Lead the Skies: Careers as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist with the FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the backbone of global air travel. Every day, millions of passengers rely on the precision of the National Airspace System (NAS). Behind this incredible network are highly skilled specialists who ensure that navigation, communication, and surveillance technology remains operational and secure. If you are an expert in aviation electronics and systems interrelationships, a career as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) offers a unique chance to impact the safety of the world's most complex transportation infrastructure.
Job Responsibilities
As an ATSS (SOC NAS), you are the subject matter expert in your facility. Your responsibilities include:
- Real-time Oversight: Monitoring and directing maintenance activities for critical NAS systems.
- Technical Leadership: Resolving complex technical issues without needing managerial intervention.
- Operational Integrity: Analyzing network performance and responding rapidly to system outages.
- Risk Management: Integrating Operational Risk Management (ORM) into every maintenance task and upgrade.
- Reporting: Providing critical updates to stakeholders to maintain operational awareness.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Experience Level | Equivalent to GS-12/Pay Band H |
| Citizenship | Mandatory U.S. Citizenship |
| Documentation | Must provide current SF-50 |
| Screening | Mandatory Drug Testing |
Requirements and Qualifications
To qualify for this high-level position, you must demonstrate extensive knowledge of technology system interrelationships. Candidates must provide detailed narrative statements for each 'Demonstrated Ability' required by the announcement. Your application must clearly outline how your previous civilian or military experience directly translates to managing NAS infrastructure.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $103,604 to $160,571 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the FAA provides:
- Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance.
- Generous retirement planning via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid Annual and Sick Leave.
- Extensive professional development and training opportunities.
Application Tips
- Be Concise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use this space wisely to highlight your most relevant technical accomplishments.
- Narrative Matters: The evaluation process heavily weighs your narrative responses to the Demonstrated Abilities. Use specific examples of your work.
- Verify Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 is accurate and includes the required block data if you are a current FAA employee.
- Follow Up: Always check the status of your application on the FAA portal after submission.
Serving as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety of every person who flies. If you have the technical expertise and the leadership skills to maintain the heart of the national airspace, we encourage you to apply and help us build the future of flight.
Why This Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Soc Nas) (2101) Job Matters
Shape the future of aviation technology as a lead Airway Transportation Systems Specialist with the FAA and ensure the integrity of the world’s most advanced air traffic infrastructure.
Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Soc Nas) (2101) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a highly skilled Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) to serve within the Service Operations Center (SOC). In this critical role, you will act as a subject matter expert for the National Airspace System (NAS), overseeing the reliability and performance of complex electronic navigation and communication systems. This position offers an opportunity to operate with high autonomy, providing technical solutions for large-scale infrastructure and serving as a management representative during real-time operations.
Requirements for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Soc Nas) (2101)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Experience at the Pay Band H/Level III or FG/GS-12 level or equivalent.
- Demonstrated proficiency in technology system interrelationships.
- Experience managing civilian or military automated aviation, navigation, or electronics systems.
- Submission of an SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) by current FAA employees.
- Completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to provide detailed narrative statements for all required Demonstrated Abilities.
Preferred Qualifications for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Soc Nas) (2101)
- Expertise in legacy and newly developed NAS system integration.
- Experience in operational risk management (ORM) implementation.
- Proven track record of resolving complex technical problems without managerial oversight.
- Experience working in a large-facility service operations environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave
- ✓Access to ongoing professional development and specialized technical training
- ✓Opportunities for career advancement within the FAA
💡 How to Apply Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Soc Nas) (2101) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Soc Nas) (2101) Job
- Ensure your resume is limited to a maximum of two pages.
- Create or update your account on the official FAA jobs portal.
- Address all required Demonstrated Abilities with clear, concise narrative responses.
- Submit your application and all required documents, including your SF-50, before the closing date.
- Check your application status online to ensure submission completion.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your two-page resume to mirror the specific specialized experience listed in the job announcement.
- When detailing your work history, always include your job title, series, grade, employer name, dates, and hours worked per week.
- Do not ignore the narrative requirements; use specific examples to demonstrate your technical expertise.
- Resubmit your application if you make any changes to ensure the latest version is considered.
- Ensure your SF-50 clearly displays all required blocks for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of an ATSS in the Service Operations Center?
The ATSS serves as the primary technical specialist responsible for the real-time health, performance, and integrity of navigation and electronic systems within the National Airspace System.
Is a security clearance required for this position?
Yes, this position may be subject to a background investigation as part of the hiring process.
What happens if I forget to submit the SF-50?
As an FAA employee, failure to provide an SF-50 that includes necessary information (blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24) may result in an ineligible status.
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: Yes, relocation benefits are available for qualified candidates.*
Is this a remote position?
*A: This position is not eligible for telework or remote status.*
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA, a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation, manages a workforce of over 44,000 professionals. Our mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. We are innovators, pushing boundaries in autonomous vehicle research, electric aircraft, and space vehicle integration. Joining our team means joining a culture of excellence, diversity, and technical rigor.