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Aviation Technical Systems Manager

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Safety Directorate, Safety Intelligence & Response Group Manager, AJI-1300

Summary

This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), Safety Service Unit, Safety Directorate, Safety Intelligence & Response Group (AJI-1300). This group is responsible for reacting to significant events in the National Airspace System (NAS) by disseminating timely, accurate, and unbiased information about the events.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 06/20/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 20, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational telework may be permitted in accordance with agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$179,638 - $228,000 per year

The salary listed above includes a 33.94% locality payment for the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Pay scale & grade
FV L
Promotion potential
NA
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
50% or less - The job may require up to 50% travel.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
Yes
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Announcement number
AWA-AJI-26-3141CM-99045
Control number
872541900

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to FAA permanent employees.

Duties

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The Aviation Technical Systems Manager serves as the Group Manager for the Safety Intelligence and Response Group (AJI-1300). Applies detailed technical knowledge of National Airspace System (NAS) technical systems, operations, and procedures, and/or other types of air navigation services to serve as the primary point of contact for the conduct of safety investigations, for reporting and investigating significant aviation events, and for disseminating unbiased information regarding those events. Manages the work of a large, multi-level organization typically through subordinate team managers and a staff of geographically dispersed, highly technical experts in NAS operations, responsible for investigating aviation events and who provide 24/7 support to the Joint Air Traffic Operations Command (JATOC). These are highly complex investigations and efforts that are critical to the safety of the NAS and the flying public.

The Group Manager applies detailed knowledge of NAS systems and equipment to oversee and provide technical expertise to support and manage initial investigations of highly complex aircraft accidents, near mid-air collision reports, major service disruptions and incidents which receive significant media interest. Supports JATOC by coordinating and investigating the initial Safety response for significant incidents and for communicating with the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Watch Officer for sensitive information flowing to and from ATO senior leadership. Applies experience investigating and evaluating air traffic and technical operations events in the NAS to oversee complex aviation accident investigations and events. Applies detailed technical knowledge of the work being directed as it relates to installing and maintaining aviation electronic equipment such as radars and weather system equipment to investigate and evaluate air traffic and technical operations events in the NAS to develop final reports and to recommend actions that guide the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Deputy COO and the senior leadership of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Group Manager applies program/project management principles to lead and integrate the budget planning processes for large, complex projects and programs. Uses a detailed knowledge of resource management to manage, define, acquire, and allocate budget, staff, and other resources to accomplish objectives. Considers technical, budgetary, regulatory, and political issues that involve other organizations inside and outside the FAA and may participate in developing solutions to FAA-wide problems. Participates in strategic planning for the Directorate, and makes program and budget commitments for the Safety Intelligence and Response Group.

The Group Manager integrates the work of multiple organizations to meet strategic goals and to exercise supervisory responsibilities over a large staff of employees and Team Managers, which includes: strategic planning; communicating the organization's vision and objectives; setting priorities; assigning tasks and responsibilities; monitoring and evaluating performance of organizational units, managers, and employees; coaching and developing staff and organizational capabilities; approving leave; and taking or approving corrective/disciplinary actions as appropriate. Has responsibilities to effect hiring decisions; recommend pay increases; and has delegated authority to take conclusive personnel actions involving subordinates.

Contacts are routinely internal and external to the Service Unit and include senior executives within the FAA, leaders of the aviation industry, and external stakeholders. Serves as the primary point for all aviation accident events and incidents and to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

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

Qualifications

Candidates must have one year (52 weeks) of SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (FV-K or FG/GS-15) that is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully. To be creditable, specialized experience must be at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation within the organization.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as:

  • Experience overseeing the investigation and evaluation of aviation and technical operations accidents and events.
  • Experience installing and maintaining aviation electronic equipment to investigate and evaluate air traffic and technical operations events.

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 have this type of experience later 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.

*Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position. *

Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA.

**All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. **

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or selective placement factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Leadership & Management Dimensions and/or Technical Requirements listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; or (3) alphabetical, and referred to the selecting official for selection consideration.

In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a, this position MAY be a Career Enhancement Program/Career Progression assignment. 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. Pay retention is not guaranteed.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

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) 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 Abilities (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.

In lieu of providing a narrative response in the text box listed below each Leadership and Management Dimension and/or Technical Requirement, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your 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.

2) This Level 3 (Critical-Sensitive; Top Secret) position requires favorable adjudication of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

3) This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about core compensation is available on the following website: http://jobs.faa.gov/FAACoreCompensation.htm3)

4) Unless previously completed, the incumbent must satisfactorily complete a 1-year probationary period to remain in this supervisory or managerial position.

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.

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

Christine McNeil
Phone
1 (202) 267-3722
Fax
1 (202) 267-7032
Email
christine.mcneil@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
HQ Employment Services Branch
800 Independence Ave, SW, Room 523
AHF-110
Washington, DC 20591
US

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