Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
ATO, System Operations Services, NAS Operations,Space Operations (AJR-1800)

Summary

This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization, System Operations Service, NAS Operations, Space Operations Group (AJR-1800). This Group leads the operational integration of space operators into the NAS. The Group is also responsible for providing real-time support to launch and reentry activities, hazard area analysis, NAS impact analysis, and post operations analysis.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/23/2026 to 02/02/2026
Salary
$150,392 to - $228,000 per year

The salary range cited above includes a locality rate of 33.94%

Pay scale & grade
FV K
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Vint Hill Farms Military Installation, VA
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational telework may be permitted in accordance with agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - The job may require travel from time-to-time, but not on a regular basis. The travel may be for training or other work-related duties.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
NA
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
No
Announcement number
AEA-AJR-26-DYM-96810
Control number
855144500

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

FAA Wide - Open to current permanent FAA employees

Duties

Help

The Air Traffic Control Specialist provides expert knowledge of air traffic control policies and procedures to analyze and evaluate operational and administrative issues related to space operations. Furnishes traffic flow management expertise at the national level to ensure that space operations are integrated with the operational philosophy of System Operations, the ATO and FAA. This work directly affects the objectives of the Air Traffic Service, the FAA, and the emerging space industry.

Applies expert technical knowledge of traffic flow procedures and processes to conduct a comprehensive assessment and review of NAS operations. Using technical knowledge of and experience with air traffic technical separation standards, advises the Group manager on NAS and space operations policies and procedures to support the safe, secure and efficient use of navigable airspace. Reviews policies related to the real-time allocation of airspace for space operations, such as launches, to ensure the safe separation of space operators from other National Airspace System (NAS) users. Uses experience in space operations to ensure that launch and reentry operation policies are integrated with NAS air traffic operations. Identifies and resolves highly complex problems involving real-time support to launch and reentry activities, hazard area analysis, NAS impact analysis, and post operations analysis.

Uses skill applying strategic program/project management principles to facilitate cross organizational teams in reviewing and analyzing issues and to provide input on policies, standards and procedures regarding space operations. These are tactical issues that cross facility organizational boundaries and that require cooperation between facilities and Service Units.

Meets and has frequent contacts with both internal and external customers including higher ranking managers and supervisors, service center personnel, members of state, local and federal government, foreign government aviation officials, general public, and, representatives of the aviation industry and military. Often represents the FAA nationally as the focal point for space operations issues. Recommends organizational positions on major programs and issues to senior management. Prepares and reviews reports or policies for internal and external distribution.

Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues but almost always require the development of new and innovative approaches. Often recommends new policies. Develops procedures and approaches. Considers FAA policies, governmentwide rules and regulations, and industry standards. Conceives, plans, and directs studies involving complex issues and unique problems.

As a recognized expert in traffic management procedures and the integration of space operations into the NAS, works independently and exercises broad discretion to ensure that work is integrated with the objectives and policies of the System Operations Service. Work is accepted as technically authoritative. Work is reviewed for success in achieving desired results, effectiveness, and consonance with agency goals and objectives.

Requirements

Help

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).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-J, FG/GS-14 in the Federal Service. 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 may include but not limited to:

Expert technical knowledge of traffic flow procedures and processes to conduct a comprehensive assessment and review of NAS operations.

Expert knowledge of experience in traffic flow management to ensure that traffic flow plans are integrated with the operational philosophy of Systems Operations, the ATO, and the FAA.

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

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, 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.

Career Enhancement Assignment/Career Progression

In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a, this position may be a Career Enhancement Assignment/Career Progression. The selectee(s) may be eligible for pay retention. Career Diversity is not enhanced when an employee is assigned to a staff or supervisory position in which they previously held on a permanent basis. CEP/CP selectees will be required to certify eligibility.

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

This is not a bargaining unit position.

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.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.