Advance Your Leadership Career with the Federal Aviation Administration

Are you ready to lead teams that ensure the safety of the world's most advanced aerospace systems? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is hiring for the position of Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager). This temporary, high-level role is central to the mission of the Aircraft Certification Service (AIR), specifically within the Integrated Certificate Management Division (AIR-500).

Job Responsibilities

As a Section Manager within AIR-500, your work directly supports the certification and oversight of commercial and transport category aircraft. Key responsibilities include:

Resource Management: Planning budgets, staffing, and project objectives to ensure organizational goals are met.
Personnel Development: Coaching, mentoring, and evaluating staff performance to foster a culture of accountability and innovation.
Stakeholder Engagement: Representing the FAA at industry conferences and mediating complex technical disputes.
Operational Oversight: Ensuring compliance with internal processes and refining workflows to improve efficiency and productivity.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:

Requirement Type	Detail
Citizenship	U.S. Citizenship mandatory
Experience	1 year at FV-J / GS-14 level equivalent
Clearance	Secret level security clearance
Testing	Drug and Alcohol testing required
Resume	Strictly limited to two pages

Salary Overview

The compensation for this role is highly competitive, reflecting the senior nature of the work. Candidates can expect a salary range of $111,171 to $172,257 per year, commensurate with location and experience.

Benefits

Working for the FAA offers robust federal benefits designed to support you and your family, including:

Health and Life Insurance options.
Federal Retirement (FERS).
Generous Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays.
Extensive career development and training resources.

Application Tips

When applying for this competitive role, precision is key. Ensure your resume specifically details your management experience and aligns with the 1801 series requirements. Because narratives are no longer required, your resume must do the heavy lifting—make sure every claim is substantiated with dates, hours worked, and specific roles held. If you are an FAA employee, ensure your SF-50 is attached and contains all required blocks to avoid delays.

This role is an excellent opportunity for experienced leaders to make a tangible impact on aviation safety standards. If you possess the technical expertise and the leadership drive to oversee complex aviation programs, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing date. Take the next step in your career with the FAA.

Why This Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity) Job Matters

Elevate your career in aviation safety management with the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service, where you will lead teams defining the future of aerospace excellence.

Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity) Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking experienced leaders to serve as Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialists (Section Managers). This temporary opportunity within the Integrated Certificate Management Division (AIR-500) offers a pivotal role in overseeing certification, system oversight, and operational safety for commercial transport category aircraft. You will play a critical role in supporting the agency’s mission to maintain the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world through expert leadership, resource management, and strategic collaboration.

Requirements for Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-J / GS-14 level.
Must be able to pass a background investigation for a Secret clearance.
Subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
Must provide a complete application, including a resume limited to two pages.
Current FAA employees must provide an SF-50 as specified.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity)

Proven track record in team leadership and performance management.
Advanced technical expertise in aircraft certification processes.
Strong ability to resolve complex engineering and technical disputes.
Demonstrated experience in budget management and organizational planning.
Excellent communication skills for stakeholder collaboration and industry representation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance plans
✓Comprehensive life insurance coverage
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Opportunities for professional development and training

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement on the official FAA portal.
Ensure your resume is strictly limited to two pages and highlights relevant specialized experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50 forms for current employees.
Submit your application through the online portal before the closing date.
Complete any required assessments as prompted during the application process.
Monitor your account status regularly for updates.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; the two-page limit is mandatory.
Quantify your accomplishments to show the scale of your past management responsibilities.
Ensure all contact information and employment dates are accurate to avoid eligibility issues.
Resubmit your application if you make any changes to ensure the latest version is evaluated.
Highlight experience that aligns specifically with Aircraft Certification standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed two years. Upon completion, employees generally return to their original permanent position or an equivalent one.

What is the salary range for this role?

The annual salary range is $111,171 to $172,257, depending on the specific location and the candidate's qualifications.

Do I need to submit a KSA narrative?

No, the FAA has eliminated the use of KSA narratives for initial applications to streamline the hiring process.

Can I work remotely?

This position is not remote; however, telework eligibility may apply according to agency policy.

What is the duration of this appointment?

*A: This is a temporary position for up to two years. At the conclusion, the employee returns to their original permanent position or equivalent.*

Can I apply if I am not a current FAA employee?

*A: This announcement is open to internal agency candidates. Please review the hiring path requirements in the official job link.*

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration is the heartbeat of American aviation. With a workforce of over 44,000 professionals, the FAA manages the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. As we look to the future, the FAA is at the forefront of integrating autonomous vehicles, electric aircraft, and sustainable solar-powered technology into the national airspace. When you join the FAA, you aren't just taking a job; you are contributing to a legacy of safety and innovation.