Infrastructure Graduate Programme

Join the daa Infrastructure Graduate Programme and help shape the next generation of airport infrastructure for Ireland and beyond. With major upgrades underway from 2025, you’ll be part of transformative projects that enhance passenger experience, improve airport access, and expand capacity to meet tomorrow’s travel demand.

At daa, we don’t just operate Dublin and Cork airports. We support airport operations in Saudi Arabia, deliver global consultancy through daa International, and run retail operations in 27 airports across 13 countries through our retail arm, ARI. We’re building a sustainable future with a clear goal: net zero by 2050.

This is more than a graduate programme—it’s your launchpad to a global, purpose-driven career. From day one, you’ll gain hands-on experience, build a powerful portfolio, and be guided by industry experts every step of the way.

Take off with daa. Shape what’s next.

What You Will Work On

As a daa Infrastructure graduate, you’ll rotate across multiple departments, gaining hands-on experience in delivery, strategy, advisory, and key functions such as contracts, programme controls, governance, health and safety, quality assurance, and technical services. You’ll be embedded in a live operational aviation environment, working as part of a client organisation that manages consultants, contractors, and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. This is your chance to contribute to capital programmes that are transforming Ireland’s aviation infrastructure.

Key programme areas include:

Civil Airfield Development – Be part of engineering history as you help deliver Ireland’s first runway underpass in a live airport environment. These complex projects will challenge and grow your technical and problem-solving skills.

Piers & Terminal Development – Collaborate with Dublin Airport’s management team to design and deliver seamless, passenger-focused terminal experiences that elevate every journey.

Access Improvements – Work with the Planning and Strategy team to shape the future of airport connectivity, strengthening daa’s role as a national asset through strategic surface access planning.

Sustainability and Safety – Put safety and sustainability at the core of every development. Engage early with our Sustainability team to help meet daa’s carbon-neutral targets and ensure our infrastructure is future-ready.

Why This Programme Stands Out

As a graduate on our Infrastructure stream, you’ll dive straight into high-impact projects at one of Europe’s busiest airports. From day one, you’ll gain hands-on experience across the full infrastructure lifecycle—planning, design, construction, and operations—while shaping the future of aviation in a fast-paced, safety-first environment that champions innovation and sustainability.

What sets it apart:

• Be part of transformational infrastructure development at one of Europe’s busiest airports
• Gain broad exposure across planning, design, construction, and operations
• Work in a collaborative, safety-first environment that values innovation and sustainability
• Build a career foundation in complex, real-world engineering and construction delivery

What You Will Develop

Step into the heart of airport infrastructure and come away with a toolkit that sets you apart. As a graduate, you’ll gain:

• Technical skills in civil and construction engineering, project planning, and site management
• Health & safety awareness and regulatory compliance in a live operational environment
• Project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• A deep understanding of how infrastructure supports the functionality and growth of a major international airport

After submitting your application, you’ll be invited to complete an online assessment. This must be completed within 5 days of receiving the invitation—applications without a completed assessment within this timeframe will not be considered.

Please note that all candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application once the application window closes in November.

Responsibilities

Do you have what it takes?

We’re looking for ambitious graduates ready to shape the future of infrastructure. If you're on track for a 2.1 degree or higher in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Quantity Surveying, and you bring the following to the table — you might be exactly who we’re looking for:

• Technical Know-How: Solid understanding of construction methods, materials, and infrastructure systems
• Analytical Mindset: Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Team Player: Collaborative, reliable, and great at building relationships on-site and off
• Curious & Driven: Eager to learn, grow, and take on real responsibility from day one

Qualifications

What We Are Offering You

As a daa Infrastructure Graduate, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your growth, reward your impact, and help you thrive—professionally and personally. From global exposure to wellbeing perks, this programme is your launchpad to a standout career in aviation infrastructure.

Programme benefits include:

• Competitive salary with a performance-related bonus to reward your impact
• Support to complete CPD accreditations, including a 12-week Engineers Ireland-accredited course in Airport Planning & Design, plus 24 annual knowledge shares led by subject matter experts and resource partners.
• Rotations across daa Infrastructure, to support continuous professional development and professional accreditation. Exposure to Capital programmes of varying scale and magnitude.
• Flight subsidies, access to Airport Lounges and Fast Track to help you stay connected and explore new destinations
• Structured learning and development, including tailored training sessions, workshops, and hands-on experience
• Personalised coaching and mentoring to guide your career journey
• On-site gym and pool, plus social activities and volunteering opportunities to support your wellbeing and community engagement
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values diversity, teamwork, and your unique contributions