Lead Engineer at the FAA: Shaping the Future of Aerospace

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Engineer to join the Technical Operations division in Des Plaines, Illinois. This role is essential to the agency's mission of maintaining the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. As a Lead Engineer, you will play a critical role in the deployment of complex, large-scale projects that define the future of air travel.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as the senior technical point of contact, ensuring the success of complex projects across multiple sites. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Project Management: Coordinating and tracking multi-site engineering projects from inception to completion.
Technical Oversight: Reviewing the work of other engineers for accuracy and technical compliance.
Strategic Planning: Developing standardized implementation plans, templates, and procedures.
Mentorship: Providing guidance and feedback to project engineers to ensure team success.
Stakeholder Engagement: Representing the Center in meetings and providing technical interpretations to management and external parties.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A professional engineering degree (ABET-accredited) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13/FV-I level.
Documentation: Submission of transcripts and relevant federal forms (SF-50) is mandatory by the closing date.

Salary and Comparison Table

Successful candidates will be compensated within the FAA's competitive pay structure.

Position Level	Pay Scale	Salary Range (Per Year)
Lead Engineer	FV-J	$124,957 - $193,721

Benefits

Employees of the FAA enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and insurance plans.
Exceptional retirement benefits through the FERS system.
Paid leave and federal holidays.
Professional growth programs.

Application Tips

Focus on the Resume: Keep your resume to a strict two-page limit and highlight your specific engineering accomplishments.
Align with KSAs: Ensure your work history clearly demonstrates how you meet the specialized experience requirements.
Double-Check Documents: Ensure your transcripts and SF-50s are clear and uploaded correctly before the deadline.

This Lead Engineer role offers a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise to projects that directly impact the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. If you are ready to take the next step in your engineering career, submit your application to the FAA today.

Why This General Engineer (Lead Engineer) Job Matters

Take your engineering career to new heights at the FAA—lead complex national programs that keep the world's most efficient aerospace system soaring.

General Engineer (Lead Engineer) Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a highly skilled Lead Engineer to join the Tech Ops Installation Center in Des Plaines, Illinois. In this pivotal role, you will oversee multi-site engineering projects, provide technical leadership, and serve as a senior point of contact for complex Facility and Equipment (F&E) programs. You will be instrumental in mentoring project teams, driving standardized implementation plans, and ensuring the technical integrity of critical aviation infrastructure.

Requirements for General Engineer (Lead Engineer)

U.S. citizenship is required.
Completion of a professional engineering degree (ABET-accredited or specific coursework requirements) OR a combination of education and experience.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I (GS-13) level.
Demonstrated proficiency in planning, scheduling, and tracking multi-site engineering projects.
Must provide a complete application, including all transcripts and relevant SF-50 forms by the closing date.
Must undergo and pass a background investigation (Moderate Risk/Tier 5).

Preferred Qualifications for General Engineer (Lead Engineer)

Demonstrated experience in mentoring and guiding project engineering teams.
In-depth knowledge of NAS (National Airspace System) facilities and equipment programs.
Proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-site technical installations.
Expertise in developing standardized engineering processes and policy interpretations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Retirement savings via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
✓Flexible work arrangements, including potential telework eligibility.

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

Application Steps for General Engineer (Lead Engineer) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly on the official FAA portal.
Prepare your resume, limiting it to exactly two pages.
Gather your transcripts and, if applicable, your SF-50 forms and professional licenses.
Log in to your USAJOBS account to complete the online assessment.
Submit your application and all supporting documentation before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your email and USAJOBS dashboard for status updates or interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to explicitly detail your specialized experience with the exact duties listed in the announcement.
Avoid using a generic resume; align your work history examples directly with the required competencies.
Ensure your SF-50 includes all required blocks (15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24) for verification.
If you make any edits to your application after initial submission, you must resubmit it, or the changes will not be captured.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the education requirement for this position?

This position requires a degree in professional engineering. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program or meet specific coursework requirements in engineering science and physics.

Are there page limits for my resume?

Yes, your resume must be limited to exactly two pages. Ensure it contains specific, measurable examples of your specialized experience.

Can I submit an SF-50 via email?

No, forms sent via email will not be considered. All documentation must be uploaded through the online application portal or sent via the specified fax number provided in the official announcement.

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA is a diverse organization of over 44,000 professionals nationwide. From air traffic control to advanced research in solar-powered aircraft and autonomous vehicles, the FAA is at the forefront of aviation technology. When you join the FAA, you are not just taking a job; you are contributing to a national mission that touches millions of lives every day.