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Airway Transportation Systems Specialist

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
FAA/ATO/Flight Program Operations, Aircraft Operations, Flight Operations Group, AJF-1200
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Responsible and accountable for the verification of performance and reliability of numerous interrelated systems providing a range of services essential to the operation of the National Airspace System (NAS). This includes input required for final certification of facilities and flight procedures, ultimately leading to the safe and efficient movement of air traffic in the NAS.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
09/15/2025 to 09/25/2025
Salary
$90,025 to - $117,034 per year

Salary shown does not include locality pay. Total salary will be dependent upon grade/step of position and locality pay of duty location.

Pay scale & grade
FG 13
Locations
Few vacancies in the following locations:
Anchorage, AK
Sacramento, CA
Kennesaw, GA
Battle Creek, MI
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational telework may be permitted in accordance with agency policy.
Travel Required
75% or less - The job may require up to 75% travel.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes— - Fixed Rate PCS - Permanent Change of Station (U.S. Citizens) - In accordance with applicable FAA Travel regulations, a fixed relocation payment of $10,000 will be paid to new hires to Federal service, former Federal employees (reinstatements), and student trainees. A fixed relocation payment of $27,000 will be paid to current Federal employees. Relocation expenses paid are subject to applicable taxes.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
NA
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Bargaining unit status
Yes - This is a bargaining unit position, represented by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (http://www.passnational.org).
Announcement number
AAC-ATO-25-AJF1200-96210
Control number
845866400

Duties

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Weighs information derived from a variety of databases, provides experienced based estimates, and uses automated and manual electronic information gathering systems and techniques and experience to assess NAS performance and quality of service.

Performs mission planning and coordination functions. This includes defining the required inspections for the various ground- and satellite-based facilities and systems (navigation, communication, surveillance, lighting, etc.). In addition, it includes defining flight inspection requirements necessary to certify the En Route, Departure, or Arrival procedure in an efficient and expeditious manner. Coordinates with pilot, facility ground maintenance personnel or installation engineers to ensure all are aware of the mission and its requirements.

Performs comprehensive flight inspection services on procedures and facilities. Although Technical Operations is the major customer, the services are also performed in support of US and foreign military operations, including contingency operations, and internationally.

Analyzes the flight inspection results as well as facility data, geodetic information, procedural information, runway parameters, equipment type, etc., to independently determine necessary facility restrictions and adjustments. Analyzes, determines, and recommends alternatives and solutions to systems issues while ensuring an equivalent level of safety. Verifies the integrity of flight inspection data. As a key crewmember, recommends changes in the procedures and facility restrictions and adjustments. Coordinates agency efforts to resolve major system problems or failures that cross jurisdictional lines.

Develops workable solutions for use in resolving unanticipated situations adversely affecting heavily used or operationally critical components of the NAS. Defines new useable parameters to allow continued use of a system after determining whether a facility has decreased performance through a flight inspection evaluation. Responds to questions regarding interim solutions to identifiable problems and evaluates overall plans and proposals for system-based solutions for major new systems and system enhancements.

Initiates action for timely restoration of services and systems, recognizing the availability of backup systems, possible reconfiguration to minimize service interruptions, and the relative criticality of particular systems to the safe and efficient operation of the NAS. Inspects new or modified systems, identifies necessary service improvements or system enhancements or improvements, and develops requirements to meet anticipated future needs.

Prepares and recommends Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) related to technical issues of facilities and procedures.

Serves as an expert consultant to regional, national, military, and international technicians and engineers with respect to system performance and reliability. May be called upon to instruct ground personnel in facility requirements, ensure compliance with ICAO equipment standards, and to recommend adjustments/corrections. Serves as a fact based technical witness in judicial proceedings related to the flight inspection mission.

Develops and reviews for accuracy flight inspection technical reports which may have national or international implications of aviation safety. Prepares reports or correspondence for coordination with higher headquarters. Furnishes technical advice for problems relating to the operation, use, care and calibration of avionics systems and other devices and appliances used in accomplishment of the flight inspection mission. Resolves technical problems and/or performs an evaluation of proposed changes in flight inspection programs. Collects all the facts and prepares technical reports, as appropriate.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Must maintain a current Class III medical certificate.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • Successful completion of security investigation may be required.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.
  • Class III Medical Certificate must be uploaded with application.
  • Airway Transportation System Specialist Certificate must be uploaded with application.
  • Please review Required Documents & Additional Information.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the FG-13 level, applicants must possess 52 weeks of specialized experience at the FG-12 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE includes experience that demonstrates an extensive knowledge of and experience in the technology, system interrelationships, and management of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation, and electronics systems.

AND

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following has been determined to be a Selective Placement Factor for this position. This means possession of this criterion is part of the minimum qualifications and is essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Applicants who do not possess this criterion are ineligible for further consideration.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SPF): To qualify, applicants must possess the following:

- Airway Transportation Systems Specialist Credential

- Class III Medical Certificate

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

See Qualifications Required.

Information Regarding KSAs

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each Knowledge, Skills and Abilities section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) or Other Factors listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Preview job questionnaire

Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.

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

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.

NOTES:

1) Applicants must apply online to receive consideration for this vacancy announcement. Faxed, mailed, or emailed applications cannot be accepted.

2) Some, all or none of the applicants may be interviewed.

3) Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.

4) Positions will be filled within the following duty locations: AJF-1210 (Atlantic City, NJ), AJF-1220 (Kennesaw, GA), AJF-1230 (Battle Creek, MI), AJF-1250 (Oklahoma City, OK), AJF-1260 (Sacramento, CA), and AJF-1270 (Anchorage, AK).

5) Locality Rates: Atlantic City, NJ - 28.99%; Kennesaw, GA - 23.79%; Battle Creek, MI and Oklahoma City, OK - 17.06%; Sacramento, CA - 29.76%; Anchorage, AK - 32.36%

6) positions will be realigned based on approved reorganization.

7) If eligible, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) will be paid in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration Travel Policy (FAATP).

8) To confirm receipt of emailed documents, please contact Caleb Weston at Caleb.A.Weston@faa.gov.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.



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 on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

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