Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (NAS)
Department of Transportation – Federal Aviation Administration
Summary
The Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) will be assigned to the Boston ARTCC SOC (WEP31-ZBW).
Duties
- The Airway Transporation 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).
- Serves as an ATSS (NAS Area Specialist), in a Service Operations Center (SOC).
- 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.
- Responsible for the planning, directing, coordinating, monitoring. and maintenance activities associated with the management of assigned NAS systems/facilities.
- Performs work of broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence.
- Applies broad experience and comprehensive technical knowledge to maintain and protect the integrity and safety of all components and systems for the NAS service delivery.
- Provides the highest organization level of technical support associated with analyzing, installing, repairing, fabricating, maintaining, modifying, or evaluating the most complex systems for which the FAA is responsible.
- Plans, coordinates and performs work with a high degree of independence, keeping the supervisor advised only of the most critical issues.
- Resolves unique technical problems without managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggested solutions.
- Rapidly analyzes and seeks resolution to problems as they arise and makes adjustments as necessary to deal with system outages and network performance deterioration.
- Initiates action for the timely repair or restoration of services and systems, taking into account the availability of back-up systems, possible reconfigurations to minimize service interruptions, and the relative criticality of particular functions to the safe and efficient operation of the NAS.
- Incumbent is responsible for timely upward reporting of NAS information that could have an impact to operations for purposes of Situation Awareness (i.e. NOT AM, SAL Paging function).
- Incumbent-in-charge is expected to be management’s representative during non-administrative hours.
- Integrate Operational Risk Management (ORM) into restoration, schedule maintenance activities, and all planned projects, ensuring that all customers and users of services are included and involved in ORM implementation and planning.
- Contacts are both internal and external.
- Often represents the organization as the primary point of contact on projects, programs, and other work activities to coordinate and implement plans or obtain information and resolve problems.
- The Operations area serves as a principal organizational element of the Technical Operations Organizational to plan, direct, coordinate, monitor, and accomplish activities associated with real-time management of assigned NAS systems/facilities at the service integrity level.
- Reports to the Service Operations Center Manager.
- 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 judgement.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license.
Requirements
We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.
How You Will Be Evaluated
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
Demonstrated Abilities:
- Narratives for Demonstrated Abilities identified under qualifications are mandatory.
- Failure to submit demonstrated abilities statements will prevent you from receiving further consideration.
- SUPERVISORY ENDORSEMENT: If your selection for this position would be considered a PROMOTION, then a supervisory statement endorsing your candidacy (Career Level III to Career Level IV) is REQUIRED by the closing date of this announcement.
- The endorsement must include the vacancy announcement number and signed by your supervisor or acting supervisor.
- To obtain the Supervisory Endorsement, please contact your manager.
- Failure to submit will result in loss of consideration.
- Only supplemental documentation (Supervisory Endorsement, SF-50) will be accepted in combination with your on-line application.
- These documents must be received on or before the closing date of this announcement in order to receive consideration.
- All submitted documents should reference the announcement number.
- Failure to provide the required documents will result in an incomplete application.
- 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/.
About this role
The Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (NAS) position with the Department of Transportation is based in Nashua, New Hampshire. The Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) will be assigned to the Boston ARTCC SOC (WEP31-ZBW). The role pays $101,536 to $157,367 per year.
Day to day, the work involves the Airway Transporation Systems Specialist (ATSS) at this level is recognized as the subject matter expert in their field. The full list of duties, conditions, and required documents appears in the official announcement linked on this page.
Who should apply
Review the announcement's Qualifications section closely, since it defines exactly what federal aviation experience this Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (NAS) position requires. Match your federal resume directly to the announcement's wording so a reviewer can confirm each requirement in writing. For this Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (NAS) position with the Department of Transportation in Nashua, New Hampshire, confirm you meet each requirement before applying.
How competitive it is
At $101,536 to $157,367 per year, this is a mid-to-senior role where a precisely tailored application matters most. Based in Nashua, New Hampshire, it competes within that local market, which can mean lighter competition than major metropolitan postings. The announcement closes on June 26, 2026, and federal postings can close early once enough applications arrive, so applying promptly is wise.
This overview is general guidance from Job Army to help you understand the role. Always read the official announcement for exact duties, qualifications, and requirements before applying.