FAA Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist Jobs 2026
INTRODUCTION
FAA Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs 2026 are highly competitive federal aviation career opportunities for experienced air traffic control professionals seeking leadership positions with the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA is recruiting candidates for the Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor - MSS2) position, offering an annual salary range of $134,172 to $174,423 USD.
This senior-level aviation management position is designed for professionals who have extensive air traffic control experience, facility ratings, area certifications, and knowledge of FAA operational procedures. The selected candidate will supervise air traffic control operations, manage teams, support aviation safety standards, and ensure efficient air traffic services.
The Federal Aviation Administration plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of the United States aviation system. Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialists are responsible for making operational decisions, coordinating resources, and supporting controllers in complex aviation environments.
Applicants interested in federal government jobs and FAA careers should carefully review the specialized experience requirements before applying. This MSS2 Operations Supervisor position requires candidates to demonstrate qualifying FAA experience, including appropriate facility ratings or equivalent supervisory experience.
The application deadline for this FAA Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist vacancy is July 20, 2026. Candidates must submit a complete federal application through USAJOBS with detailed experience information and supporting documentation.
This article provides complete details about eligibility requirements, salary structure, selection process, application steps, important dates, preparation tips, and frequently asked questions for this FAA recruitment opportunity.
QUICK FACTS
Organization | Federal Aviation Administration
Post Name | Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor - MSS2)
Vacancies | See official notification
Salary | $134,172 - $174,423 USD per year
Apply Start | Not specified
Apply End | July 20, 2026
Official Site | USAJOBS.gov
DETAILED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates applying for the Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor - MSS2) position must meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s specialized experience requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
This is a senior FAA position requiring advanced operational knowledge and previous experience in air traffic services. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to supervise, coordinate, and manage air traffic control operations.
Age Limit:
The official vacancy announcement does not specify a separate maximum age limit. Candidates must meet federal employment eligibility requirements and any FAA-specific employment standards applicable to air traffic control positions.
Education Qualification:
This position primarily emphasizes specialized FAA experience rather than a specific educational degree requirement. Candidates should possess the technical knowledge and operational expertise gained through air traffic control training, certification, and professional experience.
Experience Requirements:
Applicants must meet specialized experience requirements. Qualified candidates generally must satisfy one of the following conditions:
- Have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least 52 weeks.
- Have been facility rated or area certified for at least 52 weeks at an Air Traffic Services facility.
- Meet applicable FAA qualification standards for supervisory air traffic control positions.
Relevant experience may include:
- Supervising air traffic control operations.
- Managing controller teams and operational resources.
- Ensuring compliance with FAA safety procedures.
- Coordinating traffic flow and operational decisions.
- Providing guidance during complex aviation situations.
- Evaluating operational performance.
Category-Wise Eligibility:
Current FAA Employees:
FAA employees with qualifying FV-J, FG-14, or equivalent experience may be eligible if they meet time requirements.
Certified Air Traffic Control Specialists:
Controllers with required facility ratings or area certifications may qualify based on operational experience.
Federal Employees:
Applicants from other federal agencies may qualify if they meet FAA specialized experience requirements.
Veterans:
Eligible veterans may receive preference according to federal hiring regulations when applicable documentation is provided.
Candidates should prepare a detailed federal resume that clearly explains FAA experience, certifications, supervisory responsibilities, facility ratings, and operational achievements.
VACANCY BREAKDOWN
| Category | Location | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Total Positions | Federal Aviation Administration | See official notification |
| Job Category | Air Traffic Control Management | Not separately announced |
| State/Region | Based on FAA assignment | See notification |
| Position Type | Federal Civilian Aviation Position | As announced |
SALARY AND PAY SCALE
The Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor - MSS2) position offers a salary range of $134,172 to $174,423 USD annually. The exact compensation depends on experience, pay band placement, locality adjustments, and federal compensation policies.
This position follows the FAA’s pay structure for experienced air traffic control professionals. FAA employees may receive compensation based on responsibility level, operational complexity, and assigned duty location.
Salary Overview
- Minimum annual salary: $134,172 USD.
- Maximum annual salary: $174,423 USD.
Estimated monthly gross salary:
- Lower salary range: approximately $11,181 USD per month.
- Higher salary range: approximately $14,535 USD per month.
Federal and FAA employee benefits may include:
- Health insurance coverage.
- Retirement benefits.
- Thrift Savings Plan participation.
- Paid annual leave.
- Paid sick leave.
- Federal holidays.
- Life insurance programs.
- Career advancement opportunities.
The estimated in-hand salary after deductions may vary depending on federal taxes, retirement contributions, insurance choices, and personal financial circumstances. Many employees receive approximately 65% to 80% of gross pay after deductions.
Due to the high salary level, leadership responsibilities, and aviation importance, FAA supervisory positions are considered among the most competitive federal careers.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for the FAA Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist position follows federal aviation hiring procedures. Candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications, operational experience, leadership abilities, and submitted application materials.
The expected selection stages include:
- Application Review:
FAA hiring officials review submitted applications to determine whether candidates meet specialized experience requirements.
- Qualification Assessment:
Human resources specialists evaluate FAA experience, certifications, facility ratings, supervisory background, and eligibility.
- Interview:
Qualified candidates may participate in interviews focused on leadership skills, operational decision-making, aviation safety, and management experience.
- Technical Evaluation:
Applicants may be assessed on their knowledge of FAA procedures, air traffic operations, and supervisory responsibilities.
- Document Verification:
Candidates may need to provide employment records, certifications, federal documents, or other supporting information.
- Final Selection:
The FAA selects the candidate who best demonstrates the required technical expertise and leadership capability.
