Launch a Dynamic Career as an FAA Aerospace Engineer in Aviation Safety

The aviation landscape is undergoing one of the most transformative eras in modern history. From the rapid scaling of autonomous delivery systems and advanced air mobility solutions to the integration of electric propulsion and commercial spacecraft, the skies are becoming increasingly complex. At the center of this technological revolution is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the regulatory body tasked with ensuring that global flight remain the safest in the world.

Currently, the FAA's Aviation Safety (AVS) division, specifically the Organizational Designation Authorization (ODA) Office (AVS-060), is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Aerospace Engineer (Series 0861). If you are looking to apply your engineering acumen on a systemic, global scale, this direct-hire opportunity offers a pathway to manage highly complex projects, establish regulatory policies, and oversee industry compliance from a variety of domestic and international locations.

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About the Agency: The Federal Aviation Administration

At the FAA, the sky is not the limit—it is simply the starting line. Boasting a dedicated and diverse workforce of over 44,000 professionals across 120 distinct occupations, the FAA is united by a singular, vital mission: providing the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

The agency continually invests in cutting-edge research and development to accommodate advanced systems like autonomous vehicles, solar-powered high-altitude platforms, and environmentally conscious electric planes. By joining the FAA’s Aviation Safety (AVS) division, you become part of an elite team of engineers, technicians, and safety inspectors who collaborate directly with domestic and international partners to push the boundaries of modern transportation.

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Job Responsibilities of an FAA Aerospace Engineer

As an Aerospace Engineer in the ODA Office, you will transition from individual product calculations to systemic oversight, managing projects and programs that govern how aircraft and components are certified globally. Rather than working in isolation, you will serve as a high-level program manager and safety authority. Your primary duties will encompass the following areas:

• Leadership and Project Coordination: Plan, orchestrate, and control complex project activities for the ODA program. This involves heavy collaboration with FAA staff, contract teams, and a broad array of public and private industry stakeholders.
• Systemic Safety Oversight: Apply advanced engineering principles, risk-management techniques, and a systems approach to evaluate safety compliance. You will review data generated by ODA holders to spot safety trends, identify risks, and execute preemptive corrective actions.
• Policy and Governance Development: Work alongside AVS policy leaders to draft, refine, and enforce internal guidelines, compliance structures, and regulatory governance. Your technical insights will directly inform new policies that keep pace with industry innovations.
• Program Auditing and Consistency: Standardize audit and oversight functions across the division. You will utilize data analytics and risk-based decision-making matrices to measure program effectiveness, ensuring consistent regulatory enforcement.
• Technical Advocacy: Write, edit, and approve technical briefs and compliance reports designed to prompt action. You will deliver high-level presentations to diverse groups to establish consensus on complex technical matters.

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Detailed Qualifications and Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must fulfill both a positive education requirement for the 0800 engineering series and demonstrate a year of highly relevant specialized experience.

Educational Pathways

Applicants can qualify for the engineering series through one of the primary academic routes detailed below:

Pathway	Core Educational Standard	Practical Demonstrations & Licensure
Option A: ABET Degree	Bachelor's degree in engineering from a school with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).	Must lead directly to an engineering degree or include advanced calculus and core coursework in at least five fields of engineering science (e.g., statics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics).
Option B: Combined Education & Experience	A blend of college-level STEM coursework alongside practical engineering experience.	Must demonstrate thorough physical and mathematical knowledge. This can be validated via professional PE registration, passing the FE exam, or completing 60 semester hours of target courses.

Specialized Experience

In addition to the educational framework, applicants must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I or FG/GS-13 level within the federal government. To meet this standard, your resume must clearly illustrate:

1. Active experience applying aviation regulations and policies to manage the certification of aeronautical systems or products.
2. Work involving designee management, system audits, or delegation oversight.
3. Prior service as an FAA representative (such as a Designated Engineering Representative - DER) or as an ODA administrator/unit member.

Note: This position is only open to U.S. citizens. Applications from non-citizens will not receive consideration.

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Salary Overview and Compensation Structure

The annual base salary range for this position is $95,489 to $148,037.

However, because the FAA utilizes a localized pay system, your final compensation will incorporate locality pay adjustments and Cost of Living Allowances (COLA) based on your selected duty station. The position is telework-eligible, allowing for a balanced work-life structure, but is not a fully remote role; engineers must reside within commuting distance of an approved FAA facility.

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Premium Benefits at the FAA

The FAA provides a top-tier federal benefits package designed to safeguard your health, assist in long-term wealth accumulation, and support professional growth:

• Retirement Planning: Dual-tier protection with a lifetime annuity through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which features an immediate dollar-for-dollar matching program up to 5%.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Select from a diverse array of federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance programs, supported by agency contributions.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and options for flexible work schedules or telework.
• Leave Accrual Enhancements: Newly appointed professionals with qualified private-sector or military experience may request enhanced annual leave accrual rates during the hiring process.
• Career Development: Direct access to advanced training courses through the FAA Academy and support for technical certifications.

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Expert Application Tips for Success

Navigating the federal hiring process requires precision. To ensure your application makes it past the initial HR screening, utilize these targeted strategies:

1. Respect the Two-Page Cap: The FAA enforces a strict two-page limit for resumes submitted to this announcement. Any information provided on page three or beyond will not be read or evaluated. Keep your descriptions concise, impactful, and results-oriented.
2. Incorporate Mandatory Details: For every job entry in your resume, you must explicitly state the job title, employer, start and end dates (including month/year), average hours worked per week, and the GS grade or pay scale if the position was in the federal government.
3. Submit Transcripts Immediately: Because of the positive education requirement, you must upload complete, readable college transcripts by the closing date. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application phase, but official records will be required upon selection.
4. Quantify Your Compliance Experience: Avoid generic phrases like "responsible for safety oversight." Instead, use precise language: "Managed and reviewed delegation compliance records for 15 ODA unit members, ensuring adherence to FAA Part 21 regulations."
5. Sync Your Questionnaire Responses: Ensure every high-scoring answer you select on the online application questionnaire is directly backed up with explicit examples in your two-page resume.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I work from any location in the world?

While the FAA has offices and duty locations globally (including Singapore, Belgium, Germany, and across the US), you must work from an approved, designated FAA Aviation Safety facility. This is not a work-from-anywhere remote job.

What is Direct Hire Authority (DHA)?

This position is being filled using "On-the-Spot" direct hire guidelines. This means traditional rating and ranking methods, the "Rule of Three," and Veterans' Preference do not apply. This streamlined process allows the agency to onboard highly qualified specialists more rapidly.

Is a background check required?

Yes. All selectees must successfully pass a background investigation and may be required to submit financial disclosure reports within 30 days of onboarding.

Do I need to write KSA narratives?

No. Consistent with the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative, you are not required to submit separate narrative statements for the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). Instead, weave these accomplishments directly into your two-page work history.

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If you are an aerospace engineering professional looking to transition from localized components to systemic global leadership, the FAA ODA Office is your ideal next step. By managing the oversight programs that govern how innovative aerospace products reach the market, you will play a direct role in maintaining the integrity of global flight. Align your credentials, refine your two-page resume, and submit your application today to help lead the next chapter of aviation safety.