Professional Development Program Associate (Airport Engineering)-1

mwaa; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

MWAA is seeking a Professional Development Program Associate in Airport Engineering. This three-year developmental track leads to a full-performance Project Manager Engineering role, with progressive training, design reviews, scheduling support, stakeholder coordination, and required safety and professional certifications.

Program milestones include year‑end progress reviews, skill-building projects, and exposure to capital projects and maintenance programs across MWAA’s airports.

Job description

Compensation Grade:S19-H Salary Range:$40.55-$58.79Opening Date:September 4, 2026Closing Date:September 19, 2026 Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Professional Development Program Associate (Airport Engineering) for the Airports Authority, you will gain hands‑on experience and industry knowledge while developing the skills and expertise needed as you work toward achieving your career goals.

Professional Development Program Associate (Airport Engineering)

This is a three‑year developmental program and is designed to lead to placement in a career full‑performance Project Manager Engineering position.

[This development plan could be changed due to organizational needs.]

Associate (Year 1) is a developmental phase where you will receive experiential training and assignments to strengthen your professional skills (such as self‑management, business acumen, and leadership skills) while building foundational knowledge in your discipline.

After 12 months of successful performance (end of Year 1) and upon completing the following:

• Professional Development Training.
• Professional Development Projects.
• Assist with design reviews for airfield and terminal projects.
• Support senior staff with administrative project management activities.
• Become familiar with airport stakeholders, including various MWAA Departments, airlines, federal partners, and other tenants.
• Learn processes for coordinating with Airport Operations and Maintenance Departments.
• Support construction inspections and quality assurance activities.
• Complete training for Project Management Information Systems Software
• Obtain VDOT Basic Work Zone Safety Certification
• Complete the OSHA 30‑Hour Construction Safety Certification
• Assist and manage the weekly project status schedule.
• Observe and use the engineering software utilized by the department.
• Observe and assist in Capital Maintenance and Investment Program (COMIP) presentations and meetings.

Upon successful completion, you will receive a 5% pay increase.

After an additional 12 months of successful performance (end of Year 2) and upon completing the following:

• Professional Development training.
• Professional Development Projects.
• Assist with project scheduling and cost estimation.
• Assist senior staff with all aspects of planning, design, and construction phases of assigned O&M, COMIP, and CCP projects.
• Participate in environmental compliance reviews.
• Obtain ADA Compliance Certificate (NASP).
• Support procurement processes for engineering contracts.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Lead a sub-task of a planning, design, and/or construction project.
• Participate in Airport and executive presentations on design and construction stages
• Assist the Project Manager in project development and the construction phase.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Project Management Information Systems Software.
• Serve in a working group or steering committee.
• Document required experience for certification for Year 2.
• Assist in the design review period.
• Assist and manage the weekly project status schedule.

Upon successful completion, you will receive a one grade increase and move to the Professional Development Program Analyst (Airport Engineering) (Year 3) job profile.

As an Analyst (Year 3), you will work more independently on assigned projects for your department and continue your job-related training and certifications.

After an additional 12 months of successful performance (end of Year 3) and upon completing the following:

• Professional Development training.
• Professional Development Projects.
• Obtain certifications for construction quality, including VDOT Materials Certifications (Asphalt Field Certification, Concrete Field Certification, Soil & Aggregate Compaction Certification, Pavement Markings Certification).
• Obtain VDOT Intermediate Work Zone Safety Certification
• Independently complete one design and one construction project from start to finish, including scope development, cost estimation, procurement coordination, permitting, construction management (if applicable), and project closeout.
• Complete COTR (Contracting Officer's Technical Representative) training.
• Ensure compliance with safety and sustainability standards.
• Assist and manage the weekly project status schedule.
• Lead a small planning, design, and/or construction project.
• Coordinate with stakeholders on project progression and participate in Airport and executive presentations on design and construction stages.

You will have successfully completed the Professional Development Program.

You will then be promoted to the Project Manager Engineering position.

Serves in one of the Airports Authority Airport Financial Management Divisions located at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport.

Performs a range of basi