Lead the Future of Aviation: Supervisory General Engineer at the FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the backbone of the global aerospace system, ensuring that millions of passengers travel safely every day. We are looking for a visionary leader to serve as a Supervisory General Engineer in Des Moines, Washington. If you are an experienced engineer with a passion for leadership, project management, and public service, this is your opportunity to shape the future of aviation technology.
Job Responsibilities
As a first-level manager, your role is twofold: you will provide both technical direction and administrative guidance to a team of engineers. Your primary duties will include:
- Project Management: Overseeing routine and complex engineering tasks, ensuring they align with organizational objectives.
- Staff Leadership: Coaching, developing, and evaluating the performance of your subordinate team members.
- Budgeting: Managing unit resources and contributing to future-year budget planning.
- Policy Implementation: Translating high-level FAA objectives into clear, actionable operating procedures for your team.
Comparison: Engineering Roles vs. Management Roles
| Feature | Standard Engineer | Supervisory Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Individual Technical Output | Team Performance & Strategy |
| Responsibility | Project Execution | Resource & Talent Management |
| Scope | Technical Domain | Unit-wide Policy & Coordination |
Requirements
This position requires a deep technical foundation. Candidates must meet the following:
- A bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience.
- At least one year of specialized experience at the FV-I (GS-13) level.
- Citizenship requirements strictly apply.
- Ability to clear a moderate-risk background investigation (NACI).
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $125,635 to $194,772 per year. Compensation is commensurate with your experience, leadership history, and technical expertise in the engineering field.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- Paid Federal Holidays and Vacation
- Professional Training and Development
Application Tips
- Be Specific: Use concrete examples in your resume that demonstrate how you meet the specialized experience requirements.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure your transcripts and SF-50 (for current FAA employees) are uploaded correctly.
- Follow Formatting: Keep your resume to exactly two pages to avoid being disqualified for improper submission.
If you are ready to elevate your engineering career into the leadership sphere, the FAA offers an environment that rewards excellence and innovation. Apply today to lead a dedicated team in Des Moines, Washington, and contribute to the safety of the world's skies.
Why This Supervisory General Engineer Job Matters
Lead the future of aviation infrastructure as a Supervisory General Engineer at the Federal Aviation Administration.
Supervisory General Engineer Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a dynamic leader for a Supervisory General Engineer role based in Des Moines, Washington. This position is vital to the Technical Operations and Engineering Services division, where you will manage professional engineers and support staff to ensure the efficiency and safety of our nation's aerospace systems. You will balance technical oversight with administrative leadership, playing a key role in project planning, budgeting, and performance management within the Enroute and Flight Service Station Engineering Center.
Requirements for Supervisory General Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent academic/technical experience in engineering sciences.
- Possession of a current professional engineering license or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification is highly valued.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I (GS-13) grade level.
- Demonstrated ability in professional engineering disciplines with a focus on project management.
- Must submit specific, documented proof of educational credentials and relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory General Engineer
- Advanced experience in managing interdisciplinary engineering teams.
- Proven track record of budget management and strategic resource allocation.
- Strong communication skills for coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders.
- Expertise in policy development and operational procedure implementation within an engineering environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Generous retirement plan including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid time off, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory General Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory General Engineer Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a federal resume, ensuring it is limited to two pages.
- Gather necessary documentation, including college transcripts and your most recent SF-50 if you are a current FAA employee.
- Apply online via the official FAA/USAJobs portal before the closing date.
- Submit all required documents by the deadline to ensure eligibility.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience in the 800-series engineering field.
- Avoid generic descriptions; provide specific examples of how you have led projects and teams.
- Double-check that your work history includes official job titles, series, grades, and specific start/end dates.
- Resubmit your application if you make any changes, as edits do not automatically update submitted versions.
- Submit your transcripts early to avoid any last-minute technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a professional engineering license required?
While it is a strong qualification, it is one of several ways to meet the education and experience requirements. Refer to the 'Basic Requirements' section for alternative qualifying methods, such as passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or specific academic coursework.
How long is the resume supposed to be?
Per the vacancy announcement, resumes are strictly limited to two pages.
Are current FAA employees required to submit transcripts?
Only if you have never previously held a position in the 800 Engineering series with the FAA. If you currently hold an 800-series position, transcripts are generally not required.
What is the security requirement?
*A: This role requires a National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) for a Moderate Risk (5) designation.*
Can I email my resume?
*A: No, the FAA requires all applications to be submitted through the official portal to ensure proper tracking and evaluation.*
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA, a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, employs a diverse workforce of over 44,000 professionals. Our mission is to provide the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. As we invest in autonomous vehicles, electric aircraft, and sustainable flight technologies, we rely on our engineering teams to pioneer the path forward. By joining our team, you become part of a legacy of safety and innovation.