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Airport Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Engineering, or related field and 5 yrs of relevant experience What You'll Bring: * Directs and oversees technical work for a wide variety of airport ...

This internship provides hands-on experience working on airport planning, design, and construction projects. The intern will support engineering staff in technical design work, field observations ...

New

CAD Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$62 - $75/hr

This role involves working closely with internal teams and external engineers/architects to develop and maintain detailed architectural and engineering documents for airport-wide infrastructure. JOB ...

New

CAD Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$62K - $74K/yr

This role involves working closely with internal teams and external engineers/architects to develop and maintain detailed architectural and engineering documents for airport-wide infrastructure. JOB ...

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Showing results 1-20

Airport Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$107.2K

$138.8K

$167.1K

How much do airport engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport engineer in Virginia is $138,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,800.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airport engineer?

Airport engineers are specialized civil engineers who plan, design, and oversee the construction and maintenance of airport facilities, including runways, taxiways, terminals, and support buildings. They ensure that airport infrastructure meets safety regulations, environmental standards, and operational requirements. Their work involves collaborating with architects, contractors, and regulatory agencies to optimize airport efficiency and safety. Airport engineers also address issues like drainage, lighting, and pavement design to support both current and future air traffic needs.

What does an airport engineer do?

As an airport engineer, your primary duties include planning and designing the construction of aviation facilities so that they are safe and functional. Airport engineers, like civil engineers, study maps, survey reports, and blueprints as part of the planning and design process. You may also evaluate construction materials, job equipment, and labor costs associated with building airports. This career deals with legal responsibilities, and you must take into account government regulations and requirements to ensure airport facilities are up to code.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airport engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airport Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering, regulatory knowledge (such as FAA standards), and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with design and drafting software like AutoCAD, project management tools, and airport-specific planning systems is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills are essential for coordinating with stakeholders and managing complex projects. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and compliant airport infrastructure development and maintenance.

What are some common challenges airport engineers face when managing large-scale airport construction or renovation projects?

Airport Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders—including regulatory agencies, contractors, and airline representatives—to ensure all project requirements are met. Managing tight project timelines while adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations can also be demanding. Additionally, they must address unexpected issues like weather delays or supply chain disruptions, which require adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Effective communication and meticulous planning are essential for successfully navigating these complexities.

What is the difference between Airport Engineer vs Airport Planner?

AspectAirport EngineerAirport Planner
Primary FocusDesign, construction, and maintenance of airport infrastructureLong-term development, land use, and capacity planning of airports
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, engineering licenses, certifications in civil or structural engineeringUrban planning or civil engineering degree, planning certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, engineering offices, airport facilitiesPlanning offices, government agencies, airport authorities
Industry UsageDesigning runways, terminals, and infrastructure projectsMaster plans, capacity analysis, land use planning

While both roles are essential in airport development, Airport Engineers focus on the physical construction and maintenance of airport infrastructure, requiring engineering credentials. Airport Planners concentrate on strategic development and capacity planning, often with urban planning expertise. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the aviation industry.

Is an airport engineer a good career?

An airport engineer designs, maintains, and oversees airport infrastructure such as runways, terminals, and lighting systems. The role requires technical skills, knowledge of engineering principles, and often a relevant certification or degree. It offers stable employment opportunities in the transportation sector and involves working in a dynamic environment with safety considerations.

What are popular job titles related to Airport Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Airport Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Airport Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Airport Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Airport Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Airport Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Airport Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,826 per year, or $66.7 per hour.

