Technical Leadership in Civil Aviation: Becoming an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Coordinator)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stands as the world's premier civil aviation authority, ensuring the smooth, safe, and uninterrupted transit of thousands of flights every single day. Behind every successful flight path, radar track, and landing guidance system is a team of dedicated technical experts who maintain the physical and digital infrastructure of the National Airspace System (NAS).

The FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO), specifically the Technical Operations division, is currently seeking a highly qualified professional for the role of Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Coordinator) based at the Midland System Support Center (SSC) WCS34-MAF in Midland, Texas. Graded at the prestigious FV-I pay band with an annual salary spectrum of $90,547 to $140,335, this position represents a major career milestone for experienced federal aviation specialists ready to step into high-level coordination, project management, and technical mentorship.

About the Agency: The Federal Aviation Administration

At the FAA, human ingenuity fuels global transportation. Operating within the U.S. Department of Transportation, the agency oversees a vast technical ecosystem comprising ground-based radar systems, satellite navigation facilities, environmental infrastructure, and sophisticated communication networks.

With over 44,000 employees spread across more than 120 specialized occupations, the FAA is continuously modernizing its operations. The agency actively leads research into autonomous vehicles, commercial space travel, electric aircraft, and zero-emission aviation technologies. Joining the Midland System Support Center means becoming a key guardian of this essential national infrastructure, ensuring high reliability and operational availability for commercial, military, and general aviation users.

Position Overview & Core Responsibilities

As an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) Coordinator, you will act as the principal technical authority and project leader for complex electronic, automation, and environmental systems throughout the Midland coverage area. Working with broad independence, you will serve as the critical link between high-level management, field technicians, contractors, and external stakeholders.

Key Duties & Operational Impact:

Advanced Technical Support & Restoration:
- Provide top-tier technical guidance for legacy and cutting-edge aviation, navigation, and surveillance hardware and software.
- Analyze complex diagnostic data from integrated networks to swiftly diagnose degradation, isolate system failures, and restore disrupted services.
- Evaluate reports including Contractor Acceptance Inspections (CAI), Joint Acceptance Inspections (JAI), Redline Drawings, FPIP, and FSEP reports.
Project Management & System Integration:
- Oversee major capital and operational projects from initial architectural drawing review through installation, commissioning, and final asset disposition.
- Serve as the primary Technical Office Representative (TOR) or Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) on key procurement and maintenance contracts.
- Track project resources, including staffing funds, specialized tools, and technical materials.
Safety & Risk Management:
- Fully integrate Operational Risk Management (ORM) methodologies into every scheduled maintenance action and emergency repair.
- Model exemplary workplace safety protocols, ensuring the strict use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) across all technical maintenance routines.
Mentorship & Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Deliver expert technical training, coaching, and direction to technicians, trainees, and field engineers.
- Author detailed White Papers recommending system enhancements, technology upgrades, and efficiency modifications.
- Liaise directly with external entities, including the Department of Defense (DoD), local airport managers, utility companies, and international authorities to resolve common operational challenges.

Qualifications and Core Requirements

To qualify for this competitive internal vacancy, applicants must demonstrate extensive technical capability alongside proven administrative expertise. Qualifications must be fully met by the announcement closing date of November 16, 2026.

Mandatory Requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a United States Citizen.
Hiring Eligibility: Open exclusively to internal agency candidates (current FAA or DOT internal search eligible employees).
Driver's License: Must hold and maintain a valid driver's license.
Experience Level: Demonstrated specialized experience equivalent to the next lower pay band (FV-H / Level III). This experience must showcase comprehensive knowledge of civilian or military automated aviation networks, electronic systems interrelationships, and facility operations.
Demonstrated Abilities: Candidates MUST explicitly address the mandatory Demonstrated Abilities statements within their work history descriptions. Failure to provide clear evidence for these abilities will lead to immediate disqualification.

Pay Band & Position Summary

The following table outlines the structural positioning of the ATSS Coordinator role within the FAA's Core Compensation Plan:

Classification Parameter	Position Specifics
Job Title	Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Coordinator)
Pay Band / Grade	FV-I
Annual Salary Range	$90,547 – $140,335 / year
Prerequisite Grade Level	Minimum 1 year at FV-H / Level III or equivalent
Duty Location	Midland, Texas (Midland SSC WCS34-MAF)
Telework Availability	Eligible (Non-Remote)
Security Risk Level	Moderate Risk (Level 5 Background Investigation)
Bargaining Unit Representation	Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS)
Drug Testing Requirement	Testing Designated Position (TDP)

Compensation & Comprehensive Federal Benefits

FAA employees enjoy a competitive, comprehensive benefits package designed to support long-term physical, financial, and professional wellness:

Competitive Compensation: Base pay structure supplemented by applicable locality adjustments.
Health & Wellness: Broad choice of healthcare plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, complemented by Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP).
Retirement Security: Dual-benefit retirement featuring the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with dollar-for-dollar employer matching up to 5%.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave accrual, separate sick leave reserves, 11 paid annual federal holidays, and formal telework policies for administrative tasks.
Protection & Insurance: Access to Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) and Long Term Care Insurance programs.
Union Advocacy: Position coverage under the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) collective bargaining unit.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Strategic Guide

Navigating the FAA application procedure requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your submission is compliant and competitive:

Step 1: Prepare a Strictly Formatted Resume

Two-Page Limit: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes longer than two pages will result in disqualification or incomplete evaluation.
Detailed History: Clearly record official job titles, federal pay series/grades (if applicable), employer names, start and end dates (MM/YY), and exact hours worked per week.

