Driving Aviation Excellence: FAA Management and Program Analyst Opportunity
The aviation landscape is undergoing a monumental shift. As autonomous flight systems, eco-friendly aircraft, and commercial space ventures become reality, the systems managing our skies must adapt. Behind this infrastructure is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its dedicated team of business and technical experts.
The FAA is currently seeking an experienced professional to step into the role of Management and Program Analyst (MPA) at the FV-I grade level. Located within the Technical Operations, Technical Services Organization of the Western Service Area (WSA), this leadership-centric position offers an opportunity to steer analytical products, guide regional analysts, and directly influence operational decisions across multiple Western United States locations.
About the Agency: The Federal Aviation Administration
At the FAA, the mission is simple yet profound: to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. Representing a diverse workforce of more than 44,000 professionals nationwide, the agency manages over 120 distinct occupations. From air traffic controllers and safety inspectors to engineers, scientists, and analysts, the FAA offers a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
The Technical Services Organization and the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) are at the heart of this work. By investing heavily in modern infrastructure, data-driven methodology, and technical support teams, the FAA ensures that safety remains paramount as national airspace demands expand.
Job Responsibilities
As a senior Management and Program Analyst (FV-I), you will perform complex and varying assignments with minimal administrative supervision. You will act as a premier program contributor and team leader on large-scale initiatives, serving as a liaison between program analysts, technical operators, and executive leadership.
Key Duties Include:
- Project Leadership: Act as a central point of contact and mentor for multiple regional analysts supporting the Western Service Area. Provide direction, training, and professional guidance on complex operational assignments.
- Data Integration & Analytics: Lead efforts to modernize how data is collected, organized, and integrated across various programs. Utilize advanced analytical platforms including Microsoft SharePoint, Project, Access, Excel, and Tableau.
- Standardization: Develop, refine, and implement a unified reporting methodology across the Western Service Area. Coordinate research on operational issues occurring within National Airspace System (NAS) facilities.
- Government Technical Interpretation: Serve as a Government Technical Interpreter (GTI) for the Technical Services Group, providing oversight and critical evaluation of existing and future agency contracts.
- Strategic Communication: Liaise with administrative and senior-level management across three service areas, including headquarters, to deliver trend analyses and organizational recommendations.
Qualifications and Requirements
This internal position demands highly specialized skills and a proven track record within federal service. To qualify for the FV-I grade level, candidates must meet strict experience requirements.
Minimum Requirements:
- Specialized Experience: Applicants must possess at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-H or FG/GS-12 level in the federal service. This experience must demonstrate:
- Mastery in collecting, evaluating, and translating operational data into actionable reports.
- Proven success leading program activities.
- Broad advisory experience within a Technical Operations or related federal operating system.
- Citizenship: Only United States citizens will be considered for this position.
- Background Investigation: Candidates must be eligible for a standard background investigation and clear all security clearance guidelines.
- Financial Disclosure: The selected applicant may be required to submit a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty, adhering to FAA limitations on outside aviation-related investments.
Note: Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.
Salary Overview and Location Guide
The compensation for this position falls under the FAA's FV pay band system, which offers competitive, performance-based ranges along with locality pay adjustments based on your chosen duty station.
- Salary Range: $77,351 to $119,883 per year
- Appointment Type: 2-Year Term (with potential to become permanent)
- Telework: This position is highly telework-eligible, depending on agency policies and manager approval.
Available Duty Locations:
This recruitment campaign seeks to fill vacancies across several operational hubs in the Western United States.
| State | Available Duty Locations | Longitude / Latitude | Primary Regional Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Anchorage, Fairbanks | 61.217, -149.857 / 64.845, -147.722 | Crucial northern airspace and cargo transit hubs. |
| California | El Segundo, Fremont, Rancho Cordova, San Diego | 33.919, -118.415 / 37.550, -121.982 / 38.574, -121.303 | High-density metropolitan aerospace sectors and administrative offices. |
| Colorado | Longmont | 40.163, -105.100 | Key Mountain West air traffic control support site. |
| Hawaii | Honolulu | 21.304, -157.858 | Vital Pacific transoceanic communication and navigation point. |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | 36.171, -115.140 | High-velocity terminal radar approach control support. |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | 40.759, -111.888 | Fast-growing regional travel and technical infrastructure base. |
| Washington | Auburn, Des Moines | 47.307, -122.230 / 47.407, -122.319 | Western Service Area regional headquarters and support facilities. |
Federal Benefits and Perks
Working for the FAA offers robust benefits designed to support your long-term career growth, physical health, and financial security:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Choose from multiple top-tier plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, with options for dental and vision.
- Retirement Security: Gain security through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) featuring a dollar-for-dollar agency matching contribution up to 5%.
