Design Project Manager (Architect)

Compensation Grade:

S22

Salary Range:

$119,280.00-$172,955.00

Opening Date:

November 13, 2026

Closing Date:

November 28, 2026

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

As a Design Project Manager (Architect), you will manage a wide variety of multi-disciplinary projects to construct landside and airside improvements under the Aviation Enterprise Capital Construction Program (CCP), as well as projects under the Aviation Enterprise Capital, Operating, and Maintenance Investment Program (COMIP) at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Serve as the Principal Staff Technical Advisor for CCP and COMIP projects, manages multi-disciplinary building projects on airside and landside, coordinating with various stakeholders and ensuring compliance with contracts, safety, and regulatory standards.

Serves in the Design Department in the Office of Engineering at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as Principal Staff Technical Advisor for multi-disciplinary CCP and COMIP projects, focusing on Terminals, Concourses, and Auxiliary Facilities.

Conducts and manages design projects involving vertical building construction.    

Manages assigned capital improvement projects, including supervision and oversight of contractors and/or consultants for scope, quality, schedule, and budget management.

Reviews the work of contract design firms and monitors architecture and all disciplines of the CCP, COMIP, and tenant projects at IAD and DCA. Ensure projects are held to high Quality Control Standards and minimize changes during construction.  

Consults and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, including engineers, management officials, code officials, and government agencies.

Presents information and provides recommendations to the Office of Engineering leadership and other staff.

Develops and maintains the Airports Authority's design standards/guidelines for architecture. Conducts meetings with various stakeholders to establish and refine standards, expectations, requirements, and other design criteria.

Collaborates with the Airports Authority Safety Program and Building Codes Managers to integrate safety requirements and ensure compliance with MWAA’s codes and standards before project execution.

Establishes or approves functional criteria, performance requirements, and related specifications.  Specifies or advises on regulatory requirements, design standards, and related issues (e.g., site constraints, adjacent construction) for design criteria.

Conducts site investigations and analyses.

Provides design management support during the planning, design, and construction phases to monitor progress, inspect field conditions, and evaluate others' quality control work.

Reviews construction progress reports, shop drawings, material lists, and samples. Coordinate reviews with the engineer/architect of record on contractor-submitted items to confirm design intent and project requirements have been satisfied.

Serves as a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) on airside and landside mechanical engineering-related projects and studies. Confirms that work has been completed in accordance with contracts, quality standards, and MWAA’s goals for Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs).

Performs other duties as assigned.
 

QUALIFICATIONS

Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in architecture. A master’s degree may substitute for two years of required experience.

Skilled in administering engineering and construction consulting contracts and ability to serve as a project manager and COTR, including acting as the technical point of contact for assigned contracts, reviewing proposals and work products of consulting engineers, contractors, vendors, and supporting in-house personnel.

Knowledge of architectural design principles, building systems coordination, construction methods, building codes, safety requirements, quality assurance/quality control practices, and applicable regulatory standards.

Ability to collaborate effectively with architects, engineers, contractors, regulatory agencies, operational stakeholders, and executive leadership to resolve technical issues and support project objectives in complex operational environments.

Skilled in oral and written communication, with proficiency in project management systems, engineering and architectural software applications, and standard business software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with transportation projects.

Experience from early design phases through construction administration, for one or more projects.

Experience with project sizes of 200,000 SF and larger.

Experience working with existing operational facilities and existing conditions, including renovation, phased construction, and integration of new systems and infrastructure within complex occupied environments.

Experience with program management and planning.

EDUCATION

A bachelor’s degree in architecture or architectural technology, or a related field.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing.

Licensure as a Registered Architect in any U.S. State or Territory within one year of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit). May be required to work nights and weekends, depending on project schedules and airport operations.

Is subject to adverse weather conditions and exposed to dirt, grease, loud noise, and potential hazards common to the airport environment and construction industry.

Wears personal protective gear, as necessary. A background security investigation will be required for the issuance of an airport badge.

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. 

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.