Sign Maker Apprentice

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation

Retirement

Health benefits

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is seeking a Sign Maker Apprentice to join the Trades Apprentice Employment Program. You will train to become a licensed journey level Sign Maker through on‑the‑job and classroom instruction at DCA or IAD.

This non‑career, term position offers hands‑on experience in sign fabrication and airport maintenance. You will work in the Engineering and Maintenance Department, using graphics software and sign‑making equipment, and you’ll be trained in safety

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Able to learn the Sign Maker trade through the Apprenticeship Program.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing.
• Communicate in English to understand safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Learn to fabricate informational and regulatory signs for airport facilities.
• Assist in using sign-making equipment and software for sign production.
• Help lay out, laminate, and apply signs based on work orders.
• Input information into MAXIMO and complete work orders.
• Participate in planning, field surveys, and preventive maintenance.

Skills

Driving

English proficiency

Verbal & written communication

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma

GED

Trades course

Tools

Graphic design software

RIP software

Large-format printers

Plotters

Laser engravers

Job description

Compensation Grade: AT17 Salary Range: $18.34-$29.04 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 a Sign Maker 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 licensed, journey level Sign Maker.

Sign Maker Apprentice This is a non-career, term job. Serves in the Engineering and Maintenance Department at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) 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 a licensed, journey level Sign Maker. Performs progressively complex and responsible plumbing‑pipefitting work as knowledge, skills and abilities in the trade increase. Training received is both on‑the‑job and in a classroom. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learns to fabricate informational and regulatory signs and markings for airport buildings, offices, equipment, vehicles, roadways and grounds. Trades Apprentice Employment Program. Learns to proficiently use manuals, technical guides, and hand and power tools, instruments and devices used in the trade.
• Assists full performance (journey) level Sign Maker in using various graphic arts and sign‑making equipment, including design software, RIPs, large‑format printers and plotters, Laser engravers, and various finishing hand tools for preparation of signs and produces completed lettering, using a sign‑making computer, for application to sign surfaces.
• Assists full performance (journey) level Sign Maker in fabricating traffic signs and stencils for roadway markings in accordance with Federal and State regulatory specifications Guided by a full performance (journey) level Sign Maker lays out, and laminates signs, based on work orders, specifications, drawings, or oral instructions.
• Guided by a full performance (journey) level Sign Maker uses software to determine layout of signs, inputting information concerning dimensions, letter size, symbols, and wording. Performs other tasks as assigned including Job Planning, Consultations, & Field Surveys, identify the material needed for different applications.
• Input information and completes Work Orders & Training for MAXIMO.
• Learns and uses knowledge of building, fire, Federal Aviation Administration, 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 utilizing the Airports Authority’s computerized work order system.
• Drives a pick‑up truck or similar vehicle on the airport complex, landside and airside to work sites and to/from suppliers with tools, parts, etc.
• 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 Sign Maker 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 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.
• 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.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

• A state driver’s license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

• Operates vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).
• Is subject to hold‑over and recall on a 24‑hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.
• A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.
• 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
• 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