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Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Systems Specialist)

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
ATO, Tech Ops, Tech Operations ESA, Boston District, Boston ARTCC IFD/COMM SSC (WEP34-ZBW)

Summary

The Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (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. ATSS personnel install, evaluate, maintain, modify and certify facilities, services and equipment that support the National Airspace System (NAS).


Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 06/23/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 23, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$102,552 - $158,941 per year

The salary above includes locality pay of 32.58%.

Pay scale & grade
FV I
Promotion potential
NA
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - The job may require up to 25% travel.
Appointment type
Temporary - 1 year
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
Yes - This is a bargaining unit position, represented by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (http://www.passnational.org).
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Other
Announcement number
ANE-ATO-26-109-98883
Control number
871411400

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent ATO Employees, Logistics Center (AML) and FAA Academy (AMA) employees

Duties

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They are also responsible for various duties that contribute to providing reliable and safe FAA services to the flying public.

Serves as an ATSS (Systems Specialist) at a Communications SSC. Incumbent is responsible for performing a variety of functions directly related to the operation of the NAS. Performs work of broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence. Has broad communication systems and networking responsibilities providing complete services to air traffic customers within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographic area. May need to complete multiple projects under short deadlines utilizing internal and external resources as needed.

The work performed at this level requires technical expertise on complex systems and/or emerging technology, systems interrelationships and management of the NAS. 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 technical specialist or technical expert within the organization for the assigned system or specialty area, resolves unique technical problems with minimal managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggesting solutions. Recognized for a high level of technical expertise on legacy and newly developed systems within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographical area. Carries out work in accordance with overall plans and objectives of the organization, resolving problems as they arise and making adjustments as necessary to deal with 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.

As the technical expert, 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.

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. May have the responsibility to upward report the status of critical events. Established policies and procedures furnish guidance for most assignments, but considerable discretion is allowed to select the most appropriate approach or to develop new solutions. Focuses on the overall NAS systems performance and causes of system degradation.

Collaborates with system users, planner, engineers, and contractor personnel for the acceptance of new or modified systems and provide assistance for resolving problems with the installation or improvements. Contacts are both internal and external to the FAA. Represents the organization as the primary technical point of contact on projects, programs, and other work activities to coordinate and implement plans or to obtain information and resolve problems. Contacts are to provide technical guidance and direction for multiple systems, advice for interpretations of orders, certification examiner, or serves as the Contractor's Office Technical Representative (COTR).

Understands and utilizes proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal safety practices when engaged in all restoration and maintenance activities helping to set the example of safe work practices for others in the organization.

Other duties as assigned.

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.
  • Position may be extended, terminated or made permanent without further competition.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the I pay band, you must show experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility that is appropriate to the position. Experience that demonstrates an extensive knowledge of and experience in technology system interrelationships, and management of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation, and electronics system. 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 pay band H/Career Level III or FG/GS-12.

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 Ability" will prevent further consideration.

Supervisor's Endorsement: A Supervisor's Endorsement form or memorandum is required for a competitive promotion. Applicants applying for a promotion must include a supervisor's endorsement or memorandum which must include the vacancy announcement number and supervisor's or acting supervisor's signature.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following has been determined to be a selective placement factor (SPF) 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 the SPF are rated ineligible/not qualified and will not receive further consideration for this position. 

Must possess expert knowledge, skill or ability to perform the operation associated with one or more of the following:   

  • Voice Switching and Communication System (VSCS)
  • VSCS Training and Backup System (VTABS)
  • Advanced Expertise on VSCS and VTAB systems operation, database maintenance, Air Traffic integration, and configuration management. 

A supervisor's endorsement is not required for reassignments (same as ingrades) or downgrades.

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.

Security Clearance: Moderate Risk (5). This position requires completion and favorable adjudication of a background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

Interviews: All or none of the applicants may be interviewed IAW PASS contract.

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.

Federal Aviation Administration

At the FAA, the sky is not the limit—it is just the beginning. Exciting new opportunities are emerging in aviation and aerospace. Significant investments are advancing the research and development of autonomous vehicles, environmentally friendly electric aircraft, high-speed and long-endurance solar-powered aircraft, and new types of space vehicles. Success with these new technologies and vehicle types will introduce new ways to transport people and goods expanding aviation's footprint in transportation. People are our strength. We are a diverse workforce of over 44,000 located nationwide and spanning over 120 occupations to include air traffic control specialists, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals. Join us in our mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Agency contact information

Cheryl Johnson
Phone
1 (781) 238-7261
Fax
1 (781) 238-7283
Email
cheryl.johnson@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
ANE Regional HR Services Branch
1200 District Avenue
AHF-N500
Burlington, MA 01803
US

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