The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is where innovation meets purpose. We ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation's aerospace system, overseeing air traffic, advancing cutting-edge aviation technologies, and shaping the future of flight. Our mission is to deliver the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. Join a team where your work has real impact, your ideas drive progress, and your career helps keep millions moving safely every day.
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is where innovation meets purpose. We ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation's aerospace system, overseeing air traffic, advancing cutting-edge aviation technologies, and shaping the future of flight. Our mission is to deliver the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. Join a team where your work has real impact, your ideas drive progress, and your career helps keep millions moving safely every day.
Yes—Situational telework may be permitted according to agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Fully-Paid PCS (Permanent Change of Station) authorized. In accordance with applicable FAA travel regulations, full relocation will be paid (actual expenses). Relocation expenses paid are subject to applicable taxes.
Salary
$217,385 - $228,000 per year
Base salary will be set within the range of $153,700-$220,300. Applicable locality pay will be added for a total salary up to a maximum of $228,000.
The Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation regulates the Unites States' (U.S.) commercial space transportation industry, and ensures compliance with international obligations of the U.S. and protects the public health and safety, safety of property, and national security and foreign policy interests of the U.S.; encourages, facilitates and promotes commercial space launches and reentries by the private sector; recommends appropriate changes in Federal statutes, treaties, regulations, policies, plans and procedures; and facilitates the strengthening and expansion of the U.S. space transportation infrastructure. The Associate Administrator reports directly to the Deputy Administrator and executes the role of the position via a highly technical workforce of approximately 120 employees to include three Executives and the administration of an annual operational and research budget of approximately $40M.
Provides leadership, direction, management, and coordination of the Agency's commercial space transportation programs to ensure the health and facilitate the growth of the U.S. commercial space transportation industry.
Manages and exercises executive and technical direction for licensing, regulatory, and space policy activities and initiatives, including direct oversight on safety review and evaluation of applicant safety organization; system safety processes; flight safety analysis; quantitative risk criteria for launch, reentry, and vehicle disposal; and national security, foreign policy interests, and international obligations affecting the United States.
Oversees and facilitates the establishment of national policies, standards, and procedures for the operation, infrastructure, and competitive viability of the Federal role in commercial space transportation in alignment with President Trump's National Space Transportation Policy, Executive Order 14335 (Enabling Competition in the Commercial Space Industry), and Executive Order 14369 (Ensuring American Space Superiority). Coordinates policy positions with the Strategy and Engagement Organization to develop commercial space policy recommendations to the Administrator and Deputy Administrator.
Supervises and provides functional executive direction to subordinate offices with responsibilities that include: development and maintenance of the commercial space Enforcement Program; compliance with the Commercial Space Launch Act, the Commercial Space Transportation Licensing Regulations in Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Chapter III, and the terms and conditions set forth in licensing; safety inspections conducted before, during and after a launch or reentry, and in the event of a mishap during the investigation; and development of Airspace Management Plans for each space operation.
Advises the FAA Deputy Administrator on matters concerning the scope, content, emphasis, and direction of regulatory and certification programs, goals and policies (including those related to commercial space transportation, space policy, and research and development) and relationships with external elements and activities. Reviews and evaluates program performance to keep the Deputy Administrator informed concerning how effectively program goals are being met. Recommends action to correct deficiencies and improve program performance.
Advises Congress on legislative changes necessary for the FAA to pursue stated commercial space transportation, infrastructure, and policy goals.
Represents the Administrator and Deputy Administrator on commercial space programs and activities to both internal and external audiences, including at a technical level (e.g., outreach and collaboration during the lifecycle of a license application review process, Standards Development Organizations, Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee). Maintains close and continuous contact with representatives of Congress, other Federal organizations, state entities, commercial space industry, and the domestic public, as well as various other domestic and foreign public and private organizations concerned with commercial space policies and programs to support the U.S. as a global leader in the commercial space industry.
Oversees an annual budget of approximately $40M and provides executive direction of a geographically dispersed organization, including executives and senior employees. Responsible for efficient management and safeguarding of resources and assuring internal controls meet agency standards.
Responsible for ensuring employees can effectively contribute to the accomplishment of FAA goals and objectives and shared service non-FAA customer goals and objectives.
This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
You will be required to serve a one-year FAA Executive System (FAAES) probationary period unless you have previously completed a probationary period in either the FAAES or the Senior Executive Service (SES).
You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
your performance and conduct;
the needs and interests of the agency;
whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you must clearly articulate and describe within your two (2) page resume evidence that you possess the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs) and Mandatory Technical Requirements (TRs) related to this position. Your resume should include examples of experience and accomplishments applicable to the qualifications. Applicants who do not possess these criteria are ineligible for further consideration.
Please do not submit separate documents addressing the Technical Requirements (TRs) and Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs), only your two (2) page resume will be accepted and considered.
MANDATORY TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS (TRs):
TR 1: Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing a complex commercial space transportation program with national impact.
