Lead the Future of Aviation: General Engineer Career at the FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the backbone of the global aerospace industry. As we move into an era defined by autonomous vehicles, electric aircraft, and sustainable flight, the need for expert engineering leadership has never been greater. We are currently looking for a motivated General Engineer (Lead) to join our technical operations team and oversee mission-critical projects that keep the National Airspace System (NAS) running safely and efficiently.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Engineer, you will manage large-scale programs that integrate multiple sub-projects. Key duties include:

Technical Leadership: Serve as the senior point of contact for complex engineering challenges.
Project Oversight: Plan and coordinate installation activities across multiple sites.
Collaboration: Partner with stakeholders and management to ensure project goals are met within budget and schedule.
Mentorship: Provide guidance to junior engineers and review technical work for accuracy.

Core Engineering Focus Areas

Responsibility	Impact
Navigation Aids (ILS/VOR)	Ensures precise aircraft guidance
Visual Lighting (ALSF/PAPI)	Enhances runway safety and visibility
Systems Commissioning	Validates new technology readiness

Requirements

To be eligible, you must hold a degree in engineering or equivalent technical experience. You must also possess specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level, specifically with navigational systems and large-scale engineering project management. Note that non-citizens are not eligible for this role.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $95,489 to $148,037 per year. Compensation is adjusted based on locality pay, reflecting the cost of living in the assigned duty location.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Federal retirement benefits including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous paid leave accrual (annual and sick).
Professional development and technical training resources.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less.
Be Specific: In your work history, detail your experience with specific systems like DME, TACAN, or RVR.
Documents: Ensure your transcripts and (if applicable) your SF-50 are submitted by the deadline.

This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and advancement of the national aviation network. If you possess the leadership skills and technical expertise to handle complex engineering challenges, we encourage you to apply and help us define the next chapter in aerospace innovation.

Why This General Engineer (Lead) Job Matters

Lead the future of aviation infrastructure. The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking a highly skilled General Engineer to oversee complex, national-scale engineering projects and ensure the safety and efficiency of the world’s most advanced aerospace systems.

General Engineer (Lead) Job Overview

As a Lead General Engineer at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), you will play a critical role in the implementation of sophisticated national infrastructure programs. This position involves managing multi-site engineering projects, applying deep technical expertise to navigation and lighting systems, and serving as the primary technical point of contact for stakeholders. You will lead project teams, mentor engineers, and drive the success of high-visibility facility and equipment installations across the country.

Requirements for General Engineer (Lead)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must meet the positive education requirement: Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience.
One year of specialized experience at the FV-I (GS-13) level or equivalent.
Proven experience with Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), VOR, and visual aids (ALSF, MALSF, PAPI, REILs).
Must be able to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) background investigation.
Must submit all required documentation, including transcripts and (for current FAA employees) SF-50 forms, by the closing date.

Preferred Qualifications for General Engineer (Lead)

Professional Engineering (PE) licensure or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
Proven track record of managing multi-site, large-scale engineering project life cycles.
Experience in flight inspection, system commissioning, and technical troubleshooting of complex navigation equipment.
Demonstrated ability to mentor engineering teams and coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
✓Paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Telework eligibility as per agency guidelines.
✓Competitive salary based on locality pay.

💡 How to Apply General Engineer (Lead) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for General Engineer (Lead) Job

Review the full announcement details and requirements.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Gather necessary documentation: official transcripts, SF-50 (if applicable), and licensure proof.
Complete the online application and all required assessments through the FAA portal.
Ensure all documents are uploaded or faxed before the closing date of August 24, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages; exceeding this limit may disqualify you.
Include specific examples in your work history that address the specialized experience requirements.
Ensure all work history entries list the Job Title, employer, start/end dates, and hours worked per week.
If you are a current FAA employee, double-check that your SF-50 clearly shows your tenure and current position series.
Resubmit your application if you make any changes, otherwise, the updates will not be processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the education requirement for this position?

You must hold a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited school or possess an equivalent combination of relevant technical experience and academic coursework in physics and mathematics.

Can I work remotely?

This position is telework eligible, but it is not a fully remote role. Candidates must be able to support the assigned Engineering Center's operations.

Do I need to submit a KSA narrative?

No. The FAA has moved away from KSA narratives. Instead, provide detailed evidence of your skills directly within your work history entries.

Is there a probationary period?

Yes, a one-year probationary period may be required upon appointment.

How do I track my status?

Use the USAJOBS portal's 'Track Application' feature to monitor your progress throughout the selection process.

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA, a branch of the Department of Transportation, manages a workforce of over 44,000 employees. We are responsible for the most complex aerospace infrastructure in the world. Whether it is improving navigation aids or commissioning new lighting systems at major airports, our engineers provide the technical foundation for modern travel.