ORD Air Traffic Control Instructor

SAIC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,001 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking an experienced Air Traffic Control Instructor to support FAA training services at the Chicago ATCT (ORD). The role involves delivering high-quality training to air traffic controller students and providing mentoring.

This position requires extensive FAA CPC experience and offers a target salary range of $40,001 - $80,000, reflecting the typical salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of FAA CPC experience controlling live traffic.
• Strong technical skills with current ATC automation and procedures.
• Experience as a contract Instructor at an FAA facility is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality classroom and/or simulation training.
• Mentor students and participate in curriculum design.
• Ensure training meets FAA’s Air Traffic Control standards.

Skills

FAA CPC experience

Technical skills with ATC automation

Teaching and classroom management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification

Tools

ATC simulators (e.g. TSS, AT Coach, SGET)

Job description

Job ID 2613867
Location Chicago, IL, US
Date Posted 2026-06-22
Category Training
Subcategory Training Analyst
Schedule Casual (includes On-Call and Temporary)
Shift Day Job
Travel No
Minimum Clearance Required None
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain Public Trust
Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

ATTN FERS RETIREES Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site Supervisor working on this program are EXEMPT from the Supplemental Annuity earnings limits for FERS retirees between the ages of 56 and 62.

We are looking for an experienced, Casual, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ATCT (ORD) in Chicago, IL, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The CTS Instructor is a hands‑on position that requires the candidate to effectively and consistently deliver the highest quality classroom and/or simulation laboratory training to a wide variety of students including developmental air traffic controllers and Certified Professional Controllers (CPC).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well‑trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor‑provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor‑provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training‑related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Qualifications

US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience controlling live traffic, or recent experience as a contract Instructor at an FAA facility. Experience must have been at the same type and same (or greater) level of ATC facility as the Chicago ATCT (ORD). The successful candidate for this position must demonstrate strong technical skills with current ATC automation, simulation systems and procedures. This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non‑radar simulation laboratory certifications at FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required
• FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification required with the ability to obtain and maintain Instructor‑II Simulation Laboratory Certification

Desired Skills And Experience

• Direct experience as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at the Chicago ATCT (ORD) is preferred but not required
• Operational Experience with ATC simulators including scenario design for simulation platforms (e.g. TSS, AT Coach, SGET, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with FAA personnel at all levels to ensure the delivery of training services meet the needs of the local facility, as well as the FAA’s overall Air Traffic Control mission is highly desired
• Experience demonstrating excellent teaching and/or platform skills, classroom management techniques, and a student‑focused drive for continuous improvement

Target salary range $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.