Aviation Technical Systems Specialist

Aviation Technical Systems Specialist

As an Aviation Technical Systems Specialist, the incumbent will apply 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. Contributes and participates within inter-disciplinary technical teams to assist in designing, developing, modifying and evaluating the NAS. Applies multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary scientific principles, qualitative methods, and modeling to study and analyze complex NAS systems and programs to assists in proposing an alternative course of action in the acquisition, management, and deployment of major aviation related systems or programs.

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. Supports multiple, varying and complex assignments under the direction of a Field Manager, project manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. Provides support to a project team leader for large work activities such as: (1) performs research to identify, analyze, and resolve operational automation discrepancies, (2) ensures the adequacy of automation support based on knowledge of air traffic control procedures and a general knowledge of facility traffic flows, (3) maintains, tests, and recommend modifications to adaptation databases to ensure that maximum effectiveness is achieved and that data is processed in a precise and timely manner, (4) coordinates with staff at local and other air traffic facilities regarding automation decisions and activities that could impact NAS operations.

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. Collaborates 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.

Participates and contributes to special projects and/or on 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. 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 is assigned to a field site with direction and guidance provided by the Second Level Engineering Field Manager. The Specialist works in a team environment 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. The work is reviewed periodically, typically at major milestones and at completion, for technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity.