Industrial Controls Technician Apprentice

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; United States; On-site; USD 31,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is seeking an Industrial Controls Technician Apprentice in its Trades Apprentice Employment Program. You will gain experience and training toward becoming a skilled Technician, in an on-site role at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport.

The program combines on‑the‑job training with classroom instruction, with responsibilities spanning EMCS, BAS, and DCS systems, programming, testing, and preventive

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least one trades course in high school or equivalent.
• Able to work safely and follow safety rules.
• United States work eligibility.
• Willing to learn and progress through the Apprenticeship program.

Responsibilities

• Learn to maintain EMCS, BAS, and DCS equipment.
• Install, test, troubleshoot, and repair EMCS systems.
• Assist in programming microprocessors and VFDs.
• Monitor BAS and DCS performance and adjust for reliability.
• Assist in preparing work orders and paperwork.
• Drive Airports Authority vehicle to worksites as needed.

Skills

Safety awareness

Quality workmanship

Computer literacy

Verbal communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Trades course completion in high school

Tools

EMCS

BAS

DCS

JACE

Job description

Compensation Grade: AT20 Salary Range: $22.48-$35.59 Opening Date: September 18, 2026 Closing Date: October 3, 2026 Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As an Industrial Controls Technician Apprentice in the Airports Authority’s Trades Apprentice Employment Program, you will have the opportunity to gain the experience and training that can lead to becoming a skilled Technician. This is a non-career, term job. Serves in the Airport Maintenance Department at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Participates in a state‑approved Airports Authority Trades Apprentice Employment Program to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become an Industrial Controls Technician I or HVAC Controls Technician. Performs progressively complex and responsible electronic work as knowledge, skills and abilities in the trade increase. Training received is both on‑the‑job and in the classroom. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learns to maintain various kinds and types of electronic systems from old technologies for which parts are often not available to state‑of‑the‑art systems. These may include, but not limited to, Energy Management and Control System (EMCS), Building Automation Systems (BAS), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Siemens Apogee, Desigo and Java Application Control Engine (JACE) control devices.
• Learns to install, test, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and modify EMCS equipment and systems to provide efficient control operations and services.
• Works close tolerances in programming controls, calibrating equipment, and making alignments and fine‑tuning to specifications.
• Learns to monitor the operational performance of BAS, EMCS, and DCS systems and assist in making routine adjustments to improve system availability and reliability.
• Learns to proficiently use manuals, technical guides, wiring/operation diagrams and schematics; to use a two‑way radio, various hand and power tools and interface devices of the trade; and to recognize the kinds/sizes of supplies required to install, maintain, and repair equipment.
• Learns to use BAS/DCS software, diagnostic tools, specifications, drawings, and vendor information to identify equipment malfunctions and assist in troubleshooting and corrective actions.
• Learns to assist in the programming, configuration, and setup of microprocessors, equipment controllers, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) used to control pumps, motors, fans, valves, air handlers, and other instrumentation.
• Learns the principles of network communications and control system integration, including Ethernet and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocols used in industrial control systems.
• Assists full‑performance Industrial Controls Technicians in their work by assembling and transporting tools and materials to the job site, supplying requested tools and parts as work is performed, lifting and holding the work object(s), and performing thorough clean‑up.
• Guided by a full performance Industrial Controls Technician, learns to interpret, troubleshoot, and repair faulty electronic systems and components; to maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and replace electronic systems, including but not limited to systems that control Temperature sensors, Airflow Measurement System (AFMS) Sensors, valve actuators and dampers, control panels, and wiring.
• Learns and uses knowledge of building, electrical, and other codes and regulations pertinent to the trade, in general, and in an airport environment.
• Assists in preparing and maintaining work orders, trouble calls, and preventive maintenance, using the Airports Authority’s computerized work order system.
• Drives an Airports Authority vehicle on the airport complex, landside and airside, to work sites to and from suppliers with tools and parts, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Ability to learn bodies of knowledge and gain skills in the Industrial Controls trade consistent with the schedule for progression as an Apprentice in the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.
• Ability to drive a pick‑up truck and learn to use similar vehicle (with tools, parts, etc.).
• Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations and procedures needed to do so.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Skill in using a computer, computerized work order and time and attendance system.
• Ability to successfully complete an Airports Authority background investigation.

EDUCATION

• A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) at the time of hire.
• Completion of at least one trades course (such as Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Automotive Mechanics) in high school OR be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a trades school accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Labor.

REQUIRED Certifications and Licenses

• A state driver’s license in good standing.
• Depending on the assignment, may be required to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

• Work is physically demanding and requires bending, stooping, crouching, or otherwise positioning oneself to access confined spaces, hard to reach places and high structures.
• Work requires the use of personal protective equipment.
• Work is typically performed on an active airfield around large operating aircraft and inside and outside in all types of weather.
• Work is performed in the terminal spaces, working around the public and supporting the airport community.
• Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.
• Work may require the ability to lift, push/pull, or position items weighing up to 45 pounds.
• Operates a vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).
• A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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