Airway Transportation Systems Specialist: Secure the Future of Aviation with the FAA

Are you a highly skilled technical professional looking to make a meaningful impact on the nation's aviation infrastructure? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a dedicated Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) to join our technical operations team in Salt Lake City, Utah. This role is at the heart of our mission to ensure the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS).

Job Responsibilities

As an ATSS, you will serve as the principal technical authority within your facility. Your primary duties include:

Installing and certifying complex electronic equipment.
Monitoring NAS performance and mitigating system outages.
Coordinating urgent repairs and maintenance projects.
Acting as a management representative during non-administrative hours.
Implementing Operational Risk Management (ORM) to protect system integrity.

Comparison Table: Technical Support Levels

Feature	Junior Level	Senior ATSS (This Role)
Decision Making	Supervised	Highly Independent
Problem Solving	Standard Procedures	Complex/Unique Issues
Scope	Component Level	System/Facility Level
Reporting	Frequent	Minimal (Critical Issues Only)

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Possess one year of specialized experience at the next lower pay band (Level III/H).
Provide clear, written narrative justifications for all mandatory Demonstrated Abilities.
Be prepared to pass a drug test and undergo a background investigation.

Salary Overview

This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation pay plan, offering a highly competitive salary range between $90,547 and $140,335 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
Federal pension plans and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Ample paid leave and federal holidays.
Structured career development and training.

Application Tips

Focus on your narratives—these are reviewed carefully.
Ensure your resume highlights your technical proficiency with radar and navigation systems.
Do not forget to include the number of hours worked per week in your job history.

If you have the technical expertise to manage the nation's most complex aviation systems, we invite you to apply. Join the FAA and help us ensure that the sky remains safe for everyone.

Why This Airway Transportation Systems Specialist Job Matters

Take your technical career to new heights by safeguarding the infrastructure of the National Airspace System with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Airway Transportation Systems Specialist Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a highly skilled Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) to join the Service Operations Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this critical role, you will act as a subject matter expert, overseeing the integrity, performance, and maintenance of the complex electronic systems that power America's air traffic control network. You will be responsible for diagnosing system anomalies, coordinating urgent repairs, and ensuring the seamless operation of navigation and radar technologies that keep our skies safe.

Requirements for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower pay band (Level III/H).
Extensive background in the management and technical maintenance of civilian or military radar, navigation, and aviation electronic systems.
Must provide a written narrative justification for all mandatory Demonstrated Abilities.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening as this is a testing-designated position.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Moderate Risk (NACI) security clearance.
Submission of a signed supervisory endorsement if applying for a promotion.

Preferred Qualifications for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist

Deep technical proficiency in National Airspace System (NAS) architecture.
Proven experience in operational risk management and large-scale system restoration.
Strong communication skills for coordinating with internal and external stakeholders during system outages.
Demonstrated ability to perform complex technical work independently with minimal supervision.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression

💡 How to Apply Airway Transportation Systems Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume limited to two pages highlighting specialized experience, specific job titles, series, and hours worked per week.
Draft mandatory narrative responses for the Demonstrated Abilities section.
Gather supporting documents such as SF-50 forms if you are a current federal employee.
Submit your application through the FAA online career portal before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview invitations.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; brevity and clarity regarding your technical experience are key.
Ensure every job entry includes the start/end dates and the specific number of hours worked per week.
Take your time writing the narrative justifications for the Demonstrated Abilities, as this is a primary factor in ranking applicants.
If you are an FAA employee, ensure your SF-50 clearly displays all required blocks (15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24).
Resubmit your application if you make any changes to your profile after your initial submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist?

ATSS professionals are responsible for the installation, evaluation, maintenance, and certification of the facilities and equipment that support the National Airspace System, ensuring its reliability and safety.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, the position involves a travel component (coded as 2) to support the maintenance and oversight of systems across a designated geographical area.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this role is eligible for telework, depending on the specific needs of the Service Operations Center and supervisor approval.

What is the security clearance for this role?

*A: This position requires a Moderate Risk (NACI) background investigation.*

Can I submit my resume via email?

*A: No, all applications must be submitted through the official USAJOBS/FAA portal.*

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA, part of the Department of Transportation, operates the largest air traffic control system in the world. With over 44,000 employees, our diverse workforce is responsible for ensuring that the sky remains the safest and most efficient transportation environment globally. From radar systems to autonomous vehicle research, we are building the future of aerospace.