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Air Traffic Controller Instructor Jobs in Oregon

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Air Traffic Controller Instructor information

What is an air traffic controller instructor?

Air Traffic Controller Instructors are professionals who teach and train aspiring or current air traffic controllers in the skills, procedures, and regulations necessary to safely and efficiently manage air traffic. They develop lesson plans, conduct classroom and simulator training, and assess trainees' performance. Instructors often have prior experience as air traffic controllers themselves and use their expertise to ensure trainees are well prepared for real-world scenarios.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air traffic controller instructor?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Controller Instructor, you need extensive air traffic control experience, a deep understanding of aviation regulations, and typically an instructor certification. Familiarity with radar simulators, training management systems, and related instructional technologies is essential. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to provide clear feedback are critical soft skills for effectively teaching complex procedures. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, accurate instruction that prepares future controllers for the demands of real-world airspace management.

What are some common challenges faced by air traffic controller instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Air Traffic Controller Instructors often face challenges such as adapting training methods to accommodate varying learning styles among trainees and keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and regulations. Additionally, managing the high-pressure environment while ensuring trainees are prepared for real-world scenarios can be demanding. These challenges can be addressed through continuous professional development, collaboration with other instructors, and utilizing advanced simulation tools to create realistic and adaptive training experiences. Open communication and feedback loops also help instructors refine their teaching approaches to better support student success.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Controller Instructor vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAir Traffic Controller InstructorAir Traffic Controller
Required CertificationsFAA Air Traffic Control Tower or Center Certification, Instructor CertificationFAA Air Traffic Control Tower or Center Certification
Work EnvironmentClassroom, simulation labs, occasional on-the-job trainingControl towers, en-route centers, airports
Employer & Industry UsageFAA, military, private training organizationsFAA, military, airports

In summary, an Air Traffic Controller Instructor primarily trains and certifies new controllers through classroom and simulation instruction, while an Air Traffic Controller manages aircraft movements in control towers or en-route centers. Both roles require FAA certifications, but instructors focus on education and training, whereas controllers handle live air traffic operations.

How much do air traffic controller instructors make?

Air traffic controller instructors typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification level. They often work in controlled environments such as training centers or airports and require specialized knowledge of air traffic control procedures and training methods.

What are popular job titles related to Air Traffic Controller Instructor jobs in Oregon?

For Air Traffic Controller Instructor jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Air Traffic Controller Instructor jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Air Traffic Controller Instructor jobs in Oregon are:

Air Traffic Controller Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Controller Instructor job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

P80 Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

SAIC

Portland, OR

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 226 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2613327

Location: Portland, OR, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-04

Category: Training

Subcategory: Training Analyst

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

  • ATTN FERS RETIREES: Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site Supervisor working on this program are EXEMPT from the Supplemental Annuity earnings limits for FERS retirees between the ages of 56 and 62.

We are looking for an experienced, Full-time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Portland TRACON (P80) in Portland, OR, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The successful candidate for this position must demonstrate strong technical skills with current ATC automation, simulation systems and procedures. This position may provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO), and may participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non-radar simulation laboratory certifications at FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System.

The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and consistently deliver the highest quality classroom and/or simulation laboratory training to a wide variety of students including developmental air traffic controllers and Certified Professional Controllers (CPC).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience controlling live traffic, or recent experience as a contract Instructor at an FAA facility. Experience must have been at the same type and same [or greater] level of ATC facility as the Portland TRACON (P80) .

Desired Skills and Experience:

·    Direct experience as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at the Portland TRACON (P80) is preferred but not required.

·    Operational Experience with ATC simulators including scenario design for simulation platforms (e.g. TSS, AT Coach, SGET, etc.).

·    Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with FAA personnel at all levels to ensure the delivery of training services meet the needs of the local facility, as well as the FAA’s overall Air Traffic Control mission is highly desired.

·    Experience demonstrating excellent teaching and/or platform skills, classroom management techniques, and a student-focused drive for continuous improvement.

Education:

·    High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.

·    FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification required with the ability to obtain and maintain Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory and Classroom Certification.

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