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.
Duties
The Specialist applies technical knowledge of NAS equipment, procedure, and safety interventions, in order to design, develop, modify and evaluate the NAS. Participates in inter-disciplinary technical teams which design, develop, modify, or evaluate the NAS. Applies multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary scientific principles, qualitative methods, and modeling to study and analyze complex NAS systems and programs, to provide alternative courses 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 (1) performing required research to identify, analyze, and resolve operational automation discrepancies; (2) ensuring the adequacy of automation support based on knowledge of air traffic control procedures and a general knowledge of facility traffic flows; (3) 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; (4) coordinating with staff at local and other air traffic facilities regarding automation decisions and activities that could impact operations.
The Specialist alerts management or team lead of potential problems, issues, or concerns that could cause an operational impact to current and future 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.
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.
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. 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.