Exterior Electrician I/II
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority seeks an Exterior Electrician I/II to maintain and repair medium voltage electrical systems, airfield lighting, and related electrical infrastructure at Reagan National or Dulles International Airports. Responsibilities include troubleshooting, installing, and upgrading electrical distribution and lighting equipment while adhering to safety standards.
The role requires knowledge of NEC/FAA standards, the ability to read schematics, and experience with
Qualifications
- Four years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance and repair of electrical equipment and systems.
- Knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, requirements, and standards of electrical work.
- Skill in the maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, replacement, and installation of electrical equipment and systems.
- Skill in using hand tools, power tools, electrical testing equipment, schematics, blueprints, one-line diagrams, and other equipment used in electrical work.
- Ability to analyze drawings, blueprints, one-line diagrams, and electrical schematics.
Responsibilities
- Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, replaces, and modifies airport exterior electrical equipment and electrical distribution systems.
- Maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance on exterior lighting systems and associated control equipment.
- Performs switching activities and equipment isolation in accordance with procedures and safety rules.
- Reads and interprets blueprints, diagrams, and technical manuals to diagnose failures and support installations.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Compensation Grade: T19 Salary Range: $35.01-$45.50 Opening Date: September 18, 2026 Closing Date: Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date. The Airport Authority is seeking qualified candidates for the Exterior Electrician I/II position. This recruitment may result in placement at either the Exterior Electrician I (T19) or Exterior Electrician II (T20) level, based on the candidate's qualifications and level of experience. The Exterior Electrician I position has a salary range of $35.01 - $45.50 and is a developmental job that may lead to the full performance (journey) level Exterior Electrician position after 12 months. The Exterior Electrician II position has a salary range of $37.46 - $48.69 and is the full performance (journey) level job in the Exterior Electrician series. We will evaluate candidates and place them at the appropriate level based based on the qualifications associated with each job grade.
As an Exterior Electrician I, you will perform maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, installation, and preventive maintenance on airport exterior electrical systems while developing the technical knowledge and operational proficiency required to perform journey-level Exterior Electrician work. Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, replaces, and modifies airport exterior electrical equipment and electrical distribution systems, including medium voltage electrical distribution systems, airfield lighting systems, street and parking lot lighting systems, navigational aids, traffic signal systems, standby generator systems, programmable control systems, and associated airport electrical infrastructure. Performs related functions. After 12 months of successful performance and upon demonstrating the following:
- Understanding of medium voltage electrical distribution systems and switching procedures.
- Ability to maintain and troubleshoot medium voltage electrical equipment and associated distribution systems.
- Ability to maintain and repair airfield lighting systems and associated electrical infrastructure.
- Ability to interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and technical manuals.
- Understanding of airport electrical distribution systems and critical electrical infrastructure.
- Ability to respond to electrical outages and restore electrical service.
- Proficiency in the use of electrical testing equipment and specialized tools.
- Consistent application of applicable electrical codes, standards, and safety procedures.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the electrical systems including knowing the locations of all substations and critical equipment.
At that time, a one-grade increase is awarded non-competitively, and the incumbent moves to the Exterior Electrician II job profile.
As an Exterior Electrician II, you will maintain and repair medium voltage electrical equipment and electrical distribution systems supporting safe and continuous airport operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport. Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, replaces, and modifies medium voltage (4160V through 34.5kV) electrical distribution systems, low-voltage switchgear, main distribution panels (MDPs), airfield lighting systems, associated series circuits, constant current regulators, standby generators, and other airport electrical infrastructure supporting safe and continuous airport operations. Performs related functions. Serves in the Electrical Division of the Airport Maintenance Department at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Works on electrical distribution and power systems including medium voltage (4160V through 34.5kV) electrical systems, low-voltage switchgear, transformers, primary switches, circuit breakers, protective relays, automatic transfer switches, main distribution panels (MDPs), motors, motor control centers, and associated electrical distribution equipment. Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, replaces, and performs preventive maintenance on airfield lighting systems, associated series circuits, constant current regulators, isolation transformers, underground cable systems, lighting fixtures, connectors, and associated control systems to maintain safe and continuous airfield operations. Performs generator testing, preventive maintenance, load bank testing, troubleshooting, and repairs for stationary and portable generators, associated transfer switches, battery banks, DC control systems, and distribution equipment. Maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance on exterior lighting systems, including apron, roadway, parking lot, perimeter, and security lighting systems, along with associated contactors, controls, ballasts, photocells, and electrical circuitry. Installs new electrical services, temporary substations, transformers, switchgear, main distribution panels, conduit, wiring, and associated electrical infrastructure supporting