Embark on a Career as an FAA Medical Officer: Protecting the Skies
If you are a physician looking to merge clinical medicine with high-level public service, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers a unique path. As a Medical Officer within the Office of Aerospace Medicine (AAM), you are not just treating patients—you are ensuring the safety of the entire national aerospace system. This role is essential for maintaining the health standards of air traffic controllers, managing the Aviation Medical Examiner program, and upholding the integrity of flight safety across the United States and abroad.
Job Responsibilities
As a Medical Officer, your day-to-day work is both diverse and high-impact. Key responsibilities include:
- Medical Eligibility: Determining the medical fitness of air traffic controllers and other safety-critical personnel.
- Administrative Oversight: Managing the Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) program and providing guidance on health matters to agency management.
- Clinical Consultation: Serving as a technical advisor to Regional Flight Surgeons.
- Supervision: Leading regional office staff, managing personnel actions, and setting operational priorities.
- Quality Management: Contributing to the agency's adherence to international quality standards such as ISO9001.
Comparison: Medical Officer Career Levels
| Feature | FV-L (FG-13/14) | FV-M (FG-15) |
|---|---|---|
| Required Experience | 3 Years Grad Training | 5 Years Grad Training |
| Focus | Clinical/Regulatory | Program Strategy/Supervision |
| Role Complexity | Advanced Medical Duty | Senior Leadership Responsibility |
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must demonstrate the following:
- Educational Foundation: A Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine from a school recognized by the AMA or the U.S. Department of Education.
- Licensure: A full, active, and unrestricted medical license in the United States.
- Training: At least one year of internship or residency experience in an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution.
- Certification: Foreign medical graduates must show formal ECFMG certification.
Salary Overview
Physicians at the FAA are competitively compensated. The base salary range for these roles spans from $156,999 to $228,000 per year, depending on experience and the specific pay band. Additionally, eligible physicians may receive a specialized Physician Premium Pay, adding up to $30,000 annually to their total compensation package.
Benefits
Beyond salary, the FAA provides a robust federal benefits package:
- Comprehensive health, life, and long-term care insurance.
- Generous retirement programs (FERS) with government matching.
- Potential for enhanced annual leave accrual.
- Support for relocation via the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) program, if eligible.
Application Tips
- Keep it Simple: Limit your resume to two pages and use the USAJobs Resume Builder.
- Be Specific: Explicitly state the number of hours worked per week for each role, as this is how the FAA calculates your qualifying experience.
- Document Everything: Upload your transcripts and licenses early. If your file is incomplete, your application will not move forward.
- Integrate KSAs: Don't write separate narrative responses. Instead, weave your leadership, communication, and medical skills directly into the bullet points of your work history.
Becoming an FAA Medical Officer is a chance to apply your medical training to a mission that literally reaches the heavens. Whether you are in the regional office or providing strategic oversight, your work ensures that the safest aerospace system in the world stays that way. If you meet the criteria and are ready to transition your career, submit your application today.
Why This Public Notice For Medical Officer (Direct Hire) Job Matters
Advance your medical career while safeguarding the future of aviation. The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking dedicated Medical Officers for direct-hire opportunities that span the globe, providing critical oversight for airman medical certification and safety programs.
Public Notice For Medical Officer (Direct Hire) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is continuously seeking skilled physicians for the Medical Officer (0602) series. This public notice serves as a continuous resume repository for the Office of Aerospace Medicine. As a Medical Officer, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System by managing complex medical programs, determining air traffic controller fitness for duty, and overseeing the Aviation Medical Examiner network. This role combines clinical expertise with administrative leadership in a high-impact, regulatory environment.
Requirements for Public Notice For Medical Officer (Direct Hire)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must hold a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian school.
- Graduates of foreign medical schools must provide evidence of equivalency (ECFMG certification or USMLE completion).
- Must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. State, District of Columbia, or territory.
- Successful completion of a one-year internship or residency in an accredited clinical setting.
- Three years of specialized graduate training for FV-L level or five years for FV-M level.
- Submission of all relevant transcripts and licenses by the closing date.
Preferred Qualifications for Public Notice For Medical Officer (Direct Hire)
- Experience in aviation medicine or aerospace clinical environments.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities in a supervisory or management capacity.
- Ability to interpret and apply complex federal medical regulations.
- Experience with Quality Management Systems, such as ISO9001.
- Expertise in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Physician Premium Pay (up to $30,000 annually).
- ✓Enhanced annual leave accrual options for eligible candidates.
- ✓Federal health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
- ✓Potential for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) reimbursement.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of Transportation.
💡 How to Apply Public Notice For Medical Officer (Direct Hire) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Public Notice For Medical Officer (Direct Hire) Job
- Create a professional account on the USAJobs portal.
- Draft a concise, two-page resume using the USAJobs Resume Builder.
- Gather and upload copies of your medical degree, official transcripts, and current, unrestricted medical license.
- Ensure your work history clearly outlines the hours worked per week, dates, and direct relevance to the medical series.
- Submit your application through the FAA-specific hiring portal before the cutoff date.
- Complete any required online assessments during the submission process.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJobs Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory fields are captured.
- Be specific with your work history; avoid generic job descriptions by highlighting clinical and supervisory achievements.
- Remember to resubmit your application if you make any modifications to your profile after the initial submission.
- Clearly label all uploaded documents and verify that transcripts are legible.
- Do not provide KSA narratives; instead, integrate your KSA examples directly into your work history descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position a permanent opening?
This is a public notice used as a resume repository. Positions may or may not be filled immediately, but your resume will remain available for consideration when vacancies arise.
What is the pay cap for this position?
Pay rates, including locality adjustments, are capped by law at $228,000, representing the rate for level II of the Executive Schedule.
Can I apply if I graduated from a medical school outside of the U.S. or Canada?
Yes, provided you offer valid documentation of equivalency, such as permanent ECFMG certification or successful completion of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.
How often is this position filled?
This is a standing public notice. The FAA reviews the resume repository as vacancies emerge.
Is there a drug test?
Yes, this position is in a testing-designated area, and candidates are subject to pre-appointment and random drug/alcohol screening.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA, a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, oversees more than just air traffic. It is at the forefront of aviation innovation, from traditional commercial aviation to emerging electric and autonomous aircraft. The Office of Aerospace Medicine plays a vital role in this mission, managing medical certification programs that define the health standards for all who fly.