The Airport Facility Activation Specialist supports the transition of newly constructed or renovated airport facilities from construction completion to full operational use at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Working on site, the role coordinates field activities to ensure building systems, infrastructure, and operational processes are fully integrated and ready for airport operations. The position serves as a liaison between construction teams, airport operations, maintenance, engineering, tenants, and service contractors. Key responsibilities include monitoring construction completion, supporting system testing and commissioning, coordinating walkthroughs and training, tracking punch list items, and identifying risks to operational readiness or safety. The specialist provides regular progress updates, supports quality control efforts, assists with documentation and asset data for maintenance systems, and helps manage construction activities within active airport environments. This role plays a critical part in ensuring safe, efficient, and timely activation of airport facilities and may support contractor oversight and staff mentoring as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Five years of progressively responsible experience in airport operations, or facility activation, or facility maintenance, or a related field.
Experience working on construction projects, infrastructure improvements, or facility upgrades within complex operational environments.
Knowledge of construction practices, building systems, and the ability to review construction plans, drawings, and specifications.
Ability to identify operational risks, evaluate field conditions, and recommend solutions that support safe facility activation.
Ability to analyze information and communicate technical issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Strong coordination and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with contractors, engineers, and operational personnel.
Skill in using a computer and modern office suite software.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, Aviation Management, or related field. Experience working on construction or infrastructure projects within an active airport, transportation, or large public facility environment.
Licensed as a Journeyman or Master tradesperson in Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, or a related trade.
Experience utilizing construction or project management systems such as Unifier, Procore, E-Builder, or Bluebeam Revu.
Experience supporting facility commissioning, operational readiness, or infrastructure activation activities.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority operates a two-airport system that provides domestic and international air service for the mid-Atlantic region. The organization consists of more than 1,750 employees in a structure that includes central administration, airports management and operations, and police and fire departments.
The Airports Authority is not taxpayer-funded but is self-supporting, using aircraft landing fees, rents and revenues from concessions to fund operating expenses at both Airports. The Dulles Development Program is funded by bonds issued by the Authority, Federal and State Airport Improvement Program funds, and Passenger Facility Charges.
The Airports Authority is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Dulles Toll Road, and the construction and funding of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project. All revenues collected from the Dulles Toll Road are used to maintain the road, make improvements to the Dulles Corridor and help fund the Dulles Rail project. No Dulles Toll Road revenues are used to fund activities at either Reagan National or Dulles International.
Dulles Rail is a 23-mile extension of the Metrorail system to Dulles... International Airport and beyond to Loudoun County. Construction is underway on Phase 1 of the project from the existing East Falls Church Metro station to Wiehle Avenue in Reston with four stops in the Tysons Corner area. Phase 2 will continue the line along the median of the Dulles Access Road through Reston and Herndon to the Main Terminal at Dulles International, and finally, to Route 772 in Loudoun County.
