Skip to main content
U.S. flag
 

Airway Transportation Systems Specialist

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
ATO, Flight Program Operations, Aircraft Operations, Flight Ops Group, BTL Flight Ops Team, AJF-1230

Summary

This position serves as the Lead Mission for Flight Program Operations and is accountable for the verification of performance and reliability of numerous interrelated systems that provide a range of services essential to the operation of the National Airspace System (NAS). Incumbent will have access to confidential matters, information and decision that potentially impacts employees and the agency.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 07/09/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 9, 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
Yes— - Fixed Rate PCS - Permanent Change of Station (Current Federal Employee) - In accordance with applicable FAA Travel regulations, a fixed relocation payment of $27,000 will be paid. Relocation expenses paid are subject to applicable taxes.
Salary
$111,779 - $173,292 per year

Salary shown includes locality rate of 17.06% for Battle Creek, MI.

Pay scale & grade
FV J
Promotion potential
NA
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
75% or less - The job may require up to 75% travel.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Announcement number
AAC-ATO-26-AJF1230-99374
Control number
874661600

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent FAA employees within Flight Program Operations (AJF).

Duties

Help

This position will develop new or innovative concepts and approaches to systems, programs, and policies or serves as a senior project manager or team leader for large, challenging work activities. Performs work requiring agency-wide leadership for highly complex and challenging technical activities associating with analyzing, designing, modifying, developing, installing, repairing, fabricating, maintaining, or evaluating the most complex systems for which the FAA is responsible. Applies experience and expert technical knowledge of highly complex and challenging technical activities associated with the development and methods of enhancing the efficiency of systems through application of existing or emerging technology (e.g. WAAS/LPV, RNAV, PRM, SOIA, etc.) Provides leadership to the team on activities associated with analyzing, designing, modifying, developing, installing, repairing, fabricating, maintaining, or evaluating the most complex flight inspection system for which the FAA is responsible.

Serves as a Team Lead, providing information to the manager on performance of the team and individuals. Also observes training needs and relays those needs to the manager. Coaches the team, and explains team goals and objectives, while assisting the team in organizing and accomplishing work. Relays requests for resources and supplies to management. Communicates assignments, milestones, and deadlines to the team and individuals based on management's instructions.

Develops and reviews for accuracy flight inspection technical reports which may have national or international implications of aviation safety. Prepares reports or correspondence for coordination with higher headquarters. Furnishes technical advice for problems relating to the operation, use, care and calibration of avionics systems and other devices and appliances used in accomplishment of the flight inspection mission. Resolves technical problems and/or performs an evaluation of proposed changes in flight inspection programs.  Provides integrated system and sub-system engineering and testing support to regional, national, military, and international organizations, as requested. 

Applies experience and expert technical knowledge of applied technology, system interrelationships, concepts, integral to the operation of the NAS, military operations, and international systems and operations required to identify and resolve complex issues that often cross organizational boundaries.

Develops and reviews for accuracy flight inspection technical reports which may have national or international implications of aviation safety. Prepares reports or correspondence for coordination with higher headquarters. Furnishes technical advice for problems relating to the operation, use, care and calibration of avionics systems and other devices and appliances used in accomplishment of the flight inspection mission. Resolves technical problems and/or performs an evaluation of proposed changes in flight inspection programs. Provides integrated system and sub-system engineering and testing support to regional, national, military, and international organizations, as requested.

Work directly supports the objectives of the agency and the safe and continual operation of the NAS. Contacts are both internal and external. Formulates and recommends organizational positions on major agency activities to senior managers. Leads the development of large scale comprehensive NAS infrastructure assessments, focusing on design, impact, vulnerability, and mitigation, to measure the resiliency of critical systems/services. Maintains currency in survival techniques to include: water ditching, cold water survival, depressurization in flight, and aircraft plies with Crew Resource Management and FAR Part 135 requirements. Employee is responsible for passenger/observer emergency procedures briefings.

Represents the FAA as a senior technical authority for major projects and programs.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the FV-J (GS/FG-14) level, applicants must possess at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience equivalent to the FV-I (GS/FG-13) level that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this 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.

- Experience managing, directing, and coordinating resources in a public, US military, or governmental (local, state, federal) environment or private sector dealing with evaluating the effectiveness of a flight program and developing criteria and standards in support of the mission.

AND

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following has been determined to be a Selective Placement 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): To qualify, applicants must possess the following:

-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 the announcement.

Education

See Qualifications Required.

Information Regarding KSA's:

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 (KSAs), 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 KSAs and 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) 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.

3) Some, none, or all candidates may be interviewed.

4) Positions to be filled at the J Band within AJF-1230 in Battle Creek, MI.

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

6) 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.

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

Laura Whitlock
Phone
1 (404) 305-5336
Fax
1 (405) 954-3003
Email
Laura.G.Whitlock@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
AAC Regional HR Services Branch
6500 S. Macarthur Blvd, HQ Room 155
AHF-S210
Oklahoma City, OK 73169
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Federal Aviation Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.faa.gov/jobs

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.