Aviation Technical Systems Specialist

Full Job Description

The Aviation Technical Systems Specialist provides aviation related services at one of the En-Route Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC) or four offshore Oceanic sites.

The Specialist works directly with National Airspace System (NAS) real-time air traffic control systems, applying technical automation and air traffic familiarization to resolve software problems, create and maintain adaptation databases, and provide direct support to air traffic operations.

To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-H, FG/GS-10-12.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Specialized experience is: Experience with aviation computer systems and software analysis programs in support of the National Airspace System, to include performing analysis and testing of automation systems adaptation.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

If the Agency decides to interview any qualified employee on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed.

If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list. Major Duties:

Serves as an Aviation Technical Systems Specialist, he/she applies experience and advanced technical knowledge of NAS equipment, procedures, and safety interventions including their interrelatedness and functions, in order to design, develop, modify, or evaluate the NAS.

As a contributing specialist, he/she participates on inter-disciplinary technical teams to assist in the design, development, modification, or evaluation of the NAS.

Applies multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary scientific principles, qualitative methods, and modeling to study and analyze complex NAS systems and programs to assist in proposing an alternative course of action in the acquisition, management, and deployment of major aviation related systems or programs.

The Specialist participates as a technical team member and is responsible for supporting the oversight and analysis of all facets of the automation systems related to Air Traffic Control (ATC) activities within the facility.

This position supports multiple, varying, and complex assignments under the direction of a Field Manager, project manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist.

The Specialist provides support to a project team leader for large work activities. Typical duties include

performing required research to identify, analyze, and resolve operational automation discrepancies;

ensuring the adequacy of automation support based on knowledge of air traffic control procedures and a general knowledge of facility traffic flows;

developing, maintaining, testing, and modifying adaptation databases to ensure that maximum effectiveness is achieved and that data is processed in a precise and timely manner;

coordinating with staff at local and other air traffic facilities regarding automation decisions and activities that could impact NAS operations.

The Specialist resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist.

Identifies and informs management of problems that require their attention, which could cause an operational impact to current and future NAS systems.

Works continuously with second level engineering personnel and appropriate levels of management to provide information and data with respect to national system planning, configuration management, and technological considerations and adaptations that have a major impact on air traffic and NAS systems.

The Specialist participates on special and projects or teams to evaluate the effectiveness of automation and aviation services.

Performs technical analysis, documentation, and related tasks in direct support of the air traffic operations.

Provides technical assistance to operational personnel for the resolution of aviation system malfunctions.

Considers the objectives of the major subdivision and/or line of business when developing, integrating, and implementing solutions to diverse, complex problems. Contacts are internal and external.

The Specialist communicates with Technical Operations, Air Traffic representatives, and the National Adaptation Team to analyze software and adaptation requirements and to support second level engineering activities.

May coordinate air traffic software adaptation changes and requirements with multiple air traffic control facilities, military base operations, airlines and international air traffic control organizations.

Communicates results to all levels internally and externally. Contributes to the preparation of reports or technical documents.

The Specialist works at a field site with direction and guidance provided by the Second Level Engineering Field Manager.

The Specialist works in a team environment and works with a team lead or manager to support the decisions related to the maintenance of adaptation and software systems critical to the safe operation of the NAS.