Ramp Tower Controller

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; Virginia; On-site; USD 56,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision care

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is seeking a Ramp Tower Controller at Washington Dulles International Airport. You will control aircraft on ramps and taxi lanes, dispatch mobile lounges, and monitor all ground movements to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Work with FAA, airlines, and MWAA departments to follow established procedures. The role requires the ability to coordinate multiple information sources, perform data analyses, and maintain accurate logs.

Qualifications

• Four years of progressively responsible experience controlling aircraft movements on the ground or in the air at a major airport or qualified FAA/military ramp controller.
• Ability to perform basic analyses of data and information.
• Strong coordination and prioritization of multiple information sources.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Directs movement of aircraft in ramp areas in compliance with established agreements.
• Gives taxi instructions to arriving aircraft to gates.
• Approves push-backs and coordinates taxi routing to ensure orderly traffic flow.
• Dispatches mobile lounges to transport airline passengers safely and efficiently.
• Maintains records and reports safety hazards or incidents.
• Coordinates with FAA, airlines, and other departments to follow procedures.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Data analysis

Computer literacy

Education

GED or high school diploma

AT-CTI degree/ATC training

FAA/DoD/ATC certifications

Job description

Compensation Grade: S19-H

Salary Range: $40.55-$58.79

Opening Date: September 18, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Ramp Tower Controller, you will control aircraft on the ramps and taxi lanes, dispatch mobile lounges to safely transport passengers, and monitor all aircraft and vehicles in the ramp area to ensure their safe, efficient, and expeditious ground movement.

Ramp Tower Controller

Serves in the Airport Operations Department at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Controls aircraft on the ramps and taxi lanes, dispatches mobile lounges to safely transport airline passengers to and from aircraft and terminals, and monitors all aircraft and vehicles in the ramp area to ensure their safe, efficient, and expeditious ground movement. Coordinates with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airlines, and other IAD Departments to ensure that all aircraft, mobile lounges, and other airfield vehicles operate in accordance with established rules and protocols. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs the movement of aircraft in midfield ramp area in compliance with Dulles Airport Surface Operations Letter of Agreement between Dulles FAA tower and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.


• Gives instruction to arriving aircraft for taxiing to pre-assigned gates.


• Approves requests for push-backs of aircraft into taxi lanes in ramp area and gives taxi instructions ensuring an orderly flow of traffic in compliance with current airport configuration (runways in use) dictated by the Dulles FAA tower.


• Dispatches mobile lounges/plane-mates to safely and efficiently transport airline passengers.


• Assigns remote parking areas to aircraft, informs airlines, and notes information in gate book.


• Reports observed safety hazards, adverse airfield operations, and all other problems.


• In the event of an airfield emergency or security breach, follows guidelines and instructions and coordinates with Airport Operations Department and other airport personnel.


• Maintains and updates all pertinent records, logs, and assignments, with required information.


• Reports the need for maintenance, as required, for all systems.


• Coordinates preventive and no-notice maintenance, with Equipment Maintenance, to assure a rotation of mobile lounges/plane-mates.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Four years of progressively responsible experience controlling aircraft movements on the ground or in the air at a major airport; OR Qualified as a controller for the FAA, the US Military, or a ramp control tower at a major airport; OR qualified as a pilot for a CFR Part 121 air carrier; OR has a degree from an approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI).


• Ability to perform basic analyses of data and information.


• Skill in coordinating and prioritizing multiple information sources, simultaneously.


• Ability to speak and write effectively.


• Skill in using a computer, computerized work order and time and attendance system.


• Ability to work as a team member.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) for the FAA or government contractor.


• FAA Certified Air Traffic Controller.


• Knowledge of and ability to apply ground control procedures at a large hub airport with multiple terminals.


• Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificate from the FAA or DOD.


• Air Traffic Control Degree from an approved AT-CTI School.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver's license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

• Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, customer service, teamwork, adherence to guidelines, effectiveness, and other factors.


• Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).


• Must be able to climb stairs (4 levels) to reach Ramp Tower cabs.


• Is required to work shifts, including weekends, holidays, and nights, in support of the 24/7/365 Ramp Tower operations.


• Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family's health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.