Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Radar) Job

Vacancy No. AWP-ATO-25-BAR5009-95541 Department Federal Aviation Administration
Salary $76,585.00 to $118,696.00 Grade I to I
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/9/2025 Close Date 7/29/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Anchorage, AKEl Segundo, CAFremont, CARancho Cordova, CA


Summary

Airway Transportation Systems Specialists (ATSS) at this level are recognized as the subject matter expert in their field. All duties of an ATSS are tied to maintaining safe and efficient operating capacity of the vast and complex network of electronics systems required for the world's largest air traffic control and navigation system. ATSS personnel install, evaluate, maintain, modify and certify facilities, services and equipment that support the National Airspace System (NAS).

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent FAA employees within ATO (ATO-Wide).

Duties

Serves as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS), responsible for performing a variety of functions directly related to the operation of the NAS.

Performs work of broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence. Has broad communication systems and networking responsibilities providing complete services to air traffic customers within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographic area.

The work performed at this level requires technical expertise on complex systems and/or emerging technology, systems interrelationships and management of the NAS. Provides the highest organizational level of technical support associated with analyzing, designing, developing, installing, repairing, fabricating, maintaining, modifying, or evaluating the most complex systems for which the FAA is responsible.

As a principal technical specialist or technical expert within the organization for the assigned system or specialty area, resolves unique technical problems with minimal managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggesting solutions. Recognized for a high level of technical expertise on legacy and newly developed systems within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographical area.

Carries out work in accordance with overall plans and objectives of the organization, resolving problems as they arise and making adjustments as necessary to handle unanticipated situations and organizational needs. This work includes responsibility for evaluating diagnostic data from multiple systems that are integrated to support a network of services or service products. Evaluation of this data is used for correcting deficiencies on Contractor Acceptance Inspection/Joint Acceptance Inspection, and timely resolution of equipment. systems or services with the NAS.

As the technical expert. responsibilities include integration, restoration, testing and evaluation of new advanced services or service components, hardware/software systems and processes. Applies comprehensive technical knowledge to protect the integrity of all components and systems to provide NAS service delivery.

Can be called upon to assist with repair and/or restore service or systems, providing guidance on the availability of back-up systems, recommending reconfiguration to minimize service interruptions to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the NAS. May have the responsibility to upward report the status of critical events. Established policies and procedures furnish guidance for most assignments, but considerable discretion is allowed to select the most appropriate approach or to develop new solutions. Focuses on the overall NAS systems performance and causes of system degradation.

Collaborates with system users, planner, engineers, and contractor personnel for the acceptance of new or modified systems and provide assistance for resolving problems with the installation or improvements. Contacts are both internal and external to the FAA Represents the organization as the primary technical point of contact on projects, programs, and other work activities to coordinate and implement plans or to obtain information and resolve problems. Contacts are to provide technical guidance and direction for multiple systems, advice for interpretations of orders, certification examiner, or serves as the Contractor's Office Technical Representative (COTR) and/or Technical Office Representative (TOR) on major projects or programs. Meets and consults with representatives of external organizations such as DoD, airport management, contractors, and utility companies to resolve problems of mutual concern and to elicit cooperation and action favorable to FAA needs.

Fully understands and utilizes proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal safety practices when engaged in all restoration and maintenance activities helping to set the example of safe work practices for others in the organization.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • Successful completion of a security investigation will be required
  • A valid state driver's license is required
  • All or none of the applications may be interviewed.
  • This is a temporary position that may be terminated, extended, or made permanent without further competition.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, candidate must show experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility that demonstrates an extensive amount of and experience in technology system interrelationships, and management of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation, and electronics systems. Generally, experience at the next lower level (Pay Band H/Level III or equivalent), meets the minimum qualifications for this position as long as the experience supports the DEMONSTRATED ABILITIES identified below.

