Ramp Tower Controller

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Pension and retirement plans

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority seeks a Ramp Tower Controller to manage aircraft movement on ramps and taxi lanes, dispatch mobile lounges, and monitor ramp operations for safety and efficiency.

This position requires coordinating multiple information sources, clear written and spoken communication, and the ability to work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays at a major hub with multiple terminals.

Qualifications

• Four years of progressively responsible experience controlling aircraft movements on the ground or in the air at a major airport; OR FAA/military ramp controller experience; OR pilot for CFR Part 121 carrier; OR AT-CTI degree.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Directs the movement of aircraft in midfield ramp area in compliance with local agreements.
• Gives instruction to arriving aircraft for taxiing to pre-assigned gates.
• Approves push-back requests and provides taxi instructions for orderly traffic flow.
• Dispatches mobile lounges/plane-mates to transport passengers safely and efficiently.
• Assigns remote parking areas and records information in the gate book.
• Reports safety hazards, adverse airfield operations, and other problems.
• In airfield emergencies or security breaches, follows guidelines and coordinates with Airport Operations.
• Maintains and updates records, logs, and assignments.
• Coordinates preventive and unscheduled maintenance with Equipment Maintenance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Data analysis

Multitask coordination

Effective communication

Computer skills

Team player

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Compensation

Compensation Grade: S19-H Salary Range: $40.55-$58.79 Opening Date: September 4, 2026 Closing Date: September 19, 2026 Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

General Responsibilities

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.

• 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.

• medical, dental, and vision coverage
• well‑being resources
• health savings and flexible spending accounts
• pension and retirement plans
• 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.

Have you ever wondered who runs Reagan National Airport? Or Dulles International Airport? Or the Dulles Toll Road? We do! We’re the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and we’re looking for talented, enthusiastic people to help us continue our tradition of outstanding service to travelers in the Washington Metropolitan area. We offer an array of benefits programs, including vacation, retirement, and health benefits. Whether you are traveling the world or plotting your career path, your journey begins with us. Our Core Values are: MUTUAL RESPECT INTEGRITY PRIDE COLLABORATION