Become an Air Traffic Control Specialist at the FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) represents the pinnacle of aerospace management. If you are a seasoned aviation professional looking to transition from field operations into high-level policy and procedural development, this position as an Air Traffic Control Specialist is your gateway to shaping the future of the skies.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be the principal advisor for en route standards and procedures. You will:
- Analyze and document new procedural changes for the National Airspace System (NAS).
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including international aviation organizations.
- Lead workgroups to evaluate operational shortfalls and design innovative solutions.
- Represent Mission Support Services as a senior point of contact for ATC research and acquisition.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Specialized experience at the FV-I or GS-13 level.
- Proven expertise in applying risk-based decision-making and the ATO SMS Manual.
- Ability to provide documented proof of professional experience.
Comparison of Potential Roles
| Feature | Field Operations | Policy Directorate |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Facility-Specific | National/International |
| Focus | Real-time Control | Long-term Strategy |
| Impact | Immediate Traffic Flow | System-wide Standardization |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $127,898 to $198,281 per year, commensurate with your professional experience and the core compensation framework of the FAA.
Benefits
- Federal Health Insurance
- FERS Retirement System
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Paid leave and federal holidays
- Professional growth and mobility
Application Tips
- Your resume must be strictly limited to two pages.
- Ensure your work history aligns perfectly with the specialized experience requirements.
- Double-check that you have uploaded your SF-50 if you are currently a federal employee.
This role is an exceptional opportunity to pivot your operational expertise into a career of policy influence. Apply by September 8, 2026, to join the FAA and help secure the future of aviation.
Why This Air Traffic Control Specialist Job Matters
Shape the future of aviation safety and procedural excellence at the Federal Aviation Administration.
Air Traffic Control Specialist Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced Air Traffic Control Specialist to join the Policy Directorate. This high-impact role centers on the development, implementation, and standardization of en route air traffic procedures. As a key technical lead, you will bridge the gap between field operations and national policy, ensuring that the National Airspace System remains the safest and most efficient in the world. This is an ideal position for a seasoned professional ready to influence aviation policy at a national and international scale.
Requirements for Air Traffic Control Specialist
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I or GS-13 grade level.
- Proven experience in developing procedural guidance and technical reports for air traffic operations.
- Demonstrated ability to apply risk-based decision-making principles and the ATO SMS Manual to policy development.
- Experience in conducting operational assessments for terminal or en route facilities.
- Must be able to provide documented proof of experience if requested.
- Resume limited to a maximum of two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Air Traffic Control Specialist
- Comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control laws, rules, and international regulations.
- Experience representing organizational interests to external stakeholders or international aviation bodies.
- Ability to develop innovative solutions for complex National Airspace System operational needs.
- Strong collaborative skills for working with labor organizations, industry representatives, and government agencies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment options).
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Air Traffic Control Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Air Traffic Control Specialist Job
- Prepare a federal-style resume limited to two pages highlighting specific specialized experience.
- Locate your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Submit your application through the FAA online portal before the deadline of September 8, 2026.
- Complete any required online assessments provided during the application process.
- Ensure your work history clearly addresses the specialized experience requirements.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to directly address the specialized experience criteria provided in the job announcement.
- Be specific with your work history; include dates, hours per week, and grade levels to prove eligibility.
- Double-check your submission status after making any changes to your application.
- Do not assume your past experience is automatically known; use your application to provide explicit examples.
- Review your application for completeness, as missing documentation will lead to an ineligible finding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a college degree required for this position?
No, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience in this role.
Can I submit my resume via email?
No, email submissions are not accepted. All documents must be uploaded through the official portal or faxed to the number provided in the job announcement.
Is telework available for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, allowing for a degree of flexibility in your work environment.
Can I update my application after submitting?
Yes, but you must resubmit the application to ensure the changes are recorded by the system.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, a one-year probationary period is typically required for new federal appointments.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is not just a regulatory body; it is an innovator. With over 44,000 employees, the agency oversees the research and implementation of autonomous vehicles, electric aircraft, and the next generation of space transit. Working here means contributing to the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.