Summary
The Program Management Organization (PMO) provides ambitious program and acquisition management services for Federal Aviation Administration infrastructure programs that transform, modernize, and sustain the National Airspace System. The PMO enables the organization to achieve better outcomes by delivering solutions that are on time, cost-effective, and within budget. Join a team where your work drives progress and helps keep millions moving safely every day.
This job is open to
Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Senior executives
Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
Clarification from the agency
Open to Current Permanent Federal Employees Only
Duties
The Director, Air Traffic Systems, oversees and manages systems that support aircraft separation services provided to pilots through controllers, utilizing automation and decision-making services for traffic flow managers, as well as services to enhance safety and efficiency. The Director is also responsible for maintaining systems that support tactical operations and executing automation tools.
The Director oversees and has direct line authority over approximately 100 personnel, managing a budget of approximately $400 million.
Principal Responsibilities
- Serves as a key advisor on air traffic systems and services that support tactical operations. Defines and builds organizational capability by focusing on new requirements and emerging needs.
- Advises the Vice President, PMO, and the Deputy Vice President, PMO, regarding requirements for air traffic systems platforms and capabilities.
- Oversees air traffic systems acquisition programs and projects, the development and implementation of related modernization efforts on Capital Improvement Plan programs, and administrative and mission support systems.
- Oversees the development of policies, standards, and procedures for the operation of air traffic systems and decision support programs for automation systems within the National Airspace System.
- Oversees automation, decision support, and mission support programs and policies that impact airports, airlines, general aviation, domestic and international aviation organizations, and the military.
- Represents the FAA as a focal point to address or resolve issues pertaining to air traffic systems and services.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- US Citizenship is required.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
- Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
- You will be required to serve a one-year FAA Executive System (FAAES) probationary period unless you have previously completed a probationary period in either the FAAES or the Senior Executive Service (SES).
- You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you must clearly articulate and describe within your two (2) page resume evidence that you possess the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs) and Mandatory Technical Requirements (TRs) related to this position. Your resume should include examples of experience and accomplishments applicable to the qualifications. Applicants who do not possess these criteria are ineligible for further consideration.
Please do not submit separate documents addressing the Technical Requirement (TR) and Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs), only your two (2) page resume will be accepted and considered.
MANDATORY TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT (TR):
- TR: Experience leading, overseeing, and providing strategic direction for an aviation organization responsible for managing air traffic systems and services that support the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DIMENSIONS (ELDs)
- ELD 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding – This ELD requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
- ELD 2: Driving Efficiency -This ELD involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
- ELD 3: Merit and Competence - This ELD involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
- ELD 4: Leading People - This ELD involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
- ELD 5: Achieving Results - This ELD involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Note: Applicants who are current members of the FAA Executive System (FAAES), Career Senior Executive Service (SES), individuals certified through successful completion of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or those with Career SES reinstatement eligibility are not required to address the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs). Such applicants must provide documentation verifying eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the FAAES (e.g., SF-50, or certification from OPM’s SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB).
Education
An education requirement has not been established for this occupational series.
Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
Veterans preference does not apply to the FAA Executive System.
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
This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
PCS entitlements will not be paid if the agency requires relocation.
Negotiable duty stations are limited to one of the following:
- Atlantic City, NJ
- Washington, DC.
This position will be placed under the newly established Airspace Modernization Office.
This is not a bargaining unit position.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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.
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.
Review our benefits
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you possess the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs) and Mandatory Technical Requirements (TRs) listed above, your application package may be further evaluated by an Executive Rating Panel. Additionally, Hiring Managers may choose to interview highly qualified candidates via one or more interviews.
IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.
Required Documents
RESUME: All applicants must submit a resume limited to two (2) pages. Eligibility and qualifications will be determined solely based on the information provided within this two-page resume. Your resume must include sufficient detail to validate your qualifications, including employment start and end dates (month/year), position titles, and full-time or part-time status (or average hours worked per week). It must clearly demonstrate your relevant experience and education as they relate to the position’s requirements.
SF-50: All applicants must submit a current SF-50 to verify their federal employment status. Submit your current or most recent SF-50. Do not submit an award SF-50, as these do not verify eligibility. Additionally, Career Executives or those with FAA Executive System (FAAES) or Senior Executive Service (SES) reinstatement eligibility must submit an SF-50 showing career FAAES or SES to receive non-competitive consideration.
Candidate Development Program (CDP): If you have completed an OPM-approved SES CDP, include a copy of your OPM certificate.
Failure to submit any required documents by the closing date could remove you from consideration.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
This recruitment will be conducted using a RESUME-ONLY application process. Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages and must clearly describe your professional experience and accomplishments that demonstrate you meet the Executive Leadership Dimensions and Mandatory Technical Requirements for this position. Resumes longer than 2 pages will not be accepted and will result in removal from consideration.
Resumes must be uploaded to your USAJOBS application and submitted in either Word (or Word-compatible) or PDF format.
You are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications and Qualifications Review Board for examples and tips on preparing an effective executive resume: OPM SES Qualifications Guide.
To apply, click the Apply Online button in the job announcement. You will need to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account: USAJOBS Help.
Be sure to upload your two-page resume and all required supporting documents before submitting your application.
You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.
Amendment Date: 04/16/2026
Amendment Note: Clarification added for the closing date of April 30, 2026.
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 80 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.