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Federal Government Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Serve as the primary liaison for Government aviation programs in coordination with SOUTHCOM AOR ... Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

Serve as the primary liaison for Government aviation programs in coordination with SOUTHCOM AOR ... Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.

Senior Structural Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$95K - $129K/yr

... government, aviation, and industrial projects in the Southeastern United States. Key ... Commitment to safe work practices in accordance with federal, state, local, and company standards.

Senior Structural Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$95K - $129K/yr

... government, aviation, and industrial projects in the Southeastern United States. Key ... Commitment to safe work practices in accordance with federal, state, local, and company standards.

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Federal Government Aviation information

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$13

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How much do federal government aviation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal government aviation in the United States is $21.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Federal Government Aviation vs Federal Government Air Traffic Controller?

AspectFederal Government AviationFederal Government Air Traffic Controller
Required CredentialsFAA pilot certifications, aviation safety trainingFAA air traffic control certification, radar operation training
Work EnvironmentAirports, aviation agencies, flight operationsControl towers, radar facilities, airports
Employer & Industry UsageFederal agencies, airlines, aviation industryFederal Aviation Administration, FAA facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Federal Government Aviation roles focus on flight operations, safety, and aircraft management, often requiring pilot certifications. In contrast, Federal Government Air Traffic Controllers manage aircraft movement and safety within controlled airspace, requiring specific FAA certification. Both roles are essential in the aviation industry but differ in responsibilities, work environment, and certifications.

What is a federal government aviation job?

A Federal Government Aviation job refers to positions within government agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), that oversee, regulate, and manage various aspects of aviation in the United States. These roles can include air traffic controllers, safety inspectors, aviation engineers, and policy specialists. Employees in these positions are responsible for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and compliance of the nation’s airspace and aviation systems. Careers in this field can involve working on technical, regulatory, operational, or administrative aspects of aviation. Federal government aviation jobs often require specialized training and may offer competitive benefits and job security.

How much do federal government aviation employees make?

Federal government aviation employees, such as air traffic controllers and pilots, typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Salaries are often determined by the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with additional benefits like retirement and health insurance included.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in federal government aviation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Federal Government Aviation, you generally need a background in aviation management, aeronautical engineering, or related fields, often supported by relevant degrees and security clearances. Familiarity with aviation regulations, air traffic control systems, and specialized software such as radar or flight management systems is typical. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring safety and compliance. These skills and qualifications are critical for maintaining operational integrity, national security, and efficient airspace management within federal aviation roles.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in federal government aviation roles?

Professionals in federal government aviation roles often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory frameworks, adapting to rapidly evolving technology, and responding to changing national security priorities. The work environment typically requires strong collaboration with agencies like the FAA, TSA, and Department of Defense, as well as strict adherence to safety and compliance standards. Additionally, balancing public needs, budget constraints, and environmental considerations is a frequent part of the job, which can make decision-making both dynamic and demanding.
More about Federal Government Aviation jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Government Aviation jobs? Cities with the most Federal Government Aviation job openings:
What states have the most Federal Government Aviation jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Government Aviation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Federal Government Aviation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,812 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Executive Officer

Federal Aviation Administration

Watkins, CO • On-site

$198K - $228K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Federal Aviation Administration rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 289 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
The incumbent is an Executive Officer (XO) at an EnRoute facility. This MSS-3 managerial position is responsible for exercising supervisory responsibilities over subordinate managers responsible for multiple facility support activities. These activities include planning and infrastructure, quality assurance, systems efficiency, domestic and international procedures, automation, and training.
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Duties
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The incumbent directs a highly technical multi-layered workforce team through subordinate managers that provide administrative, tactical and strategic support to facility operations and that have impact on the effective and efficient use of the National Airspace System (NAS). The teams consist of a combination of operational and non-operational air traffic control specialists, management officials, technical support personal, and an administrative support workforce.
The XO is responsible for oversight, planning and directing multiple support activities for the facility, such as training, airspace and procedures, plans and programs and other facility program areas. The incumbent serves as the lead for a functionally integrated team of technical and administrative managers and other personnel. Provides training, coaching and guidance to subordinates and facilitates team building throughout their program areas. Using measures of organizational performance, continuously reviews work progress to assure that results meet the agency's mission and the customers' needs. Serves as a member of the management team and provides advice on ways to improve organizational performance and strategic goals.
Continuously reviews work processes to assure that results meet the mission and goals of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the needs of the aviation community, and the safety of the flying public. Provides training, coaching, and guidance to subordinate managers and is responsible for team building. Participates in accident investigations and incidents as directed by higher authority.
Provides vision and leadership to facility teams. Assigns work to be accomplished by subordinate managers and their staff. Sets and adjusts long and short-term goals and priorities in support of FAA Flight plan initiatives.
Approves leave; prepares schedules for completion of work; assigns work to subordinates based on priorities; evaluates work performance of subordinates ensuring equity of performance standards and ratings; gives advice on work and on administrative matters; makes decision on work problems presented by subordinates; hears and resolves group grievances and serious employee complaints; effects disciplinary actions; recommends/approves selections and transfers; recommends awards or bonuses; approves expenses for overtime, equipment, and personnel; and identifies and arranges for developmental and other training needs of subordinates.
Recommends necessary budgetary and reprogramming actions required to ensure the effective operation of the facility. Recommends, reviews and revises operational and administrative procedures to ensure compliance with national programs. Recommends and allocates budget, staff, and other resources to accomplish objectives that impact multiple organizational units/projects/programs and across multiple functions and/or disciplines. Manages budgets and either acquires or reallocates resources among organizational units/projects/programs. Leads and integrates both short-term and long-term future needs through the budget planning process.
Communicates and reinforces diversity and EEO policies and programs in all areas of responsibility, including selection, training and transfers. Supports and participates in the labor-management partnership process and fosters a work environment where all employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner.
Meets and has frequent contacts with both internal and external customers including subordinates, other peer management representatives, union representatives, and administrative support staff within the facility, higher ranking managers and supervisors, service center personnel, members of the state, local and federal government, foreign government aviation officials, representatives of the aviation industry and military. Also interacts with key staff of public interest groups, government officials, professional organizations and contractors.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • A one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period may be required.
  • Some, all, or none of the candidates may be interviewed.
  • This position is NOT covered for early retirement purposes.

Qualifications
Candidates must show specialized experience which is defined as:
1) Must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least 1 year (52 weeks); OR
2) Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility; OR
3) Must have held a MSS position for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility
In addition to the above qualifications for MSS positions, to be ELIGIBLE TO APPLY for this vacancy applicants must have held an MSS2, MSS3, MSS4 OR FG-2152-14/FV-2152-J (not a CPC) or above regional or headquarters position for at least one year (52 weeks).
QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) or Managerial Selection Factor (MSF) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA/MSF.
In lieu of providing a MSF narrative response in the text box listed below each Factor, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each MSF. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your MSF answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.
In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a, this position may be a Career Enhancement/Progression assignment. The selectee(s) may be eligible for pay retention. Career Diversity is not enhanced when an employee is assigned to a staff or supervisory position in which they previously held on a permanent basis. Career Enhancement/Progression selectees will be required to certify eligibility.
This is not a bargaining unit position.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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