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Atc Tower Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired, but not required * Effective oral and written communications skills * Working knowledge of the FAAO ...

New

SAIC

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired, but not required * Effective oral and written communications skills * Working knowledge of the FAAO ...

New

Department of the Air Force

Must have previously obtained and possessed a valid FAA/ATC Specialist (ATCS) certification and/or valid Control Tower Operator (CTO) certification or certificate of scores. * Must be able to obtain ...

Envoy Air Inc.

Cabin Services Allocator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$62K - $69K/yr

They answer calls from employees, AA agents, Tower etc. and use the radio as main source of direct ... Familiarity with ATC functions preferred * Working knowledge of FAA 121 Regulations 14 CFR Part 121 ...

Envoy Air Inc.

Support Services Allocator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$62K - $69K/yr

They answer calls from employees, AA agents, Tower etc. and use the radio as main source of direct ... Familiarity with ATC functions preferred * Working knowledge of FAA 121 Regulations 14 CFR Part 121 ...

Envoy Air Inc.

Support Services Allocator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$62K - $69K/yr

They answer calls from employees, AA agents, Tower etc. and use the radio as main source of direct ... Familiarity with ATC functions preferred * Working knowledge of FAA 121 Regulations 14 CFR Part 121 ...

Envoy Air Inc.

Support Services Allocator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$62K - $69K/yr

They answer calls from employees, AA agents, Tower etc. and use the radio as main source of direct ... Familiarity with ATC functions preferred * Working knowledge of FAA 121 Regulations 14 CFR Part 121 ...

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Atc Tower information

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$11

$24

$34

How much do atc tower jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for atc tower in California is $24.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $29.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ATC Tower?

An ATC (Air Traffic Control) Tower job involves managing and coordinating the safe movement of aircraft in and around an airport. Controllers in the tower oversee takeoffs, landings, and ground traffic to prevent collisions and ensure efficient operations. They communicate with pilots, relay weather conditions, and provide clearances using radio communication and radar systems. Precision, quick decision-making, and strict adherence to safety protocols are crucial for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the ATC Tower position?

To excel as an ATC Tower (Air Traffic Control Tower) professional, a candidate needs in-depth knowledge of air traffic regulations, strong situational awareness, and certification from bodies like the FAA or relevant local authorities. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and specialized air traffic management software is essential. Outstanding communication, decision-making skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These qualities are critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft movements, preventing collisions, and managing busy airspace effectively.

What are some common challenges faced by ATC Tower professionals?

ATC Tower professionals often work in high-pressure environments where quick, accurate decisions are essential for the safety of both aircraft and passengers. Managing multiple aircraft simultaneously, adapting to changing weather conditions, and coordinating with pilots and ground crews can be demanding aspects of the job. Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, can also present challenges for work-life balance. However, this dynamic environment provides opportunities to hone problem-solving skills and can lead to career advancement into supervisory or specialist roles within air traffic management.

How to work in an ATC tower?

To work in an ATC tower, candidates typically need an FAA or relevant aviation authority certification, which involves passing written and practical exams. Applicants must also have good communication skills, situational awareness, and often a background in aviation or related fields. Training programs and on-the-job experience are essential for advancing in this role.

Is air traffic control tower a hard job to get?

Air traffic control tower positions are highly competitive due to the demanding nature of the job, which requires strong communication skills, quick decision-making, and certification through rigorous training. Candidates often need a combination of education, experience, and passing specific exams to qualify for these roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Atc Tower jobs in California?

The most popular types of Atc Tower jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Atc Tower jobs in California?

For Atc Tower jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Atc Tower jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Atc Tower jobs in California are:

Atc Tower jobs near you
Infographic showing various Atc Tower job openings in California 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 $51,671 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Fremont, CA • Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 225 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2615908

Location: Fremont, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Computer Operator

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

  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position.

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Oakland ARTCC (ZOA) in Fremont, CA, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Job Description:

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training simulator.  The RPO operates a combination of a simulated radar display and voice communication system to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities during medium and high-fidelity training exercises. RPOs receive voice commands from students, input proper entries into the automated system to simulate pilot actions, translate displayed information into appropriate ATC terminology, and respond to the student via the VCS utilizing proper phraseology.

The candidate will be required to complete the following certifications:  Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions).

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:

  • Candidates for this position must have a minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent) and demonstrate basic computer proficiency. Candidates must possess an ability to read and interpret materials such as diagrams and manuals, and have the ability to speak clearly and be understood
  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Experience working in a multidisciplinary team (Multimedia Developers, Quality Assurance, Instructions System Designers, Subject Matter Experts, Instructors)
  • Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective oral and written communications skills
  • Working knowledge of the FAAO JO 7110.65 is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective team building skills
  • MS Office Suite Proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization of current technologic tools (tablets, notebooks, applications, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization or experience with pilot/controller communications or phraseology

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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