Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead (FDTL)

Federal Aviation Administration; Oberlin (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Aviation Administration seeks an Air Traffic Assistant/Flight Data Communications Team Lead (FDTL) to oversee flight data processing and communications for the NAS at an ARTCC or terminal facility.

You will lead a team, coordinate IFR departures, relay CPDLC data, monitor ERAM, and support large-scale exercises, with responsibilities spanning data input, system operation, and mission-critical communications.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of air traffic control, flight data procedures and operations.

Responsibilities

• Performs multiple and varying specialized flight data assignments and provides support to complex air traffic control facilities under limited direction of a manager or more experienced staff.
• Acts as a team member or lead in assigned area of expertise on broad work activities or on projects.
• Relays IFR departures and related data for satellites, uncontrolled airports, and special events operations.
• Operates and maintains air traffic operational computer systems and processes flight plans for NAS facilities.

Job description

Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead (FDTL))

• Department: Department of Transportation

Position is an Air Traffic Assistant/Flight Data Communications Team Lead at an Air Traffic Terminal or Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), and is responsible for providing team lead duties and flight data processing and communications services for the National Airspace System (NAS).

Key Responsibilities

Performs multiple and varying specialized flight data assignments and provides support to complex air traffic control facilities under limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, and/or more experienced employee. Acts as an individual contributor and/or member of a team in assigned area of expertise on broad work activities and/or may be individually responsible for projects.

Serves as the point of contact in the absence of the Supervisor of the Flight Data Communications Specialists unit. Applies experience and advanced knowledge of air traffic control, flight data procedures and operations. Contributes directly to the success of regional or national programs of the integrated National Airspace System (NAS) as well as research and development efforts.

Relays instrument flight rules (IFR) departure clearances including clearance and control information for satellite, uncontrolled airports and temporary military/civilian airports and special events operations. Relays cancellation of flight plans for satellite and uncontrolled airports to approach controls and ARTCCs.

Supports large scale military exercises and military alert responsibilities by entering flight plans, notification procedures, and airspace configuration commands into the NAS. Responsible for the coordination and approval of airspace requests from military units. Tracks all requests and approvals. Disseminates data to the appropriate air traffic sectors within the ARTCC. Provides flight data processing and communications service for the NAS.

Operates and maintains a variety of air traffic operational computer systems. Processes and monitors the input of proposed and active flight plans for ARTCC, terminal facilities, flight service stations, general aviation, and air carrier operations. At the request of Air Traffic Operation Manager in Charge OMIC assists with search and rescues efforts including pilot contact information, Information Requests (INREQs, and Alerts Notices (ALNOTs).

Provides manual flight plan processing and coordination during Canadian Automated Air Traffic System (CAATS)/ERAM equipment failures. Recognizes incorrect flight plan entries into the NAS and enters corrections as required. Amends proposed flight plans when requested by the flight crew, dispatch operations, Leidos Flight Service, or other air traffic facilities. Monitors ERAM for duplicate flight plans and takes appropriate action.

Responsible for ensuring the information in Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) is current. This includes updating the Blocked List by either adding or deleting aircraft from both the history or query lists. Monitors flights crossing international control boundaries and corrects information to allow processing of flight plan information to and from International Civil Aviation Organization ((CAO) partners.

Utilizes Traffic Situation Display (TSD)/Departure List Program to aid in processing departure information. Receives, acknowledges, and/or transmits ICAO alert messages which include the following, Uncertainty phase (INCERFA), Alert phase (ALERFA) and Distress message (DISTRESFA).

Assigns a Departure Transition Area (DTA) to a flight plan when advised by Air Traffic that the flight plan is missing a DTA, the aircraft does not have over water equipment, or the aircraft filed a flight plan from departure airport to destination airport. Responsible for filing Flight Restrictive Zones (FRZ) flight plans and Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) flight plans in and out of national defense airspace in the Washington D.C. area.

Configures airspace for all appropriate air traffic facilities when they open and close, or when a situation requires the airspace to be reconfigured. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $65427 – $101422/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-03.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.