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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

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). Includes input required for final certification of facilities and flight procedures, ultimately leading to the safe & efficient movement of air traffic in the NAS.

Career-ladder position, required to participate in formal and/or on-the-job training to develop to an FG-13.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/20/2026 to 02/09/2026
Salary
$63,795 to - $118,204 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 11 - 13
Locations
Few vacancies in the following locations:
Sacramento, CA
Kennesaw, GA
Battle Creek, MI
Atlantic City, NJ
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
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
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-26-AJF1200-96994
Control number
854729600

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Also open to former permanent excepted service federal employees eligible under an interchange agreement. Current or former permanent federal employees must have met a one year probationary period or trial period in the competitive or excepted service. Applications will also be accepted from preference eligibles and veterans who are honorably discharged from the Armed Forces after completing at least 3 years of continuous active duty service.

Duties

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FG-11: 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 Air Space (NAS). Determines to what degree the facility supports the approved instrument flight procedure(s) associated with those facilities inspected.

FG-12/13: 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 NAS. He/she certifies that all facility signal in space parameters conform to national standards and specifications, that all technical data is complete and accurate. Determines to what degree the facility supports the approved instrument flight procedure(s) associated with those facilities inspected. The effectiveness and safety of the ground navigational aids within the NAS are directly attributable to the professional performance of the incumbent in determining the final accuracy and usability of each facility.

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.

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.

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.

Must be a certified flight inspector having authority to verify the performance and reliability of numerous interrelated systems providing a range of services essential to the operations of the NAS. This certification grants flight inspection personnel the authority to carry out FAA’s responsibility in ensuring satisfactory operation of air navigation facilities and instrument flight procedures in accordance with Order 8200.1, U.S. Standard Flight Inspection Manual.

All Levels: 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.

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

Maintains currency in survival techniques to include: water ditching, cold-water survival, depressurization in flight, and aircraft evacuation procedures. Employee is responsible for passenger/observer emergency procedures briefings.

May require access to classified information, including SECRET, since information concerning the location of some navigational aids is classified.

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.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • Successful completion of security investigation may be required.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.
  • Must maintain a Class III Medical Certificate.
  • Please review Required Documents & Additional Information.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the FG-11 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG-9 level.

Or


Education Substitution: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related


Or


Combination education and experience may be qualifying for this position. Refer to OPM's Operating Manual Qualification Standards at, http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/sec-iv/a/gs-admin.asp for more information.

To qualify for this position at the FG-12 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG-11 level.

To qualify for this position at the FG-13 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG-12 level.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully 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 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): Grade levels 12 and 13 must be a certified Flight Inspector. Include a copy of the Flight Inspector Certificate issued by Flight Program Operations (front and back) with your application.

Selected candidates must obtain a Class III medical certificate prior to appointment.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their Work History.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy 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 may 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) and AJF-1260 (Sacramento, CA).

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

6) Selected candidates must obtain a Class III medical certificate prior to appointment.

7) Grade levels 12 and 13 must be a certified Flight Inspector. Include a copy of the Flight Inspector Certificate issued by Flight Program Operations (front and back) with your application.

8) This position will be filled at the FG-11, 12 or 13 grade level. If filled at the FG-11 or 12, you will have promotion potential to the FG-13 without further competition. Identification of promotion in the vacancy announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation of management to promote the employee selected at a future date. Promotion depends upon the selectee meeting training, qualification requirements, and recommendation by the supervisor.

8) Upload supporting documents into AVIATOR or 9-AMC-AHF-S210@faa.gov and reference the announcement number.

9) To confirm receipt of documents, contact Laura Whitlock at Laura.G.Whitlock@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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