Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Automation Systems Specialist)

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 electronic systems required for the world's largest air traffic control and navigation system. Incumbent serves as an Automation Systems Specialist at the Indianapolis ARTCC AUTO SSC (WCP13-ZID).

Performs work of broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence. Has broad automated systems and networking responsibilities providing complete services to air traffic customers 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 team leader for major projects and/or program areas, resolves unique technical problems without 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.

Plans, coordinates, and performs work with a high degree of independence, keeping the supervisor advised of only the most critical issues. 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. Review and evaluates all automation tickets. Works with air traffic and other stakeholders to eliminate erroneous tickets before forwarding to Field Automation Support Team.

Contacts are both internal and external. Often 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. Meets and consults with representatives of external organizations such as DoD, airport management, contractors, utility companies and foreign governments to resolve problems of mutual concern and to elicit cooperation and action favorable to FAA needs.

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 backup 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. Develops White Papers for the recommendation of enhancing efficiency of the systems by modification and application of existing or emerging technology. Position may be the second level support for NAS systems, SMO, or regional offices providing broad program expertise.

Contacts are both Internal and external to the FAA. Represents the organization as 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)/Technical Office Representative (TOR) on major projects on programs.

Performs other duties as assigned.