airport facilities and airfield operations. Responds to electrical outages, equipment failures, and emergency service calls. Assesses the operational impact of electrical system failures, determines appropriate corrective actions, and communicates system status and restoration efforts to supervisors, Airport Operations, and other stakeholders, as appropriate. Performs switching activities and equipment isolation in accordance with approved switching procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and established electrical safety practices. Reads and interprets blueprints, one-line diagrams, electrical schematics, relay drawings, manufacturer's manuals, and technical documentation to diagnose failures, perform repairs, and support electrical installations. Uses electrical testing instruments, relay testing equipment, cable locating equipment, aerial lift trucks, bucket trucks, scissor lifts, and other specialized tools and equipment required to perform exterior electrical work. Maintains battery banks used for switchgear DC control power and performs testing and maintenance of associated control systems. May troubleshoot, maintain, and repair airfield lighting control systems and associated electrical control equipment. May install, troubleshoot, and maintain kWh metering equipment and other electrical monitoring devices. May assist Interior Electricians and Electronic Technicians with projects involving shared electrical infrastructure or integrated electrical control systems. Performs electrical work following the National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70E requirements, FAA standards, and the Airports Authority Design Manual to ensure installations and repairs comply with applicable codes and operational requirements. Performs other duties as assigned.
- Four years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance and repair of electrical equipment and systems.
- Knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, requirements, and standards of electrical work.
- Skill in the maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, replacement, and installation of electrical equipment and systems.
- Skill in using hand tools, power tools, electrical testing equipment, schematics, blueprints, one-line diagrams, and other equipment used in electrical work.
- Ability to analyze drawings, blueprints, one-line diagrams, and electrical schematics.
- Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures required to perform electrical work.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in English to understand and communicate safety requirements and operational information while performing work in the Airport Operations Area (AOA).
- Ability to speak and write effectively.
- Skill in using a computer, computerized work order system, and time and attendance system.
- Five years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance and repair of electrical equipment and systems.
- Included in the five years of experience must be one year of specialized experience in the installation, testing, diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment and systems.
- Skill in using electrical testing equipment, relay testing equipment, cable locating equipment, hand tools, power tools, blueprints, one-line diagrams, electrical schematics, and other equipment associated with electrical maintenance and repair.
- Ability to analyze drawings and electrical schematics.
- Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures required to perform electrical work.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in English to understand and communicate safety requirements and operational information while performing work in the Airport Operations Area (AOA).
- Ability to speak and write effectively.
- Skill in using a computer, computerized work order system, and time and attendance system.
- A Journeyman Electrical License (or higher).
- Certification in medium voltage cable splicing, terminating, and testing.
- Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing airfield lighting systems, associated series circuits, constant current regulators, and airfield lighting control systems.
- Certification or experience in the maintenance and testing of 480V switchgear, breakers, and protective relays.
- Class B Commercial Driver's License.
A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
- A state driver's license in good standing.
- Journeyman’s Electrical License within 24 months of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.
- [DCA Only] Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.
- A state driver's license in good standing.
- Journeyman’s Electrical License within 12 months of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.
- [DCA Only] Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.
- Certification in medium voltage cable splicing, terminating, and testing within 12 months of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.
- AOA Movement area driver qualification within 180 days of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.
- Operates vehicles airside and landside; must maintain AOA permit.
- Operates aerial lift trucks, scissor lifts, bucket trucks, and other specialized equipment to perform work on overhead electrical systems and airfield lighting.
- Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion, including exerting 20 to 40 pounds of force and lifting objects weighing up to 80 pounds.
- May be required to bend, stoop, crouch, work in confined spaces, or work at elevated heights.
- Is subject to possible electrical shock, exposure to hazardous materials, and noisy airfield environments.
- Wears personal protective equipment in accordance with NFPA 70E requirements.
- Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies, including snow removal.
- Required to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as operational needs dictate.
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.
Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.
Have you ever wondered who runs Reagan National Airport? Or Dulles International Airport? Or the Dulles Toll Road? We do! We’re the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and we’re looking for talented, enthusiastic people to help us continue our tradition of outstanding service to travelers in the Washington Metropolitan area. We offer an array of benefits programs, including vacation, retirement, and health benefits. Whether you are traveling the world or plotting your career path, your journey begins with us.
Our Core Values are: MUTUAL RESPECT INTEGRITY PRIDE COLLABORATION
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