Professional Development Program Associate (Airport Engineering)-1

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 56,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is seeking candidates for a three-year Professional Development Program Associate (Airport Engineering). The program provides hands-on experience, training, and rotations aimed at progressing to a Project Manager Engineering role.

Associate Year 1 focuses on foundational knowledge, safety certifications, and project support. Year 2 advances to planning, scheduling, and cost estimation, with a promotion path to Year 3 Analyst and eventually Project

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of civil engineering and construction management principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Willingness to learn emerging technologies in airport design and sustainability.
• Adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to perform analyses of data and information.
• Ability to review and develop construction documents.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.

Responsibilities

• Builds relationships with employees, airlines, tenants, and others.
• Generates and/or reviews written material, as assigned.
• Collects, enters, revises, sorts, calculates, or retrieves data and information for reports and other purposes.
• Performs analyses of data or information to assist with Airport functions. Develops and presents recommendations based on the analyses or other information.
• Assists in the design, construction, and maintenance of airport facilities.
• Performs site inspections and prepares engineering reports.
• Supports project management activities, including scheduling and budgeting.
• Collaborates with contractors, consultants, and internal teams.
• Develops and gives professional presentations.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Adaptability

Learning mindset

Project management software

Education

ABET‑accredited engineering degree

Architectural degree (NAAB)

Tools

Project Management Software

Office software

Job description

Compensation Grade:

S19-H

Salary Range:

$40.55-$58.79

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.

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)

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.

Year 2

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.

Year 3

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.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Builds relationships with employees, airlines, tenants, and others.
• Generates and/or reviews written material, as assigned.
• Collects, enters, revises, sorts, calculates, or retrieves data and information for reports and other purposes.
• Performs analyses of data or information to assist with Airport functions. Develops and presents recommendations based on the analyses or other information.
• Assist in the design, construction, and maintenance of airport facilities.
• Perform site inspections and prepare engineering reports.
• Support project management activities, including scheduling and budgeting.
• Collaborate with contractors, consultants, and internal teams.
• Develops and gives professional presentations.
• Works with the Employee Development to create an individual development and performance plan.
• Identifies weaknesses and strengths in education, training, and experience, and participates in quarterly reviews of performance.
• Attends training for developmental purposes.
• Works on special assignments, as needed.
• Works on special assignments, as needed, and may be subject to overtime pay with manager approval.
• Assists in enforcing the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) on all construction on Airports Authority property. Performs periodic inspections of construction projects to check for code violations as well as discrepancies between plans and actual construction.
• Assists in the development of detailed budgets and forecast costs. Prepares periodic project and contract cost and schedule reports, charts, or graphs. Compiles project and contract cost, scope, and schedule statuses.
• Arranges for submission of construction progress reports; reviews report for adequacy and accuracy of services performed, construction schedules, laboratory reports, etc.; reviews/approves shop drawings, material lists, catalog samples, etc.; and confers with designers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic knowledge of civil engineering and construction management principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Willingness to learn emerging technologies in airport design and sustainability.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to perform analyses of data and information.
• Ability to review and develop construction documents.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Ability to perform basic analyses of data and information.
• Skill in using a computer and modern office suite software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in the operational areas of an airport.
• Experience working with groups providing maintenance or construction services to an airport.
• Experience working in an airport environment.
• Experience working as a contractor on building facilities, utility systems, or heavy civil construction projects.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and airport design standards.

EDUCATION

A bachelor's degree in engineering (such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical/Electronics, or Environmental) from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited institution or a professional Architectural Degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board, obtained between August 2021 and December 2025.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

• May require a valid, in-good-standing state driver's license.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

• Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.
• May operate 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. Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.