Apprentice Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Compensation Grade:

AT18

Salary Range:

$19.63-$31.07

Opening Date:

May 15, 2026

Closing Date:

May 30, 2026

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

As a Facilities Maintenance Mechanic Apprentice in the Airport Authority's Apprentice Employment Program, you will have the opportunity to gain the experience and training that can lead to becoming a Facilities Maintenance Mechanic.
Facilities Maintenance Mechanic Apprentice
This is a non-career, term job.
Serves in the Airport Maintenance Department or the Airport Engineering and Facility Services Department Manager 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 Facilities Maintenance Mechanic. Performs progressively complex and responsible structural maintenance work in carpentry, roofing, masonry, etc., 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 maintain and repair Airports Authority structures involving the professional trades (carpentry, roofing, masonry, wood crafting, etc.), from elementary to fully proficient levels of structural maintenance work, consistent with the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.

Learns to proficiently use manuals, technical guides, blueprints and diagrams, materials, and hand and power tools used by the trades.

Assists full performance level Facilities Maintenance Mechanics to assemble and transport tools and materials to the job site, and at the job site to complete the work to include handling of tools and cleaning up.

Guided by a full performance level Facilities Maintenance Mechanic, learns to stud walls and install drywall (sheetrock); install high impact panels and frame terminal walls; repair plaster walls; install and repair flooring and carpet; perform roof repairs; construct masonry and concrete units; and repair a variety of wood items such as bookshelves/cabinets.

Performs monthly preventive maintenance inspections of all airport structures, makes repairs, or initiates work orders for repair.

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.

Coordinates with other trades, e.g., electricians, plumbers, HVAC mechanics, etc., on the sequence of work to be completed. Escorts contractors and/or suppliers, as needed.

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, airside and landside to work sites, and to/from suppliers.

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 Facilities Maintenance Mechanic 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 speak and write effectively.

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 Carpentry, 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 accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Labor.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver's license in good standing at the time of hire.

[DCA ONLY] Depending on the assignment, you may be required to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Work is physically demanding and requires bending, stooping, crouching, or otherwise positioning oneself to access confined spaces, hard-to-reach places, and high structures.

Work may require the ability to lift, push/pull, or position items weighing up to 75 pounds.

Work is performed inside and outside in all kinds of weather (rain, snow, ice). May be exposed to hazardous materials, substances, and conditions; to temperatures exceeding 115 degrees F; and to cutting tools, moving parts of machinery, and power equipment. Work requires the use of personal protective equipment.

Is exposed to various risks and hazards, including potential falls from roofs or ladders, and is exposed to the noise of jet aircraft, shop equipment, tar fumes, and vibrations of equipment.

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

Subject to working night hours and weekends.

Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.

Operates 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.