General Engineer (Lead Engineer)

Federal Aviation Administration; Des Plaines (IL); Remote; USD 125,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lead Engineer (LE) at the Federal Aviation Administration in Des Plaines, IL leads highly complex projects and national programs requiring deep engineering expertise and independent judgement. You will coordinate multiple sub-projects, supervise engineering work, and mentor junior engineers across centers and programs.

Responsibilities include planning, prioritizing, and reviewing technical work, ensuring compliance with standards, and delivering standardized implementation plans.

Qualifications

• Requires engineering knowledge and independent judgment.
• Experience with NAS Facilities knowledge is a plus.
• Strong ability to coordinate large projects and programs.

Responsibilities

• Applies engineering principles to solve complex problems and develop improved technical processes.
• Acts as senior technical point of contact for project/programs and coordinates installation activities.
• Leads development of standardized implementation plans and templates within the center and program area.
• Manages schedules, resources, and interdependencies to ensure project completion.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project coordination

Mentoring

Technical problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Job description

• Department: Department of Transportation

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.

Key Responsibilities

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 & 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.

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.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $124957 - $193721/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-13.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.

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Source: USAJOBS.gov U.S. Federal Government Retrieved 2026-10-26 Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov