Become an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist with the FAA

Are you ready to take your technical career to the next level? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) to serve as an Environmental Technician-in-Depth (TID). This pivotal role ensures the operational integrity of the National Airspace System (NAS), supporting everything from navigation systems to the physical infrastructure that keeps aviation safe.

Job Responsibilities

As a TID ATSS, your work is diverse and high-stakes. You will:

Perform complex integration, restoration, and testing of NAS service components.
Act as a lead technical specialist for both legacy and emerging systems.
Evaluate diagnostic data to resolve deficiencies during acceptance inspections.
Collaborate with engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to implement system modifications.
Mentor and guide junior staff and contractors in technical operations.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet specific federal requirements, including:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Security: Ability to clear a National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI).
Health: Passing a pre-employment drug screen for testing-designated positions.
Experience: You must possess specialized experience at the FV-H or GS-12 level.

Comparison of Key Systems Handled

System Category	Examples
Power Systems	Power Conditioning (PCS), DC Battery Backups, Engine Generators
Environmental	HVAC, Chillers, Boilers, Building Control Panels
Aviation Lighting	PAPI, MALS, VASI, Runway Identifier Lights (REIL)

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $77,351 to $119,883 per year, depending on the specific location and locality pay adjustments. Employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including robust health insurance, retirement planning via the Thrift Savings Plan, and significant opportunities for career growth.

Application Tips

Be specific: Ensure your resume explicitly links your experience to the job requirements.
Don't forget the narrative: The most common reason for disqualification is missing the mandatory narrative responses for the Demonstrated Abilities.
Verify your SF-50: If you are already an FAA employee, ensure your SF-50 is accurate and fully documented.

Serving as an Environmental Technician-in-Depth for the FAA is more than just a job; it is a critical contribution to national infrastructure. If you possess the specialized technical skills and a passion for aviation safety, we encourage you to apply through the official USAJobs portal before the closing date of July 22, 2026.

Why This Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Environmental Technician-In-Depth (Tid) Job Matters

Elevate your technical expertise at the heart of America's aviation infrastructure. The FAA is looking for an expert Environmental Technician-in-Depth (TID) to ensure the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System.

Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Environmental Technician-In-Depth (Tid) Job Overview

As an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Environmental Technician-in-Depth), you will serve as a subject matter expert, overseeing the critical infrastructure that keeps the National Airspace System (NAS) running. You will manage, maintain, and certify complex environmental systems, from power conditioning and HVAC to advanced lighting systems and building controls, ensuring the reliability of aviation services across various locations in California.

Requirements for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Environmental Technician-In-Depth (Tid)

Must be a United States citizen.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Must undergo a pre-employment drug screening and participate in the DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.
Must successfully complete and pass a National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) background investigation.
Demonstrated specialized experience equivalent to the FV-H or GS-12 level.
Submission of a mandatory narrative justification for each Demonstrated Ability listed in the application.
Current FAA employees must submit a copy of their most recent non-award SF-50 verification document.

Preferred Qualifications for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Environmental Technician-In-Depth (Tid)

Extensive experience with Power Conditioning Systems (PCS).
Expertise in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Direct Digital Control Panels (DDCP).
Technical background in DC Battery Back Up Systems and Engine Generators.
Operational knowledge of Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI), Approach Lighting Systems (ALS), and Visual Approach Slope Indicators (VASI).
Experience with Environmental Remote Monitoring Systems (ERMS) and building environmental controls.
Proven ability to manage technical project resources and mentor staff.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
✓Health and life insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and mentoring.
✓Support for reasonable workplace accommodations.

💡 How to Apply Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Environmental Technician-In-Depth (Tid) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Environmental Technician-In-Depth (Tid) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement on the FAA/USAJobs portal.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages, detailing your relevant technical history.
Write narrative responses for every required Demonstrated Ability.
If applying for a promotion, obtain and include the required Supervisory Endorsement form.
Submit your application through the online portal by the closing date of July 22, 2026.
Monitor your status via the online dashboard to see if you have been referred to the hiring manager.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes specific dates, hours worked per week, and job titles/series/grades to prove your experience level.
Do not skip the narrative sections; failure to include these will result in immediate disqualification.
If you are a current FAA employee, ensure your SF-50 is clearly uploaded and includes all required data blocks.
Double-check your submission status after making any edits; changes are not saved unless you resubmit the entire application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Environmental Technician-in-Depth (TID)?

A TID is a specialized ATSS role responsible for the installation, maintenance, and certification of the environmental infrastructure—such as power and HVAC—that supports NAS equipment.

Can I substitute education for experience?

No, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience for this specific role.

Is this a remote-eligible position?

The position is telework-eligible, though not fully remote. Duties require physical presence at facilities for maintenance and system restoration.

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA is the primary governing body for civil aviation in the United States. With a diverse workforce of over 44,000 professionals, the FAA works tirelessly to ensure that our nation's airspace is the safest and most efficient in the world. Joining the FAA means contributing to a mission that connects people and goods across the globe.