TR 2: Demonstrated leadership experience applying commercial space-related scientific or engineering principles, including, but not limited to: (1) aerospace vehicle systems (e.g., flight dynamics, propulsion, maintenance/inspections, satellite technology), (2) system safety and quality assurance, structural, mechanical or software engineering, (3) U.S. launch sites and ranges infrastructure development, and/or (4) space transportation analysis (e.g., applicable standards and safety).
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DIMENSIONS (ELDs)
ELD 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This ELD requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ELD 2: Driving Efficiency - This ELD involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ELD 3: Merit and Competence - This ELD involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ELD 4: Leading People - This ELD involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ELD 5: Achieving Results - This ELD involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Note: Applicants who are current Officers or Executives (EV-1 or EV-2 level) of the FAA Executive System (FAAES), current Career Executives in the Senior Executive Service (SES) or equivalent system as evidenced by an interchange agreement between your agency and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that permits noncompetitive movement of employees between the SES and your agency, individuals certified through successful completion of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or those with Career FAAES or SES reinstatement eligibility are not required to address the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs). Such applicants must provide documentation verifying eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the FAAES (e.g., SF-50, or certification from OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)).
You are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications and Qualifications Review Board for examples and tips on preparing an effective executive resume: OPM SES Qualifications Guide.
Education
This position does not have an education requirement.
Additional information
Veterans preference does not apply to the FAA Executive System.
Relocation or recruitment incentive may be authorized at agency discretion.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you possess the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs) and Mandatory Technical Requirements (TRs) listed above, your application package may be further evaluated by an Executive Rating Panel. Additionally, Hiring Managers may choose to interview highly qualified candidates via one or more interviews.
IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the online process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit.
RESUME: All applicants must submit a resume limited to two (2) pages. Eligibility and qualifications will be determined solely based on the information provided within this two-page resume. Your resume must include sufficient detail to validate your qualifications, including employment start and end dates (month/year), position titles, and full-time or part-time status (or average hours worked per week). It must clearly demonstrate your relevant experience and education as they relate to the position's requirements.
SF-50: Current or former federal employees should submit an SF-50.
PROOF OF NONCOMPETITIVE ELIGIBILITY (IF APPLICABLE): In order to receive noncompetitive consideration, applicants who are current Officers or Executives (EV-1 or EV-2 level) of the FAA Executive System (FAAES), current Career Senior Executive Service (SES) members, Executives within an SES equivalent system as evidenced by an interchange agreement between your agency and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that permits noncompetitive movement of employees between the SES and your agency, individuals certified through successful completion of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or those with Career FAAES or SES reinstatement eligibility must provide documentation verifying eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the FAAES (e.g., SF-50 or certification from OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)).
Failure to submit any required documents by the closing date will remove you from consideration.
This recruitment will be conducted using a RESUME-ONLY application process. Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages and must clearly describe your professional experience and accomplishments that demonstrate you meet the Executive Leadership Dimensions and Mandatory Technical Requirements for this position. Resumes longer than 2 pages will not be accepted and will result in removal from consideration.
To apply, click the Apply Online button in the job announcement. You will need to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account: USAJOBS Help.
Be sure to upload your two-page resume and all required supporting documents before submitting your application.
You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 12/04/2026 for it to be accepted.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 80 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit.
RESUME: All applicants must submit a resume limited to two (2) pages. Eligibility and qualifications will be determined solely based on the information provided within this two-page resume. Your resume must include sufficient detail to validate your qualifications, including employment start and end dates (month/year), position titles, and full-time or part-time status (or average hours worked per week). It must clearly demonstrate your relevant experience and education as they relate to the position's requirements.
SF-50: Current or former federal employees should submit an SF-50.
PROOF OF NONCOMPETITIVE ELIGIBILITY (IF APPLICABLE): In order to receive noncompetitive consideration, applicants who are current Officers or Executives (EV-1 or EV-2 level) of the FAA Executive System (FAAES), current Career Senior Executive Service (SES) members, Executives within an SES equivalent system as evidenced by an interchange agreement between your agency and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that permits noncompetitive movement of employees between the SES and your agency, individuals certified through successful completion of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or those with Career FAAES or SES reinstatement eligibility must provide documentation verifying eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the FAAES (e.g., SF-50 or certification from OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)).
Failure to submit any required documents by the closing date will remove you from consideration.
This recruitment will be conducted using a RESUME-ONLY application process. Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages and must clearly describe your professional experience and accomplishments that demonstrate you meet the Executive Leadership Dimensions and Mandatory Technical Requirements for this position. Resumes longer than 2 pages will not be accepted and will result in removal from consideration.
To apply, click the Apply Online button in the job announcement. You will need to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account: USAJOBS Help.
Be sure to upload your two-page resume and all required supporting documents before submitting your application.
You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 12/04/2026 for it to be accepted.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 80 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