- Work-Life Balance: Access teleworking flexibilities, generous annual leave, accrued sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Career Mobility: Utilize internal agency registers and professional development training to progress within the Department of Transportation network.
Insider Application Tips
To secure an interview for this highly competitive role, your application package must be flawless.
1. Resume Length and Structure
Your federal resume must be limited to exactly two (2) pages. Resumes exceeding this length may be disqualified or partially reviewed. Ensure you explicitly format your work history with:
- Clear job titles, including series and grade if you are currently a federal employee.
- Exact dates of employment (Month/Year to Month/Year).
- Average number of hours worked per week.
- Specific descriptions of accomplishments that align directly with the specialized experience requirements.
2. The "KSA" Strategy
The FAA has eliminated narrative text box requirements for Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) during the initial application process. However, you must embed these critical competencies directly into your chronological resume text. Be specific, measurable, and highly detailed about your analytics experience, software proficiencies, and program management roles.
3. SF-50 Documentation
As an internal agency announcement, you MUST submit your most recent, non-award SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action). Ensure that Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 are fully legible. This document is critical to verify your current series, grade, tenure code (must show Code 1 or 2 in block 24), and organizational eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply if I do not currently work for the federal government?
No. This position is limited to internal agency candidates or those eligible under internal federal hiring paths. It is not open to the general public.
Q2: What software tools should I highlight on my resume?
You should highlight hands-on experience with Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, Access, Project, and data visualization tools like Tableau. Demonstrating how you used these programs to optimize reporting processes will strengthen your application.
Q3: What happens if I edit my application before the closing date?
You can make changes to your active application at any point before the closing date of September 8, 2026. However, you must resubmit the updated package. Failure to resubmit will cause the system to ignore your updates and evaluate only your prior version.
Q4: Is travel required for this position?
This position may involve occasional operational travel to support various facilities across the Western Service Area, though the core role is based out of your selected duty location.
If you are an internal federal professional with a strong analytical mindset, a passion for operational leadership, and a desire to contribute to the safe management of our national airspace, this Management and Program Analyst role is your next career step. Take the opportunity to support, lead, and innovate within the FAA's Technical Services Organization. Prepare your documentation, keep your resume concise, and apply today!
Why This Management And Program Analyst Job Matters
Ready to lead critical business and data initiatives for the nation's airspace? The FAA's Western Service Area is seeking a senior-level Management and Program Analyst to drive operational excellence across multiple Western locations.
Management And Program Analyst Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a highly skilled, internal agency professional to serve as a Management and Program Analyst (MPA) within the Western Service Area. In this role, you will act as a Lead Analyst, providing critical program guidance and technical support to regional teams, managing complex database systems, and assisting senior leadership in making data-driven decisions that impact the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System.
Requirements for Management And Program Analyst
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must possess at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the FV-H or FG/GS-12 level.
- Specialized experience must include leading program activities, evaluating operational data, and providing advisory services in Technical Operations.
- Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an acceptable background investigation.
- Required submission of the most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) verifying career/career-conditional tenure (Block 24, code 1 or 2).
Preferred Qualifications for Management And Program Analyst
- Demonstrated experience utilizing advanced analysis tools such as Tableau, MS Project, and SharePoint.
- Proven track record of serving as a Government Technical Interpreter (GTI) in support of federal contracts.
- Ability to coordinate complex reporting mechanisms across multi-disciplinary, multi-regional teams.
- Strong background in analyzing technical issues within National Airspace System (NAS) facilities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) retirement pension.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with generous agency matching contributions.
- ✓Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.
- ✓Paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework eligibility.
- ✓Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness benefits.
💡 How to Apply Management And Program Analyst Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Management And Program Analyst Job
- Prepare a comprehensive federal resume that is strictly limited to two (2) pages.
- Ensure each position in your work history clearly details your job title, series, grade (if federal), employer, start/end dates, and hours worked per week.
- Obtain your most recent non-award SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify tenure.
- Access the official online application portal and complete the assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including your resume and SF-50, and submit your application prior to the closing deadline of September 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Do not submit narrative KSA responses; instead, explicitly integrate examples of your analytical leadership and Technical Operations experience directly into your resume.
- Review your SF-50 to ensure Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 are fully visible and clearly verify your eligibility.
- If you update your application during the open window, make sure to completely resubmit it, or your modifications will be lost.
- Ensure that every answer selected in the online questionnaire is clearly supported by quantifiable details in your resume to avoid rating adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is open to current agency employees or individuals eligible under internal agency hiring paths. It is not open to the general public or noncitizens.
What is the duration of this appointment?
The position is initially offered as a 2-year term appointment, which may be converted to a permanent position at a later date.
Is education acceptable as a substitute for experience?
No, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience at the FV-I grade level.
Are there financial investment restrictions for this position?
Yes. Due to conflict-of-interest regulations, the FAA limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. The selected candidate may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry.