Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (STARS) Job

Vacancy No. ANM-ATO-26-2864974-96455 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 10/2/2025 Close Date 10/22/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Moses Lake, WASpokane, WA


Summary

The Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) at this level is 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

This position is only open to current FAA employees assigned to Air Traffic Organization (ATO), Logistics Center (AML) and Technical Operations Training Division (AMA-400)

Duties

Serves as an ATSS who specializes in the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). Performs a variety of functions directly relating to the operations of the NAS. Focus is on the availability and reliability of the services and products provided to users of the NAS.

Recognized as the principal technical specialist on legacy and newly developed systems within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographical area. Performs work of a broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence. Responsibilities include integration, restoration, testing and evaluation of new advanced service or service components, hardware/software systems and processes. Applies comprehensive technical knowledge to maintain and protect the integrity and safety of all components and systems for the NAS service delivery.

As a principal specialist or team leader for major projects and/or program areas, resolves unique technical problems without managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggesting solutions. Carries out work in accordance with overall plans and objectives of the organization, resolving problems as they arise and making adjustments as necessary to deal with 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.

Acts in a security and administration role for STARS system. Conducts day to day monitoring and management of system and user activity that affect STARS information security, performs the day to day hands on operational and security duties, performs security administration performance checks, reviews/manages user accounts, files, and directories, reviews and analyze audit logs, attends the STARS Systems Specialist course, installs and reconfigures approved software and adaptions, performs user account management, and follows all agency policy and guidance on the STARS systems.

ATSS must possess expert knowledge, skill or ability to perform the operation with the installation, maintenance, modification, repair. troubleshooting, flight check and certification of Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). This discipline is heavily engaged in operations and maintenance of industrial computer systems in the corporate environment, industrial systems to include both hardware and software applications. In addition, this position maintains other electrical/mechanical equipment/systems necessary to ensure reliability of facilities on and off airports with the network of the NAS.

Develops White Papers for the recommendation of enhancing efficiency of the systems by modification and application of existing or emerging technology. Focuses on the overall NAS systems performance and causes of system degradation. Collaborates with system users, planners, engineers and contractor personnel in the installation and testing of new or modified systems in identifying needed improvements or enhancements.

Receives general program assignments from a supervisor or higher level manager. Assignments are stated in terms of priorities, overall objectives, and boundaries. Completed assignments are considered technically authoritative and are reviewed only for general compliance with organizational objectives. Identifies resources needed to perform assignments. Organizes and assigns resources needed to accomplish large work activities within established schedules. Work is reviewed for compliance with established policies and sound technical and programmatic judgment.

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.
  • A signed Supervisory Endorsement is required if movement to this position will be a promotion.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.

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.

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 includes:

  • Extensive knowledge of and experience in technology system interrelationships, and management of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation and electronics systems.
  • Ability to perform the operation with the installation, maintenance, modification, repair, troubleshooting, flight check and certification of Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS).

In addition to your resume, in the space provided under each Demonstrated Ability, you MUST provide a NARRATIVE justification on how you meet the 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.

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 including 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. 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 assignment, NTE-2 years; however, it may be extended, terminated at any time at management's discretion or made permanent without further consideration.


Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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

Current or Former Federal employee (including a 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.

Supervisor Endorsement: If your selection for this position would be considered a PROMOTION, then a Supervisory Endorsement is REQUIRED by the closing date of this announcement. The endorsement must be signed (wet/ink or digital signature), dated, and must include the vacancy announcement number. To obtain the Supervisory Endorsement form or memo, please contact your manager. NOTE: For ingrade/downgrade candidates, a supervisor's endorsement is not required.

Applicants must apply on-line, through USAJOBS, to receive consideration; Faxed, mailed or e-mailed applications cannot be accepted. If you need to submit additional documents to supplement your on-line application, e.g. transcripts, SF-50, or veteran's documents, you may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS.




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

Supplemental documentation and college transcripts can also be faxed to (206) 231-4150 or emailed on or before the closing date of this announcement. Please include your name and the vacancy announcement number on each of your faxed pages and redact all Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as social security number and date of birth. Applicants must submit the following: - Resume with complete work history; and - A copy of the most recent SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) with the required information listed above.
Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position.

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.

RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES. IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION.

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)

  • Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week.
  • Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA.

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

Heather Ashby
Phone
1 (206) 231-4044
Fax
1 (206) 231-4150
Email
heather.m.ashby@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
ANM Regional HR Services Branch
2200 S. 216th St.
AHF-N210
Des Moines, WA 98198
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.


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