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Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Automation Systems Specialist)

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
ATO - CSA - Indianapolis District- Indianapolis Enroute Group- IND ARTCC AUTO - WCP13-ZID

Summary

The Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) at this level is 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 electronic systems required for the world's largest air traffic control and navigation system. Incumbent serves as an Automation Systems Specialist at the Indianapolis ARTCC AUTO SSC (WCP13-ZID).

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 08/14/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 14, 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
$91,390 - $141,642 per year

The salary range listed above includes 18.15% locality pay.

Pay scale & grade
FV I
Promotion potential
NA
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
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.
Appointment type
Permanent
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
AGL-ATO-26-0049-99723
Control number
877942300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

ATO-Wide -Open to Current Permanent FAA Employee assigned to the ATO, AMA-400 and AML (Logistics) Lines of Business

Duties

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Performs work of broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence. Has broad automated systems and networking responsibilities providing complete services to air traffic customers over a large geographic area. 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 team leader for major projects and/or program areas, resolves unique technical problems without 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.

Plans, coordinates, and performs work with a high degree of independence, keeping the supervisor advised of only the most critical issues. 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.

Review and evaluates all automation tickets. Works with air traffic and other stakeholders to eliminate erroneous tickets before forwarding to Field Automation Support Team. Contacts are both internal and external. Often 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. Meets and consults with representatives of external organizations such as DoD, airport management, contractors, utility companies and foreign governments to resolve problems of mutual concern and to elicit cooperation and action favorable to FAA needs. 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 backup 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.

Develops White Papers for the recommendation of enhancing efficiency of the systems by modification and application of existing or emerging technology. Position may be the second level support for NAS systems, SMO, or regional offices providing broad program expertise. Contacts are both Internal and external to the FAA. Represents the organization as 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)/Technical Office Representative (TOR) on major projects on programs.

Performs 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.

Qualifications

There is no timeframe requirement at the Level III/FV-H to compete. Candidates 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 systems. Generally, experience at the next lower level Pay Band H/level III or FG/GS-12 or equivalent, meets the minimum qualifications for this position as long as the experience supports the demonstrated abilities identified below.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements may be further evaluated on the Demonstrated Abilities 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.

You MUST provide a NARRATIVE statement for each Demonstrated Ability. The narratives 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. Candidates must show experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility appropriate to the position.

Notice: 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 at a later stage in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during that application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification.

Supervisor Endorsement. If your selection for this position would be considered a promotion then a supervisory statement endorsing your candidacy (Career Level III to Career Level IV) is required by the closing date of this announcement. The endorsement must include the announcement number. You may upload your document with your application.

Supervisory Endorsement is not required for ingrade/downgrade candidates.

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.

Interviews: If one qualified applicant is interviewed then all qualified applicants must be interviewed.

FAA's Core Compensation Plan: This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation Pay Plan.

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

Michele M McNamara
Phone
1 (847) 294-7755
Fax
1 (847) 294-7858
Email
michele.m.mcnamara@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
AGL Regional HR Services Branch
2300 E. Devon Ave., Room 250
AHF-N310
Des Plaines, IL 60018
US

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