In addition to your resume, in the space provided under each Demonstrated Ability, you MUST provide a NARRATIVE
justification on how you meet this ability. The justification should be clear and concise, providing a description of your education, training, and experience that would describe the degree to which you possess each Demonstrated Ability
listed below. Eligible candidates may be ranked based on demonstrated abilities.

For assistance in responding to each of the Demonstrated Abilities "things to consider"/instructions have been provided for each of the demonstrated abilities at:

https://employees.faa.gov/org/staffoffices/ahr/program_policies/policy_guidance/hr_policies/media/AppendixVPromotionCriteria.pdf

Specialized Experience for I-Band:
In addition to the Demonstrated abilities qualified applicants must demonstrate specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (FV-H or FG/GS-12). Specialized experience is experience which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and that is typically in or directly related to work of the position to be filled.

Specialized experience is:

Experience with two or more of the following system(s) and service. Common Digitizer (CD-2), Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR-8, -9, -11); Maintenance of Air Traffic Control Beacon Indicator (ATCB-5, ATCB-6/6M); MODES, NEXRAD (Next Generation Weather Radar), WSP (Weather Systems Processor), ASDE-X (Airport Surface Detection Equipment), MicroEARTS (En Route Automated Radar Tracking System).



Education

Education may not be substituted for experience.

Preview Job Questionnaire

Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.

The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements

This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.

Narratives for Demonstrated Abilities are Mandatory. Failure to submit demonstrated abilities statements will prevent you from receiving further consideration. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you possess this type of experience at a later stage in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification.

Current FAA employee: You MUST submit a copy of your most recent (non-award) SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, or equivalent document that verifies tenure (block 24, code 1 or 2). Failure to provide the required documentation by the closing date of this announcement will result in non-consideration for this position.

Interviews: If one applicant is interviewed, all applicants must be interviewed.

Security Requirements: Moderate Risk (5): This position requires completion & favorable adjudication of a National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date of the announcement will result in in loss of consideration.

This is a temporary position that may be terminated, extended, or made permanent without further competition.

Locality Percentages and Salary Rates:

Anchorage, Alaska - 32.36% - Salary range including locality is: $101,368 - $157,106, Cost of living Allowance (COLA): 1.49%

El Segundo, California - 36.47% - Salary range including locality is: $104,516 - $161,984

Fremont, California - 46.34% - Salary range including locality is: $112,074 - $173,700

Rancho Cordova, California - 29.76% - Salary range including locality is: $99,377 - $154,020

San Diego, California - 33.72% - Salary range including locality is: $102,409 - $158,720

Longmont, Colorado - 30.52% - Salary range including locality is: $99,959 - $154,922

Las Vegas, Nevada - 19.57% - Salary range including locality is: $91,573 - $141,925

Salt Lake City, Utah - 17.06% - Salary range including locality is: $89,650 - $138,946

Auburn, Washington and Des Moines, Washington - 31.57% - Salary range including locality is: $100,763 - $156,168

Spokane, Washington - 17.67% - Salary range including locality is: $90,118 - 139,670

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.



IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

Required Documents

Supervisor Endorsement: If your selection for this position would be considered a promotion then a supervisory statement endorsing your candidacy is required by the closing date of this announcement. The Supervisor Endorsement must include the announcement number. You may upload your document with your application or fax to: (424) 405-7365.



If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy.

If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION.

We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:

  • Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)

  • Duties (be specific in describing your duties)

  • Employer's name and address

  • Supervisor name and phone number

  • Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)

  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)

  • Salary (optional)


Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.

You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies. Please see this guide, Document Upload Guide, for more information on uploading and re-using the documents in your applications.

Agency contact information

Annika Ramon
Phone
1 (424) 405-7335
Fax
1 (424) 405-7365
Email
Annika.s.ramon@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
AWP Regional HR Services Branch
777 S. Aviation Blvd. - Suite 150
AHF-S110
El Segundo, CA 90245
US

Next steps

Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.

Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.

All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.

Additional Locations

  • San Diego, CA
  • Longmont, CO
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • Auburn, WA
  • Des Moines, WA
  • Spokane, WA


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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