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Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (STARS)

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
ATO, Technical Operations, Seattle District, E. Washington System Support Center, WWR36-GEG
This job announcement has closed

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 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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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
10/02/2025 to 10/22/2025
Salary
$76,585 to - $118,696 per year

Salary does not include locality. Locality rate will be determined by duty location.

Pay scale & grade
FV I
Locations
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Moses Lake, WA
Spokane, WA
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational telework may be permitted in accordance with agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - The job may require up to 25% travel.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes— - Fixed Rate TCS - Temporary Change of Station (Current Federal Employee) - In accordance with applicable FAA Travel regulations, a fixed relocation payment of $27,000 will be paid to current Federal employees for relocation to the temporary duty station and relocation from the temporary duty location for a total of $54,000. Relocation expenses paid are subject to applicable taxes.
Appointment type
Temporary - 2 years, May Not be Made Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
NA
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Bargaining unit status
Yes - This is a bargaining unit position, represented by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (http://www.passnational.org).
Announcement number
ANM-ATO-26-2864974-96455
Control number
847237100

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This position is only open to current FAA employees assigned to Air Traffic Organization (ATO), Logistics Center (AML) and Technical Operations Training Division (AMA-400)

Duties

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Serves as an ATSS who specializes in the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). Performs a variety of functions directly relating to the operations of the NAS. Focus is on the availability and reliability of the services and products provided to users of the NAS.

Recognized as the principal technical specialist on legacy and newly developed systems within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographical area. Performs work of a broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence. Responsibilities include integration, restoration, testing and evaluation of new advanced service or service components, hardware/software systems and processes. Applies comprehensive technical knowledge to maintain and protect the integrity and safety of all components and systems for the NAS service delivery.

As a principal specialist or team leader for major projects and/or program areas, resolves unique technical problems without managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggesting solutions. 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.

Acts in a security and administration role for STARS system. Conducts day to day monitoring and management of system and user activity that affect STARS information security, performs the day to day hands on operational and security duties, performs security administration performance checks, reviews/manages user accounts, files, and directories, reviews and analyze audit logs, attends the STARS Systems Specialist course, installs and reconfigures approved software and adaptions, performs user account management, and follows all agency policy and guidance on the STARS systems.

ATSS must possess expert knowledge, skill or ability to perform the operation with the installation, maintenance, modification, repair. troubleshooting, flight check and certification of Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). This discipline is heavily engaged in operations and maintenance of industrial computer systems in the corporate environment, industrial systems to include both hardware and software applications. In addition, this position maintains other electrical/mechanical equipment/systems necessary to ensure reliability of facilities on and off airports with the network of the NAS.

Develops White Papers for the recommendation of enhancing efficiency of the systems by modification and application of existing or emerging technology. Focuses on the overall NAS systems performance and causes of system degradation. Collaborates with system users, planners, engineers and contractor personnel in the installation and testing of new or modified systems in identifying needed improvements or enhancements.

Receives general program assignments from a supervisor or higher level manager. Assignments are stated in terms of priorities, overall objectives, and boundaries. Completed assignments are considered technically authoritative and are reviewed only for general compliance with organizational objectives. Identifies resources needed to perform assignments. Organizes and assigns resources needed to accomplish large work activities within established schedules. Work is reviewed for compliance with established policies and sound technical and programmatic judgment.

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.
  • A signed Supervisory Endorsement is required if movement to this position will be a promotion.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.

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.

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 includes:

  • Extensive knowledge of and experience in technology system interrelationships, and management of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation and electronics systems.
  • Ability to perform the operation with the installation, maintenance, modification, repair, troubleshooting, flight check and certification of Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS).

In addition to your resume, in the space provided under each Demonstrated Ability, you MUST provide a NARRATIVE justification on how you meet the 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.

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 including Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. 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 assignment, NTE-2 years; however, it may be extended, terminated at any time at management's discretion or made permanent without further consideration.


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.

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