Technical Careers
Engineers
The FAA employs engineers in a wide range of specialty areas to design, invent and innovate technology, structures and processes, and to find practical solutions to current and future aviation needs. Below are examples of some of the engineering opportunities within the FAA.
- Aerospace engineers design aircraft, satellites and space vehicles.
- Mechanical engineers design integral aircraft systems, such as power and energy systems and aerospace products.
- Chemical engineers process raw materials to convert them into aircraft parts, fuel types used in aircraft, and flammable or explosive compounds or properties related to aircraft under pressure.
- Civil engineers design and construct runway terminals and their infrastructure, such as roads and buildings.
- Electrical engineers design electronic systems, such as electrical circuits, telecommunications, generators and motors.
- Electronics engineers work with electronic circuits, focusing on electromagnetic or acoustical wave energy for purposes such as communication, measurement and navigation.
- Software engineers design applications to make aircraft and air travel faster, more affordable and/or easier to maintain.
Qualifications
FAA Engineers are required to successfully complete a full four-year professional engineering curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree, or higher, in engineering at an accredited college or university. A combination of appropriate college-level education, training and/or technical experience may also be considered.
Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Electronics Systems Technician)
We are the safe-keepers of the systems and equipment that keep air travel safe. Our team of talented technicians, more than 4,000 strong, installs, operates, maintains and repairs more than 74,000 pieces of radar, communications, navigational aids, airport lighting, backup power, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. We provide the services that support the technical backbone of our national airspace system, managing hardware and software that support safe and efficient flight operations.