Physical Test:
A separate physical fitness examination is not generally listed for this supervisory position. However, candidates must meet FAA medical, operational, and employment standards applicable to their role.
EXAM PATTERN AND SYLLABUS
The FAA Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist recruitment process does not typically involve a traditional written examination. Selection focuses on specialized experience, technical qualifications, leadership ability, and interviews.
Candidates should prepare knowledge areas related to aviation operations and FAA management.
Important Subject Areas:
Air Traffic Control Operations:
- FAA air traffic management procedures.
- Controller responsibilities.
- Traffic management principles.
- Aviation safety practices.
Supervisory Management:
- Leading operational teams.
- Managing workplace performance.
- Decision-making under pressure.
- Resource coordination.
FAA Regulations:
- FAA policies and procedures.
- Operational standards.
- Safety requirements.
- Communication protocols.
Leadership Skills:
- Problem-solving.
- Conflict management.
- Team development.
- Performance improvement.
Assessment Details:
Subject | Details
Exam Type | Qualification and interview-based assessment
Total Marks | Not specified
Duration | Not specified
Negative Marking | Not applicable
Interview | Possible
Applicants should review the official FAA announcement for any additional assessment requirements.
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates interested in the Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor - MSS2) position must complete the federal application process through USAJOBS.
- Visit USAJOBS
Open the USAJOBS website and search for the FAA Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist vacancy.
- Create or Update Your USAJOBS Account
Ensure your profile contains accurate contact details, employment information, and career history.
- Prepare a Federal Resume
Create a detailed resume including:
- FAA employment history.
- Facility ratings.
- Area certifications.
- Supervisory experience.
- Operational responsibilities.
- Career achievements.
- Review Eligibility Requirements
Confirm that you meet FAA specialized experience requirements before submitting your application.
- Collect Required Documents
Possible documents include:
- Federal resume.
- FAA employment records.
- Certification information.
- Veterans preference documents if applicable.
- Other supporting eligibility documents.
- Complete the Application Questionnaire
Answer all required questions accurately. Responses should match information included in your resume.
- Upload Supporting Documents
Attach all required files and verify that documents are readable.
- Review Application Information
Check all sections carefully before submission. Ensure experience details are complete.
- Submit Before Deadline
Submit the application before July 20, 2026. Late applications may not be accepted.
- Track Application Status
Monitor your USAJOBS account for updates, interview requests, and hiring notifications.
Application Fee:
There is generally no application fee for FAA federal employment applications submitted through USAJOBS.
IMPORTANT DATES
Event | Date
Application Start Date | Not specified
Application Closing Date | July 20, 2026
Exam Date | Not specified
Interview Date | To be announced
Result Date | To be announced
PREVIOUS YEAR CUT-OFFS
Previous year cut-off marks are not available for the FAA Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist recruitment because this position does not use a standard competitive written examination system. Selection is based on specialized FAA experience, qualifications, leadership ability, application quality, and interview performance. Candidates should check the official FAA and USAJOBS announcements for current qualification standards and hiring updates.
PREPARATION TIPS
- Highlight FAA Experience Clearly
Your resume should clearly describe facility ratings, area certifications, operational responsibilities, and supervisory achievements.
- Review FAA Procedures
Study FAA operational guidelines, air traffic management concepts, safety procedures, and supervisory responsibilities.
- Prepare Leadership Examples
Be ready to explain examples of managing teams, solving operational challenges, and making decisions under pressure.
- Organize Certification Records
Keep FAA certifications, employment records, and supporting documents ready before applying.
- Practice Interview Responses
Prepare answers related to aviation safety, leadership, communication, and operational problem-solving.
- Apply Early
Submit your application before the deadline to allow time for reviewing documents and correcting errors.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are FAA Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs 2026?
A: These are senior Federal Aviation Administration positions responsible for supervising air traffic control operations. The MSS2 Operations Supervisor role manages aviation teams and supports safe air traffic services.
How to apply for FAA Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs in USA?
A: Candidates must apply through USAJOBS by reviewing eligibility requirements, preparing a federal resume, uploading documents, and submitting the application before the closing date.
What is the salary for FAA Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs?
A: The salary range is $134,172 to $174,423 USD annually. The final salary depends on experience, pay level, and FAA compensation policies.
What department is hiring for this FAA position?
A: The hiring organization is the Federal Aviation Administration, a federal agency responsible for aviation safety and air traffic management.
What experience is required for the MSS2 Operations Supervisor position?
A: Applicants generally need qualifying FAA experience, including FAA 2152 FV-J or FG-14 experience or facility rating or area certification at an ATS facility.
Is there an age limit for this FAA job?
A: The official announcement does not list a separate age limit. Candidates must satisfy federal employment and FAA eligibility requirements.
Is a written exam required for this recruitment?
A: A traditional written exam is not listed. Candidates are evaluated through qualification review, experience assessment, interviews, and document verification.
What documents are required for the application?
A: Applicants generally need a detailed federal resume and may need FAA employment records, certifications, and other supporting documents.
Can current FAA employees apply for this position?
A: Yes. Current FAA employees who meet specialized experience and eligibility requirements may apply.
Where can applicants find official updates?
A: Applicants should check the official USAJOBS announcement for the latest vacancy information, requirements, and application instructions.
DISCLAIMER
This article is provided for informational purposes only to help candidates understand the FAA Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist recruitment opportunity. OnlineJobNews is not a government website and is not affiliated with the Federal Aviation Administration or USAJOBS. Recruitment details, salary information, eligibility requirements, and deadlines may change based on official announcements. Applicants should verify all information from the official USAJOBS posting before applying. Candidates are responsible for submitting accurate information and completing all required application steps.