Aviation Technical Systems Specialist

Aviation Technical Systems Specialist (Runway Safety Specialist)

Serves as an Aviation Technical Systems Specialist (Runway Safety Specialist) in one of three Service Area Runway Safety Teams (AJI-1C30/1E30/1W30). This position applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of National Airspace Systems (NAS) technical systems, operations, and procedures to analyze and evaluate data and to develop mitigation strategies to improve runway safety by reducing the risk of runway incursions, excursions, and other surface incidents. Performs multiple, varying, and complex assignments under the minimal direction of the Team Manager. This work is a critical area of safety oversight and directly affects the safe and efficient operation of the NAS.

As a principal technical specialist, leads teams in the development, implementation, and administration of innovative runway safety procedures and guidelines. Conducts and monitors complex independent and interdependent studies pertaining to the adoption, change, mitigation or elimination of runway safety policies. Provides guidance to less experienced members of the runway safety team on the process of technically reviewing the development of proposed plans, risk assessments, and criteria. Applies knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) policies to participate in reviews and evaluations of existing runway safety policies, standards, procedures and programs. Assesses and evaluates reported runway safety incidents and risks to recommend policy and/or procedural corrections.

Applies comprehensive technical knowledge of and experience with runway safety systems, technologies, and operations to support the development, evaluation, and deployment of new systems designed to automatically alert airport personnel driving or working close to taxiways and runways to incidents that could result in the significant potential for a collision or an actual collision. Conducts airport surface operations such as the logistics in separating and controlling air traffic in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) terminal/tower or piloting an aircraft to analyze runway incidents and incursions. Evaluates airport technical equipment and systems to assess and evaluate reported event details and risks.

Contacts are internal and external to Safety (AJI) and include Regional Administrators, FAA line of business contacts, and representatives from pilot associations, national labor associations, and the aviation industry; as well as representatives from international, state, and local governments and airport authorities. As a senior technical point of contact, the Specialist uses experience serving on or leading technical or operational work groups to represent AJI on various teams such as the Regional Runway Safety Team at the direction of the Service Area Team Manager. Communicates results to all levels within the Directorate. Plays a lead role in drafting, reviewing and editing reports for final approval prior to external distribution. Presents briefings to obtain consensus/approval on policies.

Although broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, the Specialist is allowed considerable discretion to develop new and innovative approaches. Draws on experience to solve unusual problems and may create solutions and policy interpretations as the situation requires. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Develops plans, techniques, and policies to address current or anticipated problems and issues. Works with management to solve problems. The Team manager rarely reviews the work through status reports and at project completion to ensure technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity.