Become an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist with the FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) to join our team at the Northern California TRACON Service Operations Center (SOC) in Mather AFB, CA. This position is a critical component of the agency's mission to maintain the world’s most efficient and safest aerospace system. If you possess a deep understanding of complex electronics, navigation systems, and aviation infrastructure, this is your opportunity to impact the future of national air travel.
Job Responsibilities
As an ATSS, you will serve as a subject matter expert for the NAS. Your responsibilities include:
- Managing and monitoring legacy and newly developed navigation systems.
- Providing technical support to resolve unique system failures or performance issues.
- Implementing Operational Risk Management (ORM) into all maintenance and repair activities.
- Acting as the primary technical point of contact for large-scale projects.
- Upward reporting of system outages and status changes to ensure situational awareness.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must demonstrate extensive experience in technical system management. Key requirements include:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Relevant experience at the FV-H/level III or FG/GS-12 grade level.
- Possession of a valid driver's license.
- Successful completion of a drug screening and background check.
- Submission of a detailed narrative response regarding your demonstrated abilities.
Salary Overview
| Position Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| ATSS (NAS Area Specialist) | $100,371 - $155,560 |
Benefits
Employees of the FAA enjoy a robust benefits package that supports long-term financial health and work-life balance, including:
- Competitive federal salary structures.
- Extensive health and life insurance options.
- A generous pension and retirement savings (TSP) plan.
- Structured career progression and training opportunities.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your resume is strictly limited to two pages and clearly articulates your experience. Every requirement stated in the job announcement must be addressed. If you are a current or former federal employee, double-check that your SF-50 is accurate and attached.
The role of an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist is challenging, rewarding, and essential to modern aviation. By bringing your technical expertise to the FAA, you help secure the infrastructure that millions rely on daily. Apply today to start your career with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Why This Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Nas) Job Matters
Take your technical expertise to new heights by ensuring the integrity and safety of the National Airspace System as a Federal Aviation Administration Specialist.
Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Nas) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) to join the Northern California TRACON SOC. In this vital role, you will act as a primary technical authority, managing the complex electronic systems, navigation equipment, and aviation technology that keep our skies safe and efficient. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to work at the intersection of critical infrastructure maintenance and operational leadership in a high-stakes, dynamic environment.
Requirements for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Nas)
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Experience at the FV-H/level III or FG/GS-12 level or equivalent is generally required.
- Submission of a narrative statement for each Demonstrated Ability and Quality Ranking Factor is mandatory.
- Ability to undergo and pass a drug screening as part of the Department of Transportation's program.
- Successful completion of a National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) background investigation.
- Must submit a current, non-award SF-50 document if currently or formerly employed in the Federal service.
- Supervisory endorsement required if the position constitutes a promotion.
Preferred Qualifications for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Nas)
- Expertise in managing civilian or military automated aviation navigation systems.
- Proven ability to resolve unique technical problems independently.
- Experience in Operational Risk Management (ORM) within a service-oriented technical environment.
- History of successful cross-functional project coordination.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement pension plan
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with government matching
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Federal holiday pay
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
💡 How to Apply Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Nas) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Nas) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Prepare your resume, limiting it strictly to two pages.
- Draft clear, concise narrative responses for all Demonstrated Abilities.
- Gather supporting documentation, including SF-50 forms and supervisory endorsements if applicable.
- Apply online via the official FAA portal before the July 24, 2026 deadline.
- Check your status through the application system to ensure all documents were received.
💡 General Tips
- Do not assume your past roles are automatically understood; explicitly detail your experience in your two-page resume.
- Include specific start/end dates, hours per week, and grade levels for all relevant past positions.
- Address every Demonstrated Ability individually, as failure to do so will result in disqualification.
- Ensure you resubmit your application if you make any post-submission changes.
- Proofread your narrative statements to ensure they clearly demonstrate the level of responsibility required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of an ATSS within a Service Operations Center?
An ATSS in the SOC focuses on the real-time reliability and integrity of the National Airspace System. This involves planning, monitoring, and restoring services for complex electronic and navigation systems.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to agency policy and supervisory approval.
What happens if I forget to submit my SF-50?
If you are a current or former federal employee, failing to submit the correct, non-award SF-50 by the closing date will result in your application not being considered.
What is the security requirement for this role?
*A: The position requires a Moderate Risk (5) background investigation (NACI).*
Is this a union position?
*A: Yes, this position is represented by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).*
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is more than just a regulatory body; it is a diverse organization of over 44,000 professionals dedicated to aerospace innovation. From advancing solar-powered flight to managing the National Airspace System (NAS), the FAA remains at the forefront of transportation technology. Joining the FAA means contributing to a mission that ensures the safe movement of people and goods across the globe.