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Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZDC Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for an experienced, Full-time, Air Traffic Control Instructor-II to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Washington ARTCC (ZDC), located at Leesburg, VA ...

Peraton

Air Traffic Control - SME

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

Facilitate communication between controllers, engineers, and program management to resolve ... Experience in Air Traffic Control, Traffic Management, or NAS operational environments.

Peraton

Air Traffic Control - SME

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

Facilitate communication between controllers, engineers, and program management to resolve ... Experience in Air Traffic Control, Traffic Management, or NAS operational environments.

Peraton

Air Traffic Control - SME

Herndon, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

Facilitate communication between controllers, engineers, and program management to resolve ... Experience in Air Traffic Control, Traffic Management, or NAS operational environments.

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$13

$24

$42

How much do air traffic controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for air traffic controller in Reston, VA is $24.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $28.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an air traffic controller?

Air Traffic Controllers are professionals responsible for coordinating the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the skies and on the ground. They monitor and direct aircraft using radar, radios, and computers, ensuring that planes maintain safe distances from each other and follow designated flight paths. Their work is critical to preventing collisions, minimizing delays, and responding to emergencies. Air Traffic Controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en-route centers, often under high-pressure conditions. They require specialized training and must be able to make quick decisions to ensure the safety of all flights.

What does an air traffic controller do?

An air traffic controller regulates airborne operations to help keep airspace and airports safe. As an air traffic controller, your job duties are to monitor and direct aircraft from an air traffic control tower; inform pilots about weather conditions, visibility, and flight paths; and regulate aircraft landings and take-offs. You maintain safe skies for pilots, flight crews, and passengers. Your job as an aircraft controller requires excellent concentration skills, attention to detail, and precision as your directions determine the safe passage of many flights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air traffic controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Controller, you need excellent situational awareness, strong decision-making abilities, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree along with FAA certification. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and specialized air traffic control software is essential. Outstanding communication, stress management, and teamwork skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel in a high-pressure and fast-paced environment.

What challenges do air traffic controllers face, and how are they supported?

Air traffic controllers often work in high-pressure environments where quick decision-making and unwavering attention to detail are essential. Common challenges include managing multiple aircraft simultaneously, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and maintaining effective communication with pilots and colleagues. To help manage stress, controllers receive ongoing training, access to mental health resources, and scheduled breaks to ensure alertness. Team collaboration and support from supervisors are also integral in maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Controller vs Flight Dispatcher?

AspectAir Traffic ControllerFlight Dispatcher
Required CredentialsFAA certification, radar trainingFAA certification, flight planning training
Work EnvironmentControl towers, radar roomsOffices, airline operations centers
Employer & IndustryAirports, FAA, airlinesAirlines, charter companies

While both roles are essential in aviation, Air Traffic Controllers manage aircraft movements in real-time at airports, ensuring safety and efficiency. Flight Dispatchers plan flights, monitor weather, and coordinate with pilots before and during flights. They work closely but focus on different phases of flight operations, with controllers handling immediate airspace management and dispatchers overseeing flight planning and safety compliance.

Is 33 too old to become an air traffic controller?

Age is not a strict barrier to becoming an air traffic controller, as many agencies prioritize skills, training, and certification over age. Candidates typically need to pass medical and background checks, complete specialized training, and demonstrate strong decision-making abilities, regardless of age. Being 33 is generally considered acceptable for entry into the profession.

Is it hard to get hired as an air traffic controller?

Getting hired as an air traffic controller is competitive and requires passing rigorous assessments, including written exams, medical evaluations, and background checks. Candidates typically need relevant education, such as an associate or bachelor's degree, and must complete specialized training and obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration or equivalent authority. The selection process is demanding due to the high responsibility and safety-critical nature of the role.

What qualifications do I need to be an air traffic controller?

To become an air traffic controller, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree or higher, pass a series of FAA or relevant authority exams, and complete specialized training at an approved facility. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential, along with meeting medical and background requirements.
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Air Traffic Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Controller job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,780 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

ZDC Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

SAIC

Leesburg, VA

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 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: 2614024

Location: Leesburg, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

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-II to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Washington ARTCC (ZDC), located at Leesburg, VA, 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 Washington ARTCC (ZDC)

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Direct experience as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at the Washington ARTCC (ZDC) 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

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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