Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) seeks an executive leader to oversee high-impact space transportation initiatives and drive safety, efficiency, and innovation across the national aerospace system.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate mastery of leadership dimensions, program management, and the ability to translate policy into results while upholding the rule of law and public accountability.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing a complex, national-impact program.
• Experience applying space-related scientific or engineering principles across aerospace domains.
• Strong background in system safety, quality assurance, and software/ hardware disciplines.

Skills

Executive leadership

Policy knowledge

Strategic planning

Budget management

Risk management

Job description

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is where innovation meets purpose. We ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation's aerospace system, overseeing air traffic, advancing cutting-edge aviation technologies, and shaping the future of flight. Our mission is to deliver the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. Join a team where your work has real impact, your ideas drive progress, and your career helps keep millions moving safely every day.

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.

MANDATORY TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS (TRs)

• TR 1: Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing a complex commercial space transportation program with national impact.
• TR 2: Demonstrated leadership experience applying commercial space-related scientific or engineering principles, including, but not limited to: (1) aerospace vehicle systems (e.g., flight dynamics, propulsion, maintenance/inspections, satellite technology), (2) system safety and quality assurance, structural, mechanical or software engineering, (3) U.S. launch sites and ranges infrastructure development, and/or (4) space transportation analysis (e.g., applicable standards and safety).

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 Officers or Executives (EV-1 or EV-2 level) of the FAA Executive System (FAAES), current Career Executives in the Senior Executive Service (SES) or equivalent system as evidenced by an interchange agreement between your agency and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that permits noncompetitive movement of employees between the SES and your agency, individuals certified through successful completion of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or those with Career FAAES or 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)).

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.