Design Department Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Compensation Grade:

S22

Salary Range:

$119,280.00-$172,955.00

Opening Date:

August 21, 2026

Closing Date:

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

As a Design Project Manager - Electrical Engineer, you will manage and provide technical direction for electrical engineering projects supporting the Airports Authority's Capital Construction Program (CCP) and Capital Operating Maintenance Investment Program (COMIP).
Serving as a technical Subject Matter Expert for electrical systems and provides project management, design review, consultant management, and construction administration services.
Works under the general supervision of a Design Department Supervisor.
Serves in the Design Department in the Office of Engineering at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and at the Dulles Toll Road. Supports a multitude of projects, with the majority at DCA.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages electrical engineering designs, studies, and projects involving medium- and low-voltage power distribution; airfield, ramp, parking lot, and roadway lighting; emergency and standby power; building electrical systems; controls; and fire alarm systems.

Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert and focal point for assigned electrical engineering projects and programs.

Develops project requirements, design criteria, technical scopes, performance requirements, calculations, schematics, specifications, and cost estimates.

Manages electrical engineering projects from planning and design through construction, commissioning, and closeout.

Reviews the work of design consultants and A/E firms and monitors electrical engineering aspects of Capital Construction Program projects and tenant projects at DCA and IAD.

Provides technical direction and advice to engineers, project managers, management officials, contractors, consultants, vendors, and other stakeholders on electrical engineering issues.

Establishes electrical engineering requirements and contributes to the development and maintenance of the Airports Authority's Design Manual and related design guidelines.

Establishes requirements for system and facility studies and evaluates existing electrical infrastructure to support rehabilitation, replacement, expansion, and new construction.

Serves as a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) for engineering and construction contracts, including monitoring consultant performance, reviewing deliverables, and administering technical requirements.

Participates in technical evaluation panels for design and construction procurements and assists with the selection of consultants and contractors.

Manages construction administration (CA) services in coordination with the Engineer of Record (EOR), including responding to requests for information (RFIs), reviewing contractor submittals and shop drawings, conducting site visits, evaluating change order requests, and verifying compliance with contract documents and design intent.

Oversees equipment testing, system startup, acceptance testing, and commissioning activities.

Reviews record drawings, testing documentation, operation and maintenance materials, and other project closeout documentation.

Coordinates electrical work with civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, technology, security, and other engineering disciplines.

Coordinates with airport operations, maintenance, tenants, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders to plan work and address technical and operational issues.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Six years of progressively responsible experience in designing and/or managing electrical engineering projects and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline. A master's degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Comprehensive professional knowledge of the principles and practices of electrical engineering and ability to apply that knowledge to the design and management of electrical infrastructure projects, including medium- and low-voltage distribution systems.

Knowledge of related fields (e.g., fire detection design engineering, the construction industry, etc.) and ability to apply it to identify electrical engineering considerations during planning, design, construction, repair and maintenance activities.

Knowledge of applicable electrical standards, building codes, NFPA requirements, and other regulatory requirements and the ability to apply codes and standards to electrical engineering projects.

Skill in managing engineering and construction consulting contracts and serving as a project manager and COTR, including reviewing proposals designs, specifications, cost estimates, and other work products.

Skill in reviewing electrical construction work, inspection and testing procedures, equipment installation, and commissioning activities.

Ability to coordinate multiple projects and work effectively with engineers, consultants, contractors, airport operations, and other stakeholders.

Ability to communicate technical information effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Skill in using Microsoft Office and project management information systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience managing electrical engineering projects and contracts in an airport, transportation, utility, industrial, institutional, or other complex campus environment.

Experience with medium- and low-voltage electrical distribution systems.

Experience with emergency power, standby power, generators, or other electrical resiliency systems.

Experience supporting construction administration, field engineering, testing, or commissioning services.

Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. State or Territory.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver's license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Operates 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, weekends, or other non-standard hours depending on project schedules, construction activities, testing, commissioning, and airport operations.

Work may involve exposure to adverse weather conditions, construction environments, dirt, grease, loud noise, and other potential hazards common to airport and construction operations. Personal protective equipment is required as appropriate.

Knowledge of and ability to follow Lockout/Tagout and Confined Space Entry procedures.

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 packagehere.

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.