Skip to main content
U.S. flag
 

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

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
07/09/2025 to 07/30/2025
Salary
$76,585 to - $118,696 per year

Salary does not include locality. Locality will be added upon selection. Please review the locality rates under Additional Information below.

Pay scale & grade
FV I
Locations
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Anchorage, AK
El Segundo, CA
Fremont, CA
Rancho Cordova, CA
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational telework may be permitted in accordance with agency policy.
Travel Required
50% or less - The job may require up to 50% travel.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Temporary - NTE 2 years; may be extended, terminated or made permanent.
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
NA
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
AWP-ATO-25-BAR5009-95541
Control number
840291600

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent FAA employees within ATO (ATO-Wide).

Duties

Help

Serves as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS), 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.

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 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.

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) and/or Technical Office Representative (TOR) on major projects or programs. Meets and consults with representatives of external organizations such as DoD, airport management, contractors, and utility companies to resolve problems of mutual concern and to elicit cooperation and action favorable to FAA needs.

Fully 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.

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.
  • Successful completion of a security investigation will be required
  • A valid state driver's license is required
  • All or none of the applications may be interviewed.
  • This is a temporary position that may be terminated, extended, or made permanent without further competition.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, candidate must show experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility that demonstrates an extensive amount 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 equivalent), meets the minimum qualifications for this position as long as the experience supports the DEMONSTRATED ABILITIES identified below.

In addition to your resume, in the space provided under each Demonstrated Ability, you MUST provide a NARRATIVE
justification on how you meet this ability. The justification 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
listed below. Eligible candidates may be ranked based on demonstrated abilities.

For assistance in responding to each of the Demonstrated Abilities "things to consider"/instructions have been provided for each of the demonstrated abilities at:

https://employees.faa.gov/org/staffoffices/ahr/program_policies/policy_guidance/hr_policies/media/AppendixVPromotionCriteria.pdf

Specialized Experience for I-Band:
In addition to the Demonstrated abilities qualified applicants must demonstrate specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (FV-H or FG/GS-12). Specialized experience is experience which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and that is typically in or directly related to work of the position to be filled.

Specialized experience is:

Experience with two or more of the following system(s) and service. Common Digitizer (CD-2), Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR-8, -9, -11); Maintenance of Air Traffic Control Beacon Indicator (ATCB-5, ATCB-6/6M); MODES, NEXRAD (Next Generation Weather Radar), WSP (Weather Systems Processor), ASDE-X (Airport Surface Detection Equipment), MicroEARTS (En Route Automated Radar Tracking System).



Education

Education may not 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.

Narratives for Demonstrated Abilities are Mandatory. Failure to submit demonstrated abilities statements will prevent you from receiving further consideration. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. 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.

Current FAA employee: You MUST submit a copy of your most recent (non-award) SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, or equivalent document that verifies tenure (block 24, code 1 or 2). Failure to provide the required documentation by the closing date of this announcement will result in non-consideration for this position.

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

Security Requirements: Moderate Risk (5): This position requires completion & favorable adjudication of a National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date of the announcement will result in in loss of consideration.

This is a temporary position that may be terminated, extended, or made permanent without further competition.

Locality Percentages and Salary Rates:

Anchorage, Alaska - 32.36% - Salary range including locality is: $101,368 - $157,106, Cost of living Allowance (COLA): 1.49%

El Segundo, California - 36.47% - Salary range including locality is: $104,516 - $161,984

Fremont, California - 46.34% - Salary range including locality is: $112,074 - $173,700

Rancho Cordova, California - 29.76% - Salary range including locality is: $99,377 - $154,020

San Diego, California - 33.72% - Salary range including locality is: $102,409 - $158,720

Longmont, Colorado - 30.52% - Salary range including locality is: $99,959 - $154,922

Las Vegas, Nevada - 19.57% - Salary range including locality is: $91,573 - $141,925

Salt Lake City, Utah - 17.06% - Salary range including locality is: $89,650 - $138,946

Auburn, Washington and Des Moines, Washington - 31.57% - Salary range including locality is: $100,763 - $156,168

Spokane, Washington - 17.67% - Salary range including locality is: $90,118 - 139,670

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

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.

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.