Architect or Engineer- in- Training I-3

Compensation Grade:

S20

Salary Range:

$92,809.00-$134,574.00

Opening Date:

October 17, 2025

Closing Date:

November 1, 2025

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As an Architect or Engineer-in-Training I for the Airports Authority, you will gain real world experience and industry knowledge in an established Engineering division of the Airports Authority as you work toward earning your Professional License.

Architect or Engineer-in-Training I

This is a four-year training program and is designed to lead to placement in a career full-time Architect or Engineer or Airport Planner position.

[This development plan could be changed due to organizational need.]
The Architect or Engineer-in-Training Program extends for a period of approximately four years. Upon achieving an appropriate professional certification and/or meeting the career ladder criteria, usually at the second year of employment, (see “Certifications and Licenses Required” section), a one-grade increase is awarded non-competitively and the incumbent remains on this job description (Architect or Engineer-in-Training). By the four-year of employment, the incumbent is expected to have earned either a Professional Engineer License or Registered Architect License or Airport Planning and Design Certification.

After 24 months of successful performance (end of Year 2) and upon completing the following:

• Architect or Engineer-in-Training Development training and projects
• Understand the Airports Authority’s Project Delivery Methods.
• Assist and manage weekly project status schedule.
• Use engineering software utilized by the department.
• Interview organization personnel to understand objectives, roles, and responsibilities.
• Gain knowledge of industry best practices and trends.
• Prepare value engineering reports and presentations.
• Demonstrate understanding the design manual, code handbook and RS Means.
• For Engineers: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and obtain Engineer-in-Training designation.
• For Architects: Make progress toward obtaining a professional Architectural license in the United States through NCARB registration.
• For Planners: Work towards obtaining airport planning and design certification in the United States.
• Coordinate with stakeholders on project progression.
• Document required experience for licensure or certification.

Upon achieving these criteria, a one grade increase is awarded non-competitively and the incumbent selects the department placement as a designer, construction manager or planner and move to the Architect or Engineer-in-Training II (S21) job profile.

After an additional 24 months of successful performance (end of Year 4) and upon completing the following:

• Assist Project Manager in project development and construction phase.
• Participate in CCP and executive presentations on design and construction stages.
• Assist in the design review period.
• Coordinate with stakeholders on project progression.
• Manage weekly project status schedule.
• Participate in CCP and executive presentations on design and construction stages.
• Lead a small planning, design and/or construction project.
• Document engineering/architect experiences as required per state board for licensure or airport planning and design experiences as required for certification.

At the end of Year 4, you will have successfully completed the Office of Engineering training program and will have 12 months to obtain state licensure and/or certification.

Upon obtaining state licensure and/or certification, a one grade increase is awarded, and the incumbent is promoted non-competitively to a full performance S22 position.

Works under the direct supervision of the Department Manager; however, may take direction from other licensed professional engineers, registered architects, certified planners to satisfy Professional License program requirements.

Serves in the Airports Authority’s Office of Engineering located at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.

Performs a variety of activities in support of the assigned Department. Rotates through the Office’s Design, Construction, Project Controls and Management, Planning, Building Codes and Environmental Departments. Work typically involves learning and expanding skills while performing a range of engineering or architectural or planning duties. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs varied architect/engineering/planning duties under the direct supervision of licensed professional engineers or registered architect managers while learning about the Airports Authority and the Office of Engineering and its functions.  Examples of duties include but are not limited to:

Manages or assists in the design of capital projects at both airports, Dulles Access Highway and the Dulles Toll Road.  Inspects and recommends approval or disapproval of design consultant’s work.

Prepares planning/design drawings and specifications, and architectural/engineering studies under the supervision of a licensed architect/engineer.

Assists with the development and maintenance of the Master Integrated Project Schedule (MIPS) for Airports Authority design and construction projects for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles Access Highway and the Dulles Toll Road.   

Manages or assists with the management of construction projects. Inspects and monitors new construction and recommends approval or disapproval of work. 

Arranges for submission of construction progress reports; reviews reports 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. 

May perform special studies, analyses and projects to establish or improve systems for construc­tion scheduling, quality control, cost control, progress reporting and safety.

May serve as an assistant project manager during a project’s planning and programming phases and as a project team member through a project’s design, construction, activation, and operation. 

Assists in the development of detailed budget and forecast cost.  Prepares periodic project and contract cost and schedule reports, charts, or graphs.  Compiles project and contract cost, scope and schedule statuses.

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.

Works with the Organization Development Manager and Department Manager to create an individual development and performance plan.Identifies weaknesses and strengths in education, training and experience.

Participates in quarterly reviews of performance.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

[ENGINEERS ONLY] Must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and be eligible to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.

[ARCHITECTS ONLY] Must have an Architectural Degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board accredited institution and be eligible to obtain a professional Architectural license in the United States through registration in National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). 

[AIRPORT PLANNERS ONLY] Must be on track to obtain airport planning and design certification in the United States including but not limited to certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (ACIP), American Association of Airport Executives, and Airports Council International’s U.S. Airport Professional Program (USAP).

Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles and practices of airport planning, engineering, or architecture.

Ability to perform analyses of data and information.

Ability to use AutoCAD and BIM software in design, design development, and construction documents. 

Ability to review and develop project specifications.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Skill in using a computer, with emphasis on project management and construction and engineering systems/software.

EDUCATION

A bachelor’s degree in engineering (such as Civil, Construction, Structural, 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 accredited institution or an Airport Planning Degree, earned between 2021 and 2026.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

State driver’s license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

May operate a vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

May be required to work nights and weekends depending on project schedules and airport/ roadway operations.

May be subject to adverse weather conditions and exposed to dirt, grease, odors, hazardous substances, and loud noise when visiting construction sites. Wear protective equipment, as required.

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.