This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization, Air Traffic Services (AJT), Operational Planning and Integration Directorate, AJT-3, Integration Group, AJT-3100. This Group is responsible for the operational integration of automated air traffic systems, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Commercial Space, new entrants and emerging technologies.
Duties
As an Air Traffic Control Specialist, he/she applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures, operations and staff programs to support the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and commercial space launch/reentry operations into the National Airspace System (NAS). He/she performs complex, specialized air traffic control assignments to provide national-level expertise in a major air traffic control staff function, such as, automation, airspace procedures or operations, to improve NAS efficiency by reducing delays, route deviations, fuel burn, and missions as UAS and Commercial Space vehicles are integrated into the (NAS). This work contributes directly to the accomplishment of air traffic and other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) objectives and the efficiency and effectiveness of air traffic operations.
Applies experience separating and controlling air traffic in a terminal or en route air traffic facility to evaluate proposed technical changes to separation standards, procedures and/or the techniques available to controllers to separate aircraft. He/she applies comprehensive knowledge of staff programs, such as procedures or traffic management, to evaluate methods of integrating launch/reentry vehicles into the ATC operational environment mixed with UAS traffic. Possesses experience as a facility on-the-job training specialist to participate in the process of developing training recommendations for facility air traffic controllers on UAS policies and rules. Participates in the development of guidance for processing UAS authorizations and waivers. Evaluates methods of integrating launch/reentry vehicles that can meet the flight characteristics and performance requirements of operating aircraft in the airspace into normal operations and within Communication Navigation & Surveillance (CNS)/Air Traffic Management (ATM) procedures and infrastructure.
Assesses activities that effect facility airspace, and if necessary, analyzes proposed policies and programs related to the integration of Commercial Space and UAS operations. Identifies and proposes alternative strategies when necessary. Uses experience initiating traffic management instructions and restrictions, he/she evaluates proposed automated tools to provide air traffic controllers with live automated displays or real time knowledge of a vehicles position or status to implement Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) and Altitude Reservation (ALTRV) requests. As a senior point of contact to work groups evaluating decision support tools for improved planning and real-time information sharing that support launch and reentry vehicle operations. Identifies needs and capabilities for the integration of UAS in the operational environment.
Contacts are internal and external to the Directorate and include representatives from other FAA lines of business, facility managers, contractors (or their representatives), private industry, the public sector, and the Department of Defense. Often represents the Directorate as a senior point of contact on projects, programs, research and acquisition. Collaborates with labor representatives through participation on joint facility labor/management work groups. Maintains an active relationship with national labor representatives to ensure collaborative responses to operational issues.
Although broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for completing work objectives, he/she is allowed considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. He/she draws on experience and knowledge to solve unusual problems.
As an authority in UAS and Commercial Space vehicles, most work is performed independently. The Team Manager reviews work for quality of results and compatibility with regional and national goals, conformance with established policies, and consonance with program objectives. Work is typically reviewed through status reports and at completion.
