Compensation Grade:
S24
Salary Range:
$140,932.00-$225,491.00

Opening Date:
July 24, 2026

Closing Date:
August 8, 2026
Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As the Design Department Manager - Civil, you will be the principal technical advisor to the Vice President for Engineering on civil engineering, horizontal design management for Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Washington Dulles International (IAD) Airports Capital Construction Program (CCP) and Capital Operating Maintenance Investment Program (COMIP), and the Dulles Corridor Enterprise Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Renewal and Replacement Program (R&R).

Design Department Manager - Civil

Works under the general supervision of the Vice President for Engineering.

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

Directly and through subordinate staff, provides engineering design technical guidance and approval for all projects on Airports Authority property including airline and vendor tenant projects. Provides seamless design products working in concert with the Design Department Manager - Architectural. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Directs and monitors design management activities of the program management consultant team in managing architecture/engineering (A/E) teams.

Conceives and recommends design studies and prepares and updates designs for structures and infrastructure, airside and landside, at both Airports and on the Dulles Toll Road.

Establishes and provides annual updates to the Airports Authority's engineering and architectural design policies and guidelines (e.g., Design Manual).

Oversees development and implementation of plans for design projects, including functional criteria, performance requirements and administrative actions.

Oversees the evaluation of design/construction proposals, firm selection, disadvantaged business enterprise participation, and technical aspects of contract negotiations. Conducts research and identifies industry standards and best practices to evaluate proposals.

Manages annual design-in-place goals and design budgets to meet planned construction execution priorities.

Participates in the development of standard provisions for design/construction contracts.

Serves as contracting officer's technical representative (COTR) for consultant personnel and other contracts and provides oversight for subordinates performing as COTRs.

Designs and implements plans to maximize utility and convenience to airlines, tenants, and the public.

Reviews and coordinates airline and tenant projects to ensure compliance with design policies and guidelines.

Manages special projects/studies to improve systems for design scheduling, quality control, cost control, and progress reporting. Develops and proposes new initiatives for investigation.

Provides management oversight and administration for the Capital Operating Maintenance Investment Program (COMIP) budget, including reprogramming funds. Helps prepare the COMIP and Capital Construction Program (CCP) budgets.

Reviews designs for the Airports Authority's acceptance.

Keeps abreast of advances in airport design and technology.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Nine years of progressively responsible experience in design management of civil and structural engineering, and a bachelor's degree in architecture, or engineering, or a related field. A master's degree may be substituted for 2 years of required experience.

Knowledge of and ability to work under public contracting regulations, such as Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) or similar public contracting regulations.

Ability to work as a design manager in engineering and construction as the owner's representative.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and ability to manage the operations and programs of the unit/team.

Professional knowledge of architecture and engineering principles and practices, and the ability to apply them to supervise subordinate design management staff, advise management on design issues, and engage in design management activities.

Knowledge of generally accepted practices of the building trades, construction industry, contracting, and solicitation processes, and ability to apply it to design management issues, monitor work of A/E firms and management consultants, and supervise subordinates.

Knowledge of key laws and regulations (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), building codes), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements, and other requirements, and ability to authoritatively apply it to a full range of design issues faced by the Airports Authority, monitor work of principal and contract A/E consultants, and help link planning and construction activities.

Ability to perform complex analyses of data and information and make recommendations.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Skill in using computers and office suite software, with emphasis on engineering and project management systems/software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Three years of supervisory experience as a design manager, or equivalent, for a public or private property owner/manager.

Formalized training in public contracting policies and procedures.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

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

A state driver's license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Must maintain licensure.

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

Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).

May be exposed to some adverse weather conditions and dust, grease, dirt, and loud noise when visiting work sites. Wears personal protective equipment, as needed, at work sites.

May be required to occasionally work nights and weekends depending on project schedules, airport operations, and other factors.

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.