Federal

General Engineer (Senior Operations Engineer)

Federal Aviation Administration Β· Department of Transportation
πŸ“ Des Plaines, Illinois FV-J $95,489 - $148,037/yr
Posted: May 30, 2026 Deadline: Jun 12, 2026 (Closes in 13 days)

About This Position

Serves as a General Engineer in the Operations Engineering Support Group organization under the minimal direction of a manager or more experienced engineer. Plans and accomplishes highly complex and challenging projects/programs and other work activities. May act as a principal technical specialist or as a project/program manager or team leader for large work activities.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

OR

Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico.

Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.

  1. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
  2. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
  3. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelorΒΏs degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.) To qualify for this position to qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience may include but not limited to: Experience working with Terminal, NAVAIDS, EnRoute NAVAIDS, Communications, Surveillance, and Environmental.

Applicants must include examples of specialized experience in their work history. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative, the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the 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. In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you choose for each KSA.

Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability.

Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate.

Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resources Specialist as appropriate. Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Major Duties

Applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, theories, and concepts applicable to his/her discipline, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and to develop improved technical processes for the organization. Provides in-depth technical expertise to engineers and specialists serving as key point of contact. Leads testing, restoring, evaluation of operational equipment, and analyzes collected data for optimizing NAS facilities.

Assignments frequently require knowledge and experience working across functional and/or organizational lines. Allocates resources to accomplish large work activities within established schedules. Researches and provides in-depth analysis of technical problems and their solutions.

Oversees analysis of NAS performance trends and formulation of solutions. Provides effective on-site engineering support for analysis, troubleshooting, and restoration of problematic facilities or services within the assigned areas of responsibility. Applies advanced knowledge of electronics engineering and specific knowledge of one or more complex NAS systems (RADAR, Instrument Landing Localizer, Glide Slope, Weather and Communications).

Identifies and resolves National Airspace System (NAS) operational problems within their specialized area. Analyzes impacts of obstruction Evaluation/Airport Airspace Analysis (OE/AAA) and Non Rulemaking Activity (NRA) on NAS Operations. Communicates Internal and external concerns and recommends alternatives.

Reviews National Change Proposal and provides input. Provides comprehensive, professional and technical guidance and direction to the Technical Support Centers (TSCs) and System Support Centers (SSCs) who maintain the equipment. Such work includes, but is not limited to, conducting studies of NAS systems operation to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of equipment and systems.

The incumbent investigates and identifies the cause of any facility outage. Work is to be accomplished in a thorough and comprehensive manner with targeted efforts toward those activities that have the greatest priority. Responsible for maintaining in-depth knowledge of ongoing issues and activities within the assigned area(s) of responsibility, and uses that knowledge to recognize emerging priorities.

Contacts are internal and external. Often represents FAA as a senior technical point of contact on projects, programs and other work activities. Communicates results to all levels internally (within an LOB/SO or across LOB's/SO's) and externally.

Communicates issues to management, and recommends appropriate course(s) of action to address issues. The incumbent minimizes the impacts to operations resulting from such things as new requirements, technologies, and budget constraints/changes using innovative, cost-effective maintenance approaches. Oversees risk mitigation strategies for maintenance and project activities within the region and insures that all stakeholders have input on issues associated with operations.

Incumbent may be responsible for analyzing requests for flight inspection waivers, and has authority to grant flight inspection waivers. Handles difficult situations that are compounded by outside factors such as weather, politics, policy, etc. Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, but allow considerable discretion to develop new and innovative approaches.

Provides policy guidance and instruction to others, both internally and externally. Work is reviewed rarely, typically though status reports and at project completion, to ensure technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity. Work activities impact directly on the objectives of one or more major subdivisions and/or LOB's/SO's and may impact on the objectives of the FAA.

Conditions of Employment

We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page). Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration. Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation. Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university.

A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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.

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 Selections from this announcement will be placed in AJW-C24A or AJW-C24B. SALARY INFORMATION WITH LOCALITY Des Plaines, IL Minimum $124,957 - Maximum $193,721 (includes locality of 30.86%) Lenexa, KS Minimum $113,603 - Maximum $176,120 (includes locality of 18.97%) Bethany, OK Minimum $111,779 - Maximum $173,292 (includes locality of 17.06%) Ft. Worth, TX Minimum $121,519 - Maximum $188,392 (includes locality of 27.26%) Houston, TX Minimum $128,910 - Maximum $199,850 (includes locality of 35.00%) This position is also open to Current, Permanent FAA Employees under vacancy AGL-ATO-26-0015-97744.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

How to Apply

Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position.

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. RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week. Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA.

Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.

You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies.

Required Documents

Only supplemental documentation, e.g. transcripts or veteran's documentation will be accepted in combination with your on-line application. These documents must be uploaded or faxed to (847)294-7858 on or before the closing date of this announcement. All submitted documents should reference the announcement number AGL-ATO-26-0035-98650.

This position has a positive education requirement; college transcripts are required for ALL candidates newly appointed to the FAA in the 0800 (Engineering) series. College transcripts must be submitted from current FAA employees applying for internal vacancies if they have never held a position in the 0800 (Engineering) series with the FAA. College transcripts are not required from current FAA employees who are currently occupying an 0800 (Engineering) series.

If selected, official transcripts are required prior to employment. All Veterans: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit either a DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 Copy or equivalent), or a document from the armed forces certifying that within 120 days you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions. If you are claiming 10 point preference, you must also submit a completed SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference, and supporting documents outlined on the SF-15.

Documents must be uploaded or faxed to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office listed in this announcement and all documents must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit documentation, you will be assessed as a non-veteran. If you are claiming 10 point preference but fail to submit the supporting documents outlined on the SF-15, you will be tentatively assessed as a 5 point preference eligible provided your DD Form 214 reflects that you have the service required to qualify for preference.

Documents must be uploaded or faxed to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office listed in this announcement and all documents must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit documentation, you will be assessed as a non-veteran. Veterans currently on active duty claiming veterans' preference: You will be granted tentative preference if you submit a document from the armed forces certifying that within 120 days you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions and your application shows that you have the required service.

Prior to being appointed, you must provide to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office a DD Form 214 documenting discharge/release and showing that the service was honorable or general. If you are on terminal leave, you must provide documentation certifying authorized terminal leave. If you want consideration for one or more of the Special Hiring Authorities, documentation that must be submitted at time of application can be found at Direct Hiring Authorities | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the General Engineer (Senior Operations Engineer) position at Federal Aviation Administration?
The salary range for this position is $95,489 - $148,037/yr. This is a FV-J position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the General Engineer (Senior Operations Engineer) job located?
This position is located in Des Plaines, Illinois. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page). Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration. Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation. Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Jun 12, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.