Federal

Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (STARS System Specialist)

Federal Aviation Administration ยท Department of Transportation
๐Ÿ“ Coraopolis, Pennsylvania FV-I $93,618 - $145,094/yr
Posted: Apr 24, 2026 Deadline: May 14, 2026 (Closes in 20 days days left)

About This Position

Serves an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (STARS Systems Specialist) at the Pittsburgh AUTO/RAD SSC (WCQ22-PIT).

Qualifications

There is no time-frame requirement at the Level III/FV-H to compete. Candidates must show experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility that is appropriate to the position. Experience that demonstrates an extensive knowledge of, and experience in: technical knowledge and experience with complex NAS systems, emerging technology, and legacy systems, in the Terminal GNAS environment; knowledge and experience with Terminal Automation (STARS, STARS ELITE, etc.) Terminal RADAR (ASR-9, ASDE-X), Computer/Networked Base Tower Display Systems and other legacy Terminal NAS Systems.

Generally, experience at the next lower level of Level III/ FV-H or equivalent, meets the minimum qualifications for this position as long as the experience provides the demonstrated abilities identified below. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements may be further evaluated on the Demonstrated Abilities listed in the announcement.

Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

You must provide a narrative statement for each Demonstrated Ability. The narratives should be clear and concise, providing a description of your education, training and experience that would describe the degree to which you possess each Demonstrated Ability. Candidates must show experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility appropriate to the position. Notice: Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE.

You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience at a later stage in the selection process.

Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during that application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification. Failure to submit demonstrated abilities statements will prevent you from receiving further consideration.

SUPERVISORY ENDORSEMENT. If your selection for this position would be considered a promotion then a supervisory statement endorsing your candidacy (Career Level III to Career Level IV) is required by the closing date of this announcement. The endorsement must include the announcement number.

You may upload your document with your application or fax to: 847-294-7858 Supervisory Endorsement to Career Level IV must be received by closing date of the vacancy announcement. Failure to submit the supervisory endorsement, will remove the applicant from receiving further consideration. For ingrade/downgrade candidates, a Supervisory Endorsement is not required.

Major Duties

The Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) at this level is recognized as the subject matter expert in their field. All duties of an ATSS are tied to maintaining safe and efficient operating capacity of the vast and complex network of electronics systems required for the world's largest air traffic control and navigation system. ATSS personnel install, evaluate, maintain, modify and certified facilities, services and equipment that support the national airspace system in (NAS).

They are also responsible for various duties that contribute to providing reliable and safe FAA services to the flying public. Serves as an ATSS who specializes in the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). Performs a variety of functions directly related to the operation of the NAS.

Independently evaluates the functional status of assigned subsystems, systems and facilities. Plans, coordinates, and resolves unique technical problems without managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggesting solutions, making adjustments as necessary to deal with system outages and performance deterioration. Recognized as a principal technical specialist on legacy and newly developed systems within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographical area.

Performs work of broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence. Responsibilities include integration, restoration, testing and evaluation of new advanced services or service component, hardware/software systems and processes. Applies comprehensive technical knowledge to protect the integrity of all components and systems to provide NAS service delivery.

Initiates action to install, repair or restore systems and services. As a principal specialist or team leader for major projects and/or program areas, resolves unique technical problems without managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggesting solutions. Carries out work in accordance overall plans and objectives of the organization, resolving problems as they arise and making adjustments as necessary to deal with unanticipated situations and organizational needs.

This work includes responsibility for evaluating diagnostic data from multiple systems that are integrated to support a network of services or service products. Evaluation of this data is used for correcting deficiencies on Contractor Acceptance Inspection/Joint Acceptance Inspection, and timely resolution of equipment, systems or services with the NAS. Acts in a security and administration role for STARS system.

Conducts day to monitoring and management of system and user activity that affect STARS information security, performs the day to day hands on operational and security duties, performs security administration performance checks, reviews/ manages user accounts, files, and directories, reviews and analyze audit logs, attends the STARS Systems Specialist course, installs and reconfigures approved software and adaptions, performs user account management, and follows all agency policy and guidance on the STARS systems. Review and evaluates all automation tickets. Works with air traffic and other stakeholders to eliminate erroneous tickets before forwarding to OSF.

ATSS must possess expert knowledge, skill or ability to perform the operation with the installation, maintenance, modification, repair, troubleshooting, flight check and certification of Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). This discipline is heavily engaged in operations and maintenance of industrial computer systems in the corporate environment, industrial systems to include both hardware and software applications. In addition, this position maintains other electrical/mechanical equipment/systems necessary to ensure reliability of facilities on and off airports with the network of the NAS.

Performs other duties as assigned Incumbent must possess a valid driver's license.

Conditions of Employment

We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.

How You Will Be Evaluated

IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

Additional Information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions. Position may be subject to a background investigation. A one-year probationary period may be required. The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty.

FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted IAW PASS-ATO Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement. FAA's Core Compensation Plan: This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation Pay Plan. This is a temporary assignment NTE 2 years.

May be extended or terminated early but may NOT be made permanent. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

How to Apply

Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position.

You must apply online to receive consideration.

Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register. RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week. Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA.

Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.

You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies.

Required Documents

Narratives for Demonstrated Abilities identified under qualifications are mandatory. Failure to submit demonstrated abilities statements will prevent you from receiving further consideration. Supervisor Endorsement.

If your selection for this position would be considered a promotion then a supervisory statement endorsing your candidacy (Career Level III to Career Level IV) is required by the closing date of this announcement. The endorsement must include the announcement number. Failure to submit will result in loss of consideration.

Only supplemental documentation (Supervisory Endorsement, SF-50) will be accepted in combination with your on-line application. These documents must be uploaded or faxed to 847-297-7858 on or before the closing date of this announcement. All submitted documents should reference the announcement number.

If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement.

You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy. If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (STARS System Specialist) position at Federal Aviation Administration?
The salary range for this position is $93,618 - $145,094/yr. This is a FV-I position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (STARS System Specialist) job located?
This position is located in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
There is no time-frame requirement at the Level III/FV-H to compete. Candidates must show experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility that is appropriate to the position. Experience that demonstrates an extensive knowledge of, and experience in: technical knowledge and experience with complex NAS systems, emerging technology, and le...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is May 14, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does FV-I mean?
FV-I refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.