Mobile Equipment Body Technician I

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority seeks a Mobile Equipment Body Technician I to maintain vehicle bodies for Washington Dulles International Airport. The role involves prep, body repair, painting, and assisting in estimating damage, with on-the-job training and progression to Technician II.

Work location is in the Paint Shop within the Structure and Grounds Division; strong English communication, safety awareness, and basic welding knowledge are required. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Two years of progressively responsible experience in vehicle body repair and painting.
• Basic knowledge of materials for automotive finishes and metal/fiberglass/rubber surfaces.
• Ability to analyze data and communicate safety and operational information in English.

Responsibilities

• Assist in estimating total vehicle damage and repair time under supervision.
• Collaborate with senior painters on vehicle work.
• Track parts and materials used, and adhere to budgetary constraints.
• Repair or replace damaged body parts on airport vehicles under guidance.
• Install hardware such as locks and window glass in doors.

Skills

Vehicle body repair

Vehicle painting

Safety procedures

Data entry / work orders

English communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

ASE certifications (A Series / T Series) or similar

Tools

Welders

Blasting equipment

Grinders

Paint spraying equipment

Job description

Compensation and Salary

Compensation Grade: T16 Salary Range: $28.58-$37.15 Opening Date: September 4, 2026 Closing Date: September 19, 2026 Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

Mobile Equipment Body Technician I

As a Mobile Equipment Body Technician I, you will perform a wide range of duties to assist with maintaining the safety and functionality of automotive equipment, trucks, and other vehicle bodies for Washington Dulles International Airport.

Career Progression

This is a developmental job and may lead to the next rung of the Mobile Equipment Body Mechanic career ladder.

• prepping bare metal and the repairing materials for the undercoat, sanding, masking, and mixing the materials
• professional use of the required spray equipment for each specific vehicle.
• identifying which specific products to use and when and how they should be applied a one-grade increase is awarded non-competitively, and the incumbent moves to the Mobile Equipment Body Technician II (TMEBM38) job profile.

After an additional 12 months of successful performance and upon demonstrating proficiency in:

• different types of welding, replacement of body panels, straightening damaged body panels,
• the use of fillers and adhesives.
• using equipment such as welders, blasting equipment, pulling equipment, grinders, and equipment and tools used for metal shaping and fabrication. a one-grade increase is awarded non-competitively, and the incumbent moves to the full performance Mobile Equipment Body Mechanic (T15601) job profile.

Location

Serves in the Paint Shop of the Structure and Grounds Division in the Airport Maintenance Department at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Assist with repairing automotive, truck, and other vehicle bodies and apply automotive commercial or yellow fleet industrial finishes. Applies the standards and uses the full range of tools and equipment of the body repair trade. Receives individual assignments and on-the-job training and attends formal classes to help build knowledge, skills, and other proficiencies toward the target level in the career ladder. Performs related functions.

General Responsibilities

• Assist in estimating the total extent of vehicle damage and repair timeframe using a nationwide crash estimate guide; supports preparation of material and labor cost estimates under supervision.
• Collaborates with senior painters on vehicle work.
• Tracks and records parts and materials used for projects, learning to adhere to budgetary constraints.
• Assist with repairing or replacing damaged body parts on airport vehicles under guidance from experienced staff.
• Installs hardware mechanisms, such as locks and window glass in vehicle doors.
• Assist in fabricating parts, restoring original shapes, and assembling and installing body sections.
• Follows manufacturers' directions for mixing paints and pre-coating agents.
• Determines supply requirements for surfaces being painted and usage of vehicles.
• May paint, plaster, wallpaper, and apply finishes to interior surfaces; may paint exterior structures; or may finish or refinish furniture.
• Assist with laying out highway markings using a push striper, under supervision.
• Learns and follows safety procedures for disposing of hazardous waste materials.
• Helps perform basic maintenance on equipment and assist with minor repairs.
• Inputs data into work order systems for all equipment maintained, overhauled, or repaired, with training and oversight.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Two years of progressively responsible experience in vehicle body repair and painting. Basic knowledge of the properties and characteristics of materials used in automotive painting to select, mix, and apply proper materials for obtaining commercial automotive finishes for equipment and durable industrial finishes for utility vehicles. Basic knowledge of techniques for mixing and applying coating materials for metal, fiberglass, or rubber. Basic knowledge of performing required maintenance and repairs of equipment. Skill in using tools and other equipment in vehicle painting/body repair work. Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures to do so. Ability to analyze data and information (including blueprints and schematics). Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing in English to understand and communicate, safety requirements, and operational information while performing work in the Airport Operations Area (AOA). Skill in using a computer, computerized work order, and time and attendance system.

• Experience performing body work on heavy equipment and applying commercial automotive finishes.
• Certification(s) in the Automobile and Light Truck Test Series (A Series), the Medium-Heavy Truck Series (T Series) or similar series from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
• Experience with metallic and acrylic paints, catalysts, primers, thinners, and sealers.
• Experience with metals and fiberglass and assembling vehicle body parts.
• Full performance (journey) level knowledge of and skill in vehicle body repair and painting.

Education

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

Certifications and Licenses

REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing.

Necessary Special Factors

• Works inside and outside in all kinds of weather.
• Operates vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).
• Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (such as lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds and, occasionally, up to 100 pounds).
• May be subject to toxic fumes, falls, cuts, dust, and noise levels from jet aircraft.
• Wears personal protective equipment as necessary.
• Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.
• May bend, crouch, and work in a cramped position; ascends stairs and ladders.
• Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

MUTUAL RESPECT…INTEGRITY…PRIDE… COLLABORATION