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Careers with TSA

No matter what your background or level of education, TSA has opportunities for a wide range of candidates. Whether you’re a high school graduate or an experienced professional, we’re proud to have a team comprised of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.

Security

The security career path offers several positions with benefits, opportunities for growth and continued education. A security career with TSA also acts as an effective stepping-stone for anyone looking to work in federal government.

Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

 

TSOs are responsible for the screening of passengers, baggage and cargo at airports to ensure our transportation system stays safe and secure. Candidates of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to apply. Must be patient, personable and work well in teams.  
 

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Non-entry level positions provide plenty of promotion opportunities for TSOs looking to advance in the agency.

 

On the Floor

  • Lead TSO
  • Supervisory TSO
  • Transportation Security Specialist (e.g., K9 Handler) 
  • Transportation Security Manager

Inspection

  • Transportation Security Inspector
  • Supervisory Security Inspector

Training

  • Security Training Officer
  • Training Specialist
  • Training Manager
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"Law Enforcement"

Law Enforcement

As TSA's main law enforcement arm, the Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service (LE/FAMS) is made up of skilled personnel charged with securing the nation's civil aviation system, as well as the entire transportation domain, from criminal and terrorist acts. 

 

Federal Air Marshal (FAM)

Federal Air Marshals are deployed to assess, address and mitigate varying potential risks and threats to transportation and its millions of travelers. In addition to in-flight security, Federal Air Marshals occupy other assignments to cover a variety of law enforcement-related functions, such as the Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) Program.

 

To protect the nation's transportation infrastructure, Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) serve in a variety of law enforcement capacities both in the air and on the ground. See below to learn more about some examples of operational duties that FAMs can support throughout their career.

 

VIPR

Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) is a highly visible operation to help detect and deter any suspicious or dangerous activity in various modes of transportation.

CIRP

The Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) was designed as a reactionary initiative for any major events or natural disasters. FAMs may assist local law enforcement or other agencies across the country and abroad.

Mission Operations Control

FAMs can help proactively look for threats throughout our transportation system from the Transportation Security Operations Center (TSOC), located in the Washington DC area.

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Mission Support

As the administrative branch of TSA, Mission Support includes positions in intelligence operations, economics, engineering, management and much more.

Program Analyst

There are many entry-level positions within the Mission Support department. For example, Program Analysts are responsible for assisting in the development of strategic plans to improve the coordination of security services.  
 

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From accounting to program management to human resources, these Mission Support roles keep TSA’s internal operations running smoothly and efficiently.

 

  • Accountants
  • Administrative Assistants
  • Attorney Advisors
  • Budget Analysts
  • Criminal Investigators
  • Economist Engineers (e.g., Civil, Chemical, Industrial, Mechanical)
  • Financial Specialists
  • Human Resource Specialists
  • Information Technology Specialists
  • Intelligence Operations Specialists
  • Management/Program Specialists
  • Medical Professionals
  • Paralegal Specialists
  • Writers/Editors
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Executives

The executive team includes experienced professionals from all different backgrounds and is always looking for highly qualified candidates to fulfill TSA’s mission. Whether they’re securing airports and airways, or working at headquarters and abroad, the senior leaders at TSA are respected, skilled and knowledgeable employees committed to transportation security.

Federal Security Directors, Supervisory Air Marshals, HQ Executives and Transportation Security Administration Representatives (TSARs)

 

The responsibilities in these roles vary by position but can include providing clear and concise direction for their staff, implementing and defining new and existing strategies and working closely with foreign governments to improve transportation safety abroad.  
 

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