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Airway Transportation Systems Specialist

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
ATO, Technical Operations, Tech Services Org., ESA, Nashua TSC (AJW-E22A)

Summary

Airway Transportation Systems Specialists (ATSS) at this level are recognized as the subject matter expert in their field. All duties of an ATSS are tied to maintaining safe and efficient operating capacity of the vast and complex network of electronics systems required for the world's largest air traffic control and navigation system.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/28/2026 to 02/17/2026
Salary
$102,552 to - $158,941 per year

The salary range listed above includes 32.58% locality pay for the duty locations: Boston, MA; Nashua, NH.

Pay scale & grade
FV I
Locations
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Boston, MA
Nashua, NH
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the 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
NA
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
ANE-ATO-26-028-96775
Control number
855501900

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent FAA employees within the FAA Air Traffic Organization.

Duties

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Serves as an ATSS with the Technical Support Operations Group. Performs a variety of functions directly related to the operation of the NAS. Responsibilities include integration, restoration, testing and evaluation of new advanced services or service components, hardware/software systems and processes. Applies comprehensive technical knowledge to protect the integrity of all components and systems to provide NAS service delivery.

Has broad automated systems and networking responsibilities and is recognized as a principal technical specialist on legacy and newly developed systems within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographical area. The work performed at this level requires technical expertise on complex systems and/or emerging technology, systems interrelationships and management of the NAS.

Performs work of broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence. Provides the highest organizational level of technical support associated with analyzing, designing, developing, installing, repairing, fabricating, maintaining, modifying, or evaluating the most complex systems for which the FAA is responsible.

As a principal specialist/expert for major projects and/or program areas resolves unique technical problems without managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggesting solutions. Plans, coordinates, and performs work with a high degree of independence, keeping the supervisor advised of only the most critical issues.

Can be called upon to assist with repair and/or restore service or systems, providing guidance on the availability of back-up systems, recommending reconfiguration to minimize service interruptions to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the NAS.

Carries out work in accordance with overall plans and objectives of the organization, resolving problems as they arise and making adjustments as necessary to handle unanticipated situations and organizational needs.

This work includes responsibility for evaluating diagnostic data from multiple systems that are integrated to support a network of services or service products. Evaluation of this data is used for correcting deficiencies on Contractor Acceptance Inspection/Joint Acceptance Inspection, and timely resolution of equipment, systems or services with the NAS.

Collaborates with system users, planners, engineers, and contractor personnel for the acceptance of new or modified systems and provide assistance for resolving problems with the installation or improvements.

Develops recommendations for enhancing efficiency of systems by modification and application of existing or emerging technology.

Monitors other employees time as a project or team leader. Identifies requirements (staffing funds, materials, and equipment) to accomplish projects and tracks the use of project resources. Provides training, mentoring, guidance and advice to FAA employees, contractors and other organizations as needed. Supervisor rarely reviews completed work.

Integrates Operational Risk Management (ORM) into all planned activities ensuring that all customers and users of services are included and involved in implementation and planning.

Utilizes appropriate Personal Safety Training and supplied Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when engaged in restoration and maintenance activities. Ensures all involved parties utilize PPE for the task appropriately.

ATSS personnel install, evaluate, maintain, modify and certify facilities, services and equipment that support the National Airspace System (NAS). They are also responsible for various duties that contribute to providing reliable and safe FAA services to the flying public.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Incumbent must possess a valid driver's license.

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.
  • A valid driver's License is required.

Qualifications

Experience that demonstrates an extensive knowledge of, and experience in, technology system interrelationships within the National Airspace System (NAS), and management of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation, or other electronics systems, along with knowledge of some, or all, of the following: There is no timeframe requirement at the Level IV/FV-I to compete. Candidates must show experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility that is appropriate to the position.

Specialized Experience:

  • Experience with Radar (ARSR, ASR., MODES, TDWR), Automation (STARS, DATACOMM), FOTT, or Long ports, and please list any other disciplines.

Specialized experience is defined as experience in the FV-2101 occupation or in a related occupation, which
equips the applicant with the knowledge skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of
the position. Generally, experience at the next lower level of I/Level IV or equivalent, meets the
minimum qualifications for this position as long as the experience provides the demonstrated
abilities identified below:

Demonstrated Abilities: Applicants MUST provide narrative responses for each Demonstrated Ability listed within this announcement. Narrative responses should be clear and concise, providing a description of your education, training, and experience that would describe the degree to which you possess each Demonstrated Ability. Narrative responses are MANDATORY for each Demonstrated Ability and applicants must show possession of each.

Answer all questions to the best of your ability. Do not assume that because you hold, or have held this position, you will automatically be found eligible. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you possess this type of experience at a later stage in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification. Failure to submit narrative responses for each Demonstrated Abilities will prevent further consideration.

Supervisor's Endorsement: If this position would be considered a promotion, then a supervisor's endorsement form or memorandum endorsing the candidacy (Career Level III to Career Level IV) is required by the closing date of this announcement. The supervisor's endorsement must include the vacancy announcement number and supervisor's or acting supervisor's signature. You may upload your document with your application or fax to 781-238-7283.

Supervisor's Endorsement is not required for reassignments ingrade/downgrades candidates.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

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.

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 Leadership and Management Dimension and Technical Requirement.

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

Interviews: All or none of the applicants may be interviewed IAW National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) Integrated AFL-CIO contract.

Security Requirement: Moderate Risk (5). This position requires completion and favorable adjudication of a background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained. Subject to a 5-year period reinvestigation.

https://jobs.faa.gov/FAACoreCompensation.htmFAA's Core Compensation Pay Plan: This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about core compensation is available on the following website:

Incomplete Application: Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or further consideration for this vacancy.

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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