration among related efforts.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with Federal, state, and local regulatory requirements governing airports.
• Ability to perform budget management, airport maintenance, construction monitoring and control, and computer applications and support for a Part 139 certificated airport.
• Knowledge of aircraft operations and the ability to take timely and appropriate action to avoid situations that adversely impact safety.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply general engineering and construction methods, techniques, and practices to ensure proper sequencing of work.
• Knowledge of and ability to anticipate and mitigate common construction and environmental problems.
• Knowledge of airline and tenant objectives; corporate standards; equipment and operational procedures; and general airport and aviation industry policies, planning, and procedures.
• Ability to make detailed analyses of data and information and make recommendations.
• Ability to speak and write effectively, with emphasis on communicating technical information to nontechnical audiences.
• Skill in using a computer and modern office suite software.

EDUCATION

• A Bachelor's Degree in any field.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

• A state driver’s license in good standing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Construction project management, planning, or engineering experience.
• Airport construction management, planning, or engineering experience.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering, Airway Science, Aviation, or a similar airport- or aviation-focused field of study.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

• Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).
• Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.
• Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.
• May be subject to night/weekend work.
• May be subject to adverse weather conditions and dust/grease/dirt.
• May be subject to potential hazards common to the airport environment and construction industry. Wears personal protective gear, as necessary.
• Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (lifting objects up to 50 pounds). May bend, stoop, crouch, and work in a cramped position.
• May be required to discharge firearms and other pyrotechnic devices to harass or dispose of wildlife hazards to aviation safety.
• May be subject to the possibility of a bomb blast and various types of terrorist threats.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family’s health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.