Become an Air Traffic Manager at the FAA: A Leading Career in Aviation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the safety and efficiency of the most complex airspace system in the world. As we continue to integrate new technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and electric aircraft, the need for experienced leadership at our facilities is paramount. We are currently seeking a dynamic Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager) to lead a Level 12 En Route facility in Leesburg, Virginia.
Job Responsibilities
As an Air Traffic Manager (ATM), you will direct a highly technical workforce. Your core responsibilities include:
- Operational Oversight: Managing the movement of aircraft throughout a critical geographic area.
- Team Leadership: Providing coaching, training, and development to operational and support staff.
- Strategic Planning: Setting long- and short-term priorities for facility performance.
- External Relations: Representing the FAA to military leaders, industry representatives, and government officials.
- Administrative Management: Resolving grievances, handling disciplinary actions, and approving performance awards.
Requirements
This is a senior-level position. Candidates must meet the following to be considered:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Experience: You must have at least one year of experience at the MSS-3, MSS-4, or equivalent level in an ATS facility.
- Documentation: Submission of the correct FAA Form 3330-43 is mandatory.
- Narratives: You must provide detailed responses to the four Managerial Selection Factors.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | AT-LL |
| Annual Salary Range | $212,846 – $228,000 |
| Location | Leesburg, Virginia |
| Benefits | Full federal benefits package |
Application Tips
- Be Specific: Ensure your resume clearly lists the series, grade, and hours worked for all relevant experience.
- Quality over Quantity: Your resume is capped at two pages; make every sentence count by focusing on your managerial accomplishments.
- Follow Procedures: The FAA requires specific forms for internal verification. Missing a form or a block on an SF-50 is the most common reason for disqualification.
Serving as an Air Traffic Manager for the FAA is a challenging but rewarding career path. If you have the drive to lead in a high-pressure, mission-critical environment, we invite you to submit your application by the closing date.
Why This Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Air Traffic Manager (At-2152-Ll) Job Matters
Lead the skies from the ground: Command a premier En Route facility with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Air Traffic Manager (At-2152-Ll) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced leader for a Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist role, serving as an Air Traffic Manager at a Level 12 En Route facility in Leesburg, Virginia. This leadership position is critical to the safe, efficient, and orderly movement of aircraft across a complex geographic area. You will direct a diverse, high-performance workforce, manage administrative priorities, and act as a key liaison between the agency and the aviation community.
Requirements for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Air Traffic Manager (At-2152-Ll)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least one year.
- Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least one year at an ATS facility.
- Must have held a MSS position for at least one year in an ATS facility.
- Must have held an MSS-3, MSS-4, or above regional or headquarters position for at least one year in an ATS facility.
- Must provide narrative responses for the four Managerial Selection Factors.
- Must submit FAA Form 3330-43 (Rating of Air Traffic Experience).
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Air Traffic Manager (At-2152-Ll)
- Expertise in long-term strategic planning for ATC facilities.
- Proven history of labor-management partnership success.
- Ability to resolve complex employee grievances and manage performance standards.
- Experience representing an agency before high-ranking military and civilian officials.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Potential for career progression and advancement
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Paid time off and federal holidays
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Air Traffic Manager (At-2152-Ll) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Air Traffic Manager (At-2152-Ll) Job
- Prepare a resume limited to two pages.
- Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50 if currently an FAA employee.
- Complete the first page of FAA Form 3330-43.
- Draft and finalize narrative responses for the four Managerial Selection Factors.
- Submit your application package online via the official FAA/USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Resubmit your application if you make any post-submission changes.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the qualifications listed in the announcement.
- Use specific metrics and examples when writing your Managerial Selection Factor narratives.
- Double-check that you have uploaded the correct form: FAA Form 3330-43, not 3330-43-1.
- Ensure your SF-50 clearly shows blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 if applying as an internal candidate.
- Verify that your contact information and references are current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the work experience requirement?
No, education cannot be substituted for the specialized experience requirements for this AT-LL level position.
What happens if I forget to submit the required FAA form?
Your application will be deemed incomplete and you will be found ineligible for the position.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to agency policy and position requirements.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA manages over 44,000 employees across 120 occupations. Our mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. Joining the FAA means contributing to a team that is not only managing today’s traffic but also engineering the future of flight.