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General Engineer (Lead Engineer)
Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
ATO, Tech Ops, ES, Communications Const/Install Center CHI, AJW-2C13E
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Summary
The Lead Engineer (LE) is responsible for the implementation of highly complex and challenging projects comprised of multiple sub-projects and/or large national programs which require application of in-depth engineering knowledge and independent judgement and the ability to coordinate difficult and/or critical activities.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
The Lead Engineer (LE) is responsible for the implementation of highly complex and challenging projects comprised of multiple sub-projects and/or large national programs which require application of in-depth engineering knowledge and independent judgement and the ability to coordinate difficult and/or critical activities.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 06/18/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 18, 2026
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Des Plaines, IL
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-Situational telework may be permitted in accordance with agency policy. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $124,957 - $193,721 per year
The salary above includes 30.86% locality pay.
Pay scale & grade
FV J
Promotion potential NA
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required 76% or greater - The job may require 76% or more travel.
Appointment type Temporary - NTE 2 YEARS
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union Yes - This position is represented by NATCA: Engineers & Architects.
Drug test No Security clearance Other
Announcement number ACE-ATO-26-KRS-98716 Control number 870839500
This job is open to
Help
Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.
Clarification from the agency
ATO Wide
Duties
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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. Assignments typically involves engineer to have knowledge of NAS Facilities, Facilities and Equipment Programs, and FAA organizations.
Represents assigned Center on matters requiring technical interpretation and guidance, as the senior technical point of contact. He/she serves as the senior engineer for assigned project/programs to all stakeholders including management, other employees and external parties. Plans, coordinates and reviews engineering work of the installation activities. Prioritizes and outlines work. Provides advice to solve technical problems.
Reviews work of other engineers for technical accuracy and adequacy. Assists Center personnel with resolving all, but unique, engineering problems and may create new solutions and policy interpretations, as the situation requires. Provides constructive feedback and persuasion on project/ program matters using effective interpersonal skills and abilities. He/she organizes, coordinates and mentors the efforts of project engineers supporting the program.
Leads the development of standardized implementation plans, processes, templates, and activities within assigned Engineering Center and/or program area. Works as a team with other Leads to deliver a consistent and efficient implementation produce across the Service Area. Serves as the focal for gathering and integrating feedback into downstream sites and coordinating feedback with other Leads in the Service Area. Maintains consistency with applicable standards, procedures, and implementation methodologies.
Ensures project/program schedules are compatible with organizational objectives, support project/program needs; and can be accomplished within available resources and funding. Oversees and monitors project interdependencies by assessing the impacts to projects/programs due to new requirements, technologies, budget constraints, or changes. Prepares cost estimates and risk management reports for work at the assigned area of responsibility.
Plans, coordinates, identifies resources, schedules, and tracks large-scale and/or multi-site engineering projects through completion. Prepares cost estimates and risk management reports for work at the assigned area of responsibility. The work is reviewed rarely, typically through status reports and at project completion to ensure technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
Degree: Professional Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelors 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. For additional information on qualification requirements, please visit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website at:
AND
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 includes: Experience in the planning, coordinating, identifying resources, scheduling, and tracking of multi-site engineering projects through completion.
Applicants must include examples of specialized experience in their work history.
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSAs): 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) 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.
In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose 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 based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate. 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.
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.
Preview job questionnaire
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
FORM SF-50 SENT VIA EMAIL WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
Form SF-50 may be uploaded to your on-line application.
Security Requirement: Moderate Risk (5). This position requires completion and favorable adjudication of a background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained. Subject to a 5 year period reinvestigation.
Interviews: If the Agency decides to interview any qualified employee on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list.
Incomplete Applications: Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.
NATCA/Consolidated Collective Bargaining Unit (CBA): This position is covered by the FAA NATCA/Consolidated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Pay Plan. Additional information about compensation available on the following website: https://my.faa.gov/content/myfaa/en/org/staffoffices/ahr/offices/labor_relations/agreements.html
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
Expand Hide additional information
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
Help
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.
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.
Benefits
Help
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.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
Further consideration WILL NOT be given if you fail to submit the required documentation by closing date of this announcement. If you currently ARE NOT in an engineering position, you must submit a copy of your unofficial transcripts, PE license, EIT results, and/or foreign education accredited evaluation by the closing date of the announcement in order to demonstrate that you meet the positive education requirements for this position. Further consideration WILL NOT be given if you fail to submit the required documentation by closing date of this announcement. Supporting documentation must be uploaded. Please reference vacancy announcement number. You only need to submit those items required on the announcement.
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.
If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy.
If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.
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
Help
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)
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.
Agency contact information
Kelsey Schmidt
Phone 1 (816) 329-2671 Fax 1 (816) 329-2656 Email kelsey.r.schmidt@faa.gov Address Federal Aviation Administration
ACE Regional HR Services Division
901 Locust Street, Room 402
AHF-C100
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
Next steps
Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.
For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.
Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
Further consideration WILL NOT be given if you fail to submit the required documentation by closing date of this announcement. If you currently ARE NOT in an engineering position, you must submit a copy of your unofficial transcripts, PE license, EIT results, and/or foreign education accredited evaluation by the closing date of the announcement in order to demonstrate that you meet the positive education requirements for this position. Further consideration WILL NOT be given if you fail to submit the required documentation by closing date of this announcement. Supporting documentation must be uploaded. Please reference vacancy announcement number. You only need to submit those items required on the announcement.
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.
If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy.
If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.
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
Help
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)
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.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Kelsey Schmidt
Phone 1 (816) 329-2671 Fax 1 (816) 329-2656 Email kelsey.r.schmidt@faa.gov Address Federal Aviation Administration
ACE Regional HR Services Division
901 Locust Street, Room 402
AHF-C100
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
Next steps
Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.
For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.
Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.
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.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Federal Aviation Administration
At the FAA, the sky is not the limit-it is just the beginning. Exciting new opportunities are emerging in aviation and aerospace. Significant investments are advancing the research and development of autonomous vehicles, environmentally friendly electric aircraft, high-speed and long-endurance solar-powered aircraft, and new types of space vehicles. Success with these new technologies and vehicle types will introduce new ways to transport people and goods expanding aviations footprint in transportation. People are our strength. We are a diverse workforce of over 44,000 located nationwide and spanning over 120 occupations to include air traffic control specialists, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals. Join us in our mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.
Agency contact information
Kelsey Schmidt
Phone 1 (816) 329-2671 Fax 1 (816) 329-2656 Email kelsey.r.schmidt@faa.gov Address Federal Aviation Administration
ACE Regional HR Services Division
901 Locust Street, Room 402
AHF-C100
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what its like to work at Federal Aviation Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
Summary
The Lead Engineer (LE) is responsible for the implementation of highly complex and challenging projects comprised of multiple sub-projects and/or large national programs which require application of in-depth engineering knowledge and independent judgement and the ability to coordinate difficult and/or critical activities.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 06/18/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 18, 2026
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Des Plaines, IL
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-Situational telework may be permitted in accordance with agency policy. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $124,957 - $193,721 per year
The salary above includes 30.86% locality pay.
Pay scale & grade
FV J
Promotion potential NA
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required 76% or greater - The job may require 76% or more travel.
Appointment type Temporary - NTE 2 YEARS
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union Yes - This position is represented by NATCA: Engineers & Architects.
Drug test No Security clearance Other
Announcement number ACE-ATO-26-KRS-98716 Control number 870839500
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