Airport Engineering Safety Program Manager

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Arlington, VA • On-site

$106K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Compensation Grade:
S21
Salary Range:
$106,262.00-$154,080.00
Opening Date:
July 1, 2026
Closing Date:
Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.
As the Airport Engineering Safety Program Manager, you will develop, implement, and oversee the Engineering and Construction Safety Program to ensure compliance with Federal, state, and local environmental, workplace safety, public safety, and accessibility requirements across the Airports Authority. You will provide oversight of construction, maintenance, and facility projects, establish and enforce safety policies and procedures, and provide technical guidance to employees and contractors to support safe, efficient, and cost-effective project delivery and facility operations.
In addition, you will support airport compliance with environmental, occupational safety, public safety, and accessibility regulations by evaluating programs and practices, conducting inspections, monitoring corrective actions, and addressing regulatory compliance issues. The position also serves as a technical resource on safety and hazardous materials management, helping to identify risks, develop solutions, and promote a safe environment for employees, contractors, and the public.
Serves in the Engineering and Facility Services Department at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides technical guidance and training as a principal safety advisor.
Researches, interprets, and enforces safety, occupational health, and fire protection regulations.
Reviews comprehensive safety policy manuals, policies, and procedures.
Reviews, interprets, and gives recommendations on safety plans, airport engineering plans, design plans at 30%, 60%, 90% and 100%, and on pre-task work plans.
Conducts and coordinates inspections of facilities, construction sites, and property owned or operated by the Airports Authority, to observe and report on conformance with safety regulations, directives, and guidelines.
Provides Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and safety awareness training to airport employees, offers safety guidance, and oversees the safety education and training programs provided by consulting firms and construction contractors.
Coordinates with architects and engineers concerning industry "best practices" to ensure safety measures are incorporated.
Conducts and coordinates investigations of construction accidents or incidents; summarizes and reports findings to the Risk Management Department, insurers, and senior management with recommendations for mitigation or to correct deficiencies. Provides support to legal staff related to safety incidents.
Gathers data and performs risk analysis and incident trend analysis. Recommends actions to reduce and mitigate risks and to avoid future accidents and insurance claims. Prepares written reports and recommendations for management.
Reports results of safety inspections. Recommends corrective actions and preventive measures to address unsafe practices and conditions, and monitors the correction of deficiencies through follow-up visits.
Monitors and evaluates contractor safety practices to ensure work conforms to contract documents, industry standards, and practices.
Participates in regulatory inspections and insurance audits on Airport Authority construction sites.
Conducts safety candidate interviews for contractor's safety management positions to ensure compliance with the Airports Authority's construction safety manual requirements.
Designs, implements, inspects, monitors, analyzes, and evaluates corrective measures taken for noncompliance issues with environmental, workplace, and public safety, or accessibility requirements. Coordinates and prepares airport responses on noncompliance issues.
Coordinates with environmental inspectors, program officials, and workplace and public safety personnel on requirements, infractions, and inspections.
Monitors the compliance of airport operations, maintenance, and tenant' activities with regulations and governmental programs, provides technical advice and assistance, compiles compliance data, and ensures compliance.
Keeps abreast of technical and legal developments in environmental engineering as well as airport engineering, maintenance, and other operations.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Six years of experience working for a general contractor on large construction projects.
Knowledge of and ability to apply Federal, state, and local regulations and industry standards and guides, to maintenance of traffic (MOT) activities.
Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of "safety engineering" and safety management, and the ability to develop safety engineering and construction safety policies and procedures for large-scale projects and to monitor and enforce compliance.
Knowledge of and ability to apply safety incident analysis and hazard identification, analysis, and control techniques to improve construction safety and reduce risk of accidents and insurance claims.
Skill in investigating and reporting on safety violations and accidents.
Ability to develop, train, and implement construction safety programs.
Ability to make detailed analyses of data and information and make recommendations.
Ability to speak and write effectively.
Skill in using a computer and modern office suite software, with emphasis on safety management software.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) from the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), or a Certified Safety Manager (Construction) from the World Safety Organization (WSO-CSM (Construction), or a fully equivalent certification.
Knowledge of key Federal, state, and local rules and regulations on environmental and workplace safety issues affecting airports and the ability to develop and oversee prevention programs and corrective action plans for noncompliance.
Licensed as an Engineer in Training (EIT) in the Commonwealth of Virginia or with official verification of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Certification in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER).
Experience in the aviation industry, safety compliance programs.
EDUCATION
A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED
A state driver's license in good standing.
Completion of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Intermediate Work Zone Supervisor training and certification within 30 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.
NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS
Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.
May be subject to potential hazards common to the airport environment and construction industry. Wears personal protective gear, as necessary.
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.