Supervisory Aviation Technical Systems Specialist

Federal Aviation Administration; El Segundo (CA); Remote; USD 112,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Organization, Spectrum Engineering Services Group, seeks a Supervisory Aviation Technical Systems Specialist to direct NAS-related engineering teams. You will oversee multiple projects, integrate spectrum management with comms, navigation, and automation to support NAS modernization and safety.

You will evaluate NAS systems performance, lead interdisciplinary teams, manage risks, and ensure compliance with FAA standards.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of NAS equipment and systems and how they relate to NAS operations, services, and performance.
• Experience directing multidisciplinary teams on NAS-related projects and programs.
• Strong understanding of spectrum management, RF interference detection, and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Direct the work of subordinate staff and managers on multiple NAS projects/programs.
• Develop technical strategies that integrate communications, surveillance, navigation, automation and spectrum management.
• Evaluate NAS systems performance, assess risks, and guide teams to ensure safe and efficient NAS operations.
• Ensure compliance with FAA standards, policies, and safety objectives across NAS initiatives.

Skills

NAS systems knowledge

Spectrum management

Leadership/management

RF engineering

Job description

Supervisory Aviation Technical Systems Specialist

• Department: Department of Transportation

This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), Technical Operations Services, Operations Support Directorate, Spectrum Engineering Services Group providing management oversight over one of three service teams. These Team assigns radio frequencies, performs coverage analysis and resolves radio frequency interference for the service areas.

Key Responsibilities

The Supervisory Aviation Technical Systems Specialist directs the work of subordinate employees and/or managers for more than one organizational project/program within a major subdivision. Work usually includes a mixture of routine and complex projects/programs based on the objectives of the Technical Operations Services (AJW) and Air Traffic Organization (ATO).

Uses experience evaluating and studying the National Airspace System (NAS) to direct staff in identifying and mitigating risks within the NAS systems and equipment. Integrates communications, surveillance, navigation, automation, spectrum management, and operational requirements to develop technical strategies and solutions that support the continued evolution and modernization of the NAS.

Applies an advanced knowledge of the NAS equipment and systems to direct the technical work of subordinate staff, as it relates to the NAS operations, services, and equipment. Directs interdisciplinary technical teams in evaluating the operational performance, capability, and interrelationships of National Airspace System (NAS) communications, navigation, surveillance, automation, and supporting infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the NAS.

Oversees technical activities involving radio frequency interference detection, spectrum management, frequency assignment tools, and supporting technologies to ensure compatibility with broader NAS operational requirements and continued availability of critical air traffic services.

Leads NAS technical management and evaluation activities (e.g., evaluating NAS systems and capabilities, managing spectrum-dependent operations, assessing operational impacts, mitigating NAS risks, and guiding technical teams supporting NAS safety and efficiency).

Evaluates the impact of proposed changes, system modifications, emerging technologies, and operational initiatives across multiple NAS systems to determine their effect on system performance, safety, reliability, capacity, and continuity of air traffic operations.

Has knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA), and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules and regulations concerning spectrum management in the United States. Directs the evaluation of alternative technical solutions, technologies, and system architectures to determine their feasibility, operational suitability, life-cycle impacts, and compatibility with existing and future NAS capabilities.

Leads technical reviews involving complex NAS initiatives to ensure proposed solutions maintain interoperability among NAS systems, support operational requirements, and comply with FAA technical standards, policies, and safety objectives. Applies advanced knowledge of budget, human resource, and other administrative policies and procedures, and an advanced understanding of the objectives of the major subdivision.

Managerial duties typically affect employees and managers in more than one organizational unit/project/program, and include: planning; communicating the organization's vision and objectives; setting priorities; assigning tasks and responsibilities; monitoring and evaluating performance; coaching and developing employee capabilities; approving leave; and taking, recommending or approving corrective/disciplinary actions as appropriate.

Contacts are primarily within the organizational unit, major subdivision and the ATO with subordinates, peers, and higher level managers to discuss the status of projects/programs and to plan for the future. Has authority to make commitments for subordinate organizational units, within guidelines.

Requirements & Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

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 $112283 – $173980/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-22.

How many openings are available?

There are 3 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

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