Design Project Manager (Fire Protection Engineer)

Design Project Manager (Fire Protection Engineer)

Compensation Grade: S22

Salary Range: $119,280.00-$172,955.00

Opening Date: June 12, 2026

Closing Date: June 27, 2026

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

Job Description

As a Design Project Manager (Fire Protection Engineer), 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). Serves in the Design Department in the Office of Engineering locations at IAD and DCA. As the Principal Staff Technical Advisor for CCP and COMIP projects, manages multi-disciplinary fire protection engineering projects on airside and landside, coordinating with various stakeholders and ensuring compliance with contracts, safety, and regulatory standards. Performs related functions.

General Responsibilities

Serves as Principal Staff Technical Advisor for multi-disciplinary CCP and COMIP projects, focusing on Fire Protection Engineering and Life Safety.

Conducts and manages design projects involving fire suppression, and fire detection and alarm systems routinely associated with airport work, e.g., Central Utilities Plant, Hydrant Fueling Distribution System, Fuel Farm, Building HVAC, Dedicated Fire Service, etc.

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 fire protection engineering aspects 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, architects, management officials, code officials, and others, on airport mechanical engineering-related projects.

Presents information and provides recommendations to the Office of Engineering leadership and other staff. Prepares or recommends engineering studies, designs, and improvements to design efforts.

Develops and maintains the Airports Authority's design standards/guidelines for fire protection engineering.

Conducts meetings with various stakeholders to establish and refine system standards, requirements, and design criteria.

Collaborates with the Airports Authority Safety Program and Buildings Codes Managers to integrate safety requirements and ensure compliance with the Airports Authority's MWAA codes and standards prior to project execution.

Provides advice that feeds into decisions on the safe building occupancy levels, fire evacuation plans, and egress.

Establishes or approves functional criteria, performance requirements, and related specifications, during the development phase. Specifies or advises on regulatory requirements, design standards, and related issues (e.g., site configurations, adjacent construction, environmental permitting) for design criteria.

Conducts site investigations and analyses, and provides design management support during the planning, design, and construction phases to monitor progress, inspect field conditions, and evaluate the quality control work of others.

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

Assist with and witness testing of building fire protection systems, hydrant flow tests, and generate reports as required.

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 the Airports Authority's goals for Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs).

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in fire protection engineering and life safety. A master's degree may substitute for two years of required experience.

Knowledge in designing, inspecting, and testing, fire alarm/detection systems, water-based systems, and special hazard systems

Knowledge of building codes, laws, policies, regulations, and standards for fire protection; current developments and strategies in fire protection engineering; techniques and procedures applied by practitioners in fire protection engineering.

Skill in administering engineering and construction consulting contracts and ability to serve as a project manager and COTR, including skill in reviewing the proposals and work products of consulting engineers, contractors, vendors, and supporting in-house personnel.

Skill in applying systems inspection requirements and testing techniques.

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.

Skill in using computer and office suite software, with emphasis on using a project management information system and other engineering software.

Preferred Qualifications

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 transportation facilities.

Education

A Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Certifications and Licenses Required

A state driver's license in good standing.

Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) 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.