Senior ATC Specialist

Astrion; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is seeking a Sr. ATC Specialist to develop, review, and modernize national air traffic control procedures while supporting the Civilian Division under the FAA - PSS contract.

The role requires extensive ATC leadership experience and the ability to draft and harmonize procedures across the NAS. Ideal candidates will have 20+ years of ATC experience, certifications, and US citizenship, with the ability to obtain a Public Trust Clearance.

Qualifications

• Requires 20+ years of ATC experience in En Route or Terminal environments.
• Certification(s) required.
• Ability to obtain a Public Trust Security Clearance; US Citizenship required for all candidates.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; High School Diploma required.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, revise, modernize, and maintain national ATC procedures, operational guidance, and airspace policies.
• Review air traffic procedural waiver requests and evaluate safety studies to support recommendations.
• Lead cross-functional SRM panels and safety assessments using SMS processes.
• Translate complex operational concepts into clear, concise policy documents, manuals, memos, and briefings for stakeholders.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Microsoft Office proficiency

Extensive ATC experience (20+ years)

Certified controller experience

Public Trust Clearance eligibility

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Sr. ATC Specialist

LOCATION: Washington, DC (Hybrid -- In office 3 days per week)

Overview

Sr. ATC Specialist

LOCATION: Washington, DC (Hybrid -- In office 3 days per week)

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Ability to obtain a Public Trust Clearance.

CERTIFICATION: N/A

TRAVEL: as needed

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Sr. ATC Specialist [Procedures] for the FAA - PSS contract, supporting the Civilian Division.

Required Qualifications / Skills

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 20 or more years of Air Traffic Control technical and operational experience in the En Route or Terminal environment
• Certification(s) required
• Ability to obtain a Public Trust Security Clearance; US Citizenship required for all candidates.

Desired Qualifications / Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and strong interpersonal skills.
• Extensive Air Traffic Control (ATC) Experience: Minimum of 20 years of comprehensive Air Traffic Control experience, including at least 10 years of certified controller experience combined with progressively responsible leadership or staff positions (e.g., Staff Support Specialist, Facility Supervisor, Operations Manager, Facility Manager, FAA Academy Instructor, or equivalent ATC leadership roles). The ideal candidate is a seasoned controller with demonstrated experience developing local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Letters of Agreement (LOAs), and Safety Risk Management (SRM) documentation who is prepared to apply that expertise at the national level.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in the laws, regulations, policies, and directives governing the movement of air traffic, with extensive knowledge of FAA Orders JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, and JO 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration, as well as other applicable FAA orders and national guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational challenges within the National Airspace System (NAS), lead comprehensive safety risk analyses, develop operational solutions, draft new procedures, and build cross-organizational consensus to support the publication and implementation of national policy.

Responsibilities

• National Procedure Development: Draft, review, revise, modernize, and maintain national air traffic control procedures, operational guidance, and airspace policies to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System (NAS).
• Waiver and Safety Study Evaluation: Serve as the reviewing authority for air traffic procedural waiver requests. Analyze and evaluate complex safety studies, including Flight Standards assessments, Monte Carlo simulations, and Safety Risk Management (SRM) documentation, to support recommendations for approval or denial.
• Safety Risk Management Leadership: Apply advanced knowledge of the FAA Safety Management System (SMS) and SRM processes to lead, facilitate, and participate in cross-functional SRM panels and safety assessments.
• Strategic Communication and Technical Writing: Translate highly complex operational and technical concepts into clear, concise, and actionable reports, policy documents, manuals, memoranda, briefing papers, and executive-level presentations for a wide range of stakeholders.