Step 2: Embed Mandatory "Demonstrated Abilities"

The FAA has eliminated traditional separate KSA narrative textboxes for initial applications.
You must incorporate clear, concrete examples illustrating your exact level of proficiency for each Demonstrated Ability directly into your 2-page work history text.

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): FAA employees must upload an official SF-50 displaying populated information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 to confirm current series, grade, and tenure.
Supervisory Endorsement: If selected for this position as a promotion, a formal Supervisory Endorsement Form bearing the announcement number (100-ATO-27-SHR019-101112) is mandatory by the closing date. (Not required for lateral or downgrade candidates).

Step 4: Submit Online Before the Deadline

Complete all online assessment questions and submit your package through the official FAA portal before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 16, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this position open to external applicants from the public?

No. This vacancy announcement is restricted to internal candidates who meet internal agency search criteria (such as current permanent FAA or Department of Transportation employees).

Q: How strictly is the two-page resume limit enforced?

It is strictly enforced. The hiring system and HR specialists will not evaluate work history details that spill over beyond the two-page limit, potentially making you appear unqualified.

Q: What security clearance level is required for the Midland SSC location?

This position requires a Moderate Risk (Level 5) background investigation. Appointment is contingent upon favorable adjudication.

Q: Are there outside financial restrictions for FAA specialists?

Yes. Due to ethics policy, FAA employees may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry and are restricted from holding certain financial investments in aviation-related enterprises.

The Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Coordinator) role in Midland, TX, offers an outstanding opportunity for dedicated technical leaders within the FAA to drive system excellence across the National Airspace System. Offering a strong salary package up to $140,335, excellent federal benefits, and meaningful responsibility, this position is ideal for professionals committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety. Prepare your two-page resume, update your SF-50 documentation, and submit your application prior to the November 16, 2026 closing date.

Why This Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Coordinator) Job Matters

Take your FAA career to the next level as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist Coordinator in Midland, TX, earning up to $140,335 while shaping the future of aviation safety.

Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Coordinator) Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced internal candidate to serve as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) Coordinator at the Midland System Support Center (SSC) in Midland, Texas. Positioned within the Air Traffic Organization's Technical Operations division, this high-level role (FV-I pay band) demands deep technical expertise, project management capabilities, and leadership in maintaining, restoring, and evaluating complex systems vital to the National Airspace System (NAS).

Requirements for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Coordinator)

Must be a United States Citizen.
Eligibility under internal agency hiring paths (current or former FAA/DOT internal search eligible employees).
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Specialized experience equivalent to the next lower pay band (FV-H / Level III or higher).
Demonstrated ability to address mandatory Demonstrated Abilities in your work experience narrative.
Must undergo and successfully pass a Moderate Risk (Level 5) background investigation.
Must pass pre-employment drug screening and remain subject to random drug/alcohol testing in a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
Application resume MUST NOT exceed two pages in length.
Submission of current SF-50 showing blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24.
Supervisory Endorsement Form required for candidates seeking a promotion.

Preferred Qualifications for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Coordinator)

Proven experience managing complex projects and leading teams through Joint Acceptance Inspections (JAI) and Contractor Acceptance Inspections (CAI).
Deep technical knowledge of legacy and emerging ground-based navigation, surveillance, and automation systems within the NAS.
Experience serving as a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) or Technical Office Representative (TOR).
Demonstrated experience drafting technical White Papers for system performance enhancements and degradation mitigation.
Extensive background collaborating with external stakeholders, including the Department of Defense (DoD), municipal airport authorities, and utility companies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary within the FV-I pay band ($90,547 - $140,335/year).
✓Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with comprehensive health coverage options.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension scheme with Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 5% employer matching.
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Telework eligibility for eligible duty assignments.
✓Professional development, specialized FAA technical training, and leadership advancement paths.
✓Union representation under the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).

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

Application Steps for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Coordinator) Job

Review the full position description and ensure you meet the internal agency eligibility criteria.
Format your resume to strictly adhere to the two-page maximum limit, clearly listing employer names, job titles, start/end dates, and hours worked per week.
Incorporate clear, specific examples addressing each mandatory 'Demonstrated Ability' directly within your work history narrative.
Obtain a copy of your most detailed SF-50 verifying your series, grade, position title, and tenure (ensuring blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 are fully populated).
If applying for a promotion, request and complete a Supervisory Endorsement Form referencing announcement 100-ATO-27-SHR019-101112.
Submit your application package online via the FAA jobs portal before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 16, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; longer resumes will not receive full consideration.
Do not submit separate narrative essays for Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs); instead, embed direct examples into your detailed job history.
Double-check your SF-50 upload via eOPF to ensure all critical blocks (15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24) contain visible, accurate information.
Submit early to allow adequate time to review and update your application status prior to the November 16 closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this vacancy?

This position is open exclusively to internal agency candidates, including current FAA employees and eligible internal federal job search applicants.

What is the pay scale for this position?

The position is classified under the FAA FV-I pay band, offering an annual base salary range of $90,547 to $140,335.

Is telework permitted for this role?

Yes, this role is telework eligible, although it is anchored at the Midland System Support Center and is not a fully remote position.

Are there specific document requirements for FAA employees?

Yes. Current FAA employees must submit a qualifying SF-50 containing complete data in blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24, along with a Supervisory Endorsement if the position represents a promotion.

Does this role require drug testing or security checks?

Yes, it is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) requiring pre-employment drug screening and random testing, alongside a Moderate Risk (Level 5) background investigation.