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ORD Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

National Airspace System. Education: * High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required * FAA ... ing services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely ...

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Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer information

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$61K

$108.8K

$175.5K

How much do air traffic control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for air traffic control systems engineer in the United States is $108,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an air traffic control systems engineer do?

An Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains the complex systems that support air traffic control operations. This includes radar, communication, navigation, and surveillance equipment used to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. They work closely with air traffic controllers, technicians, and regulatory agencies to ensure these systems meet strict safety and reliability standards. Their role is crucial in modernizing airspace management and integrating new technologies into national and international air traffic control infrastructures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air traffic control systems engineer?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or systems engineering, with expertise in radar, communications, and navigation systems, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry standards (such as FAA or ICAO regulations), proficiency in simulation software, and experience with systems integration tools are essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills set standout professionals apart. These skills and qualities are critical to designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable systems that ensure the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations.

What are some common challenges faced by air traffic control systems engineers when integrating new technologies into existing systems?

Air Traffic Control Systems Engineers often face challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy and new systems, maintaining the highest safety standards during transitions, and minimizing disruptions to live air traffic operations. Integration projects require close collaboration with software developers, hardware engineers, and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and seamless operation. Engineers must also manage tight timelines and adapt to evolving regulations, making strong communication and project management skills essential for success.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAir Traffic Control Systems EngineerAir Traffic Controller
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in systems or avionicsFAA certification, training in air traffic control procedures
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and maintain control systems, often in offices or labsOperate in control towers, airports, or en-route centers
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, defense, and aviation technology companiesAirports, airlines, and air traffic control agencies

While both roles are vital in aviation, the Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer focuses on designing and maintaining the systems that support air traffic management, whereas the Air Traffic Controller manages aircraft movements directly in the airspace and at airports. Their skills and work environments differ, but both are essential for safe and efficient air travel.

More about Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer jobs

What states have the most Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer jobs are:

Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,776 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer Air Traffic Management

Leidos

Remote

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 496 rated business services

Job description

Leidos is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer with strong Air Traffic Control (ATC) domain experience, with particular emphasis on Oceanic and En Route air traffic operations and systems. This is an opportunity to bring deep operational and technical expertise to programs that are shaping the future of air traffic management, helping evolve the systems and capabilities that will support increasingly modern, connected, and efficient airspace operations.
The Principal Systems Engineer will join a dynamic team supporting the Air Traffic division under Homeland having opportunities to contribute to domestic and international air traffic management initiatives. The successful candidate will help define and advance the next generation of mission-critical Air Traffic Management (ATM) capabilities, applying lessons learned from today's operational environments to the systems that will support the future of aviation and global airspace operations.
This role is ideal for someone who understands today's ATC environment but is excited about where air traffic management is going next. The engineer will bring a combination of air traffic domain knowledge and systems engineering experience, serving as an important bridge between operational users and engineering teams as new technologies and capabilities are introduced.
Candidates with experience supporting FAA En Route systems, Advanced Technologies & Oceanic Procedures (ATOP), or comparable international Oceanic/En Route air traffic management systems are strongly desired.
Key Responsibilities
  • Apply Oceanic and En Route Air Traffic Control domain expertise to the development, modernization, integration, and sustainment of current and future air traffic management systems.
  • Help define and shape future ATM capabilities by translating operational experience, emerging needs, and new concepts into system requirements and engineering solutions.
  • Develop, analyze, document, and manage system and functional requirements, ensuring technical requirements accurately reflect operational ATC needs.
  • Develop and maintain system documentation, system requirements, interface requirements, operational concepts, and related engineering artifacts.
  • Translate air traffic controller and operational requirements into clear, testable technical requirements for software development, integration, and test teams.
  • Work closely with software engineering, systems integration, test, human factors, and operational stakeholders to ensure a common understanding of system functionality and expected operational behavior.
  • Participate in requirements reviews, design reviews, test readiness activities, technical interchange meetings, and other systems engineering lifecycle activities.
  • Support verification and validation activities to ensure delivered capabilities satisfy both technical requirements and operational ATC needs.
  • Contribute to the evolution of air traffic management by supporting modernization, interoperability, and the introduction of new technologies across domestic and international airspace environments.
  • Provide technical and domain leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams and mentor less-experienced engineers as appropriate.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience. Significant hands-on Air Traffic Control or air traffic systems experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
  • 12+ years of related systems engineering experience, air traffic systems engineering, or directly relevant ATC domain experience, or 10+ years with a Master's degree.
  • Demonstrated knowledge or experience with Oceanic and En Route Air Traffic Control operations, procedures, automation, or supporting systems.
  • Experience translating operational concepts and user needs into system and software requirements.
  • Experience supporting complex systems through development, integration, test, deployment, and/or sustainment.
  • Demonstrated ability to investigate complex operational or system issues and collaborate across engineering disciplines to identify and implement solutions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with air traffic operational personnel as well as technical engineering teams.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
  • US citizenship is required
  • Successful completion of any required government background investigations

Preferred / Desired Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with FAA En Route or Oceanic Air Traffic Control operations or automation systems.
  • Experience with the FAA Advanced Technologies & Oceanic Procedures (ATOP) system.
  • Experience with FAA En Route automation environments or other large-scale air traffic management systems.
  • Experience with international Oceanic or En Route Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), or international ATM interoperability.
  • Knowledge of Oceanic operations, including flight data processing, aircraft separation, surveillance, controller tools, and air-ground communications.
  • Familiarity with FAA modernization initiatives and technologies such as NextGen, System Wide Information Management (SWIM), Data Communications (Data Comm), and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).
  • Experience working on programs involving both development and sustainment of operationally deployed, mission-critical systems.
  • Experience working within Agile/Scrum development environments.
  • Experience supporting requirements development, system integration, verification, validation, and operational issue resolution

ATMC
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
August 12, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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