This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), Safety and Technical Training, Policy and Performance Directorate (AJI-3). This Directorate manages and matures the ATO Safety Management System, including safety risk management and safety culture. AJI-3 collects safety data, tracks and monitors safety performance, analyzes risk for emerging trends, and evaluates emerging entrants, such as commercial space operations and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Duties
The Safety Management Engineer serves as a technical expert, applying experience and expert knowledge of the practices, principles, theories, and techniques of one or more engineering disciplines such as Industrial, Electronics, Electrical, and Mechanical to lead research, development and acquisition efforts for a broad spectrum of National Airspace System (NAS) related systems and equipment. These are highly integrated engineering systems and equipment, including drones, the Aviation Risk Identification and Assessment (ARIA) automated system, commercial space operations, and associated components. Provides leadership for highly complex and challenging activities under the minimal direction of a manager or an executive. This work impacts the objectives of the ATO operations and is critical to ensuring the continued safety of the NAS and often impacts the objectives of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
As a recognized expert within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), applies an understanding of new technologies and methodologies to perform critical tasks that require the development of new concepts or innovative approaches. Identifies and resolves highly complex problems or issues, which often cross organizational boundaries and impact on the accomplishment of FAA strategic objectives. Applies knowledge of Air Traffic Management systems including automation, surveillance, air/ground communications, weather, and enterprise systems to research, develop, and identify program dependencies and their associated Risks, Issues, and Opportunities (RIOs). Utilizes specialized expertise in operational domains and of the NAS to facilitate alignment of program dependencies and their associated RIOS. Advises senior management on the integration (synthesis) of capabilities into systems and the NAS. Predicts potential issues and proposes recommendations for preventive action.
Applies project and program management principles and experience to lead the formulation of financial, business, and planning strategies for deliverables and activities across the enterprise. Utilizes software development program/project management processes, such as requirements management, lifecycle, logistics, cost, technical, schedule, and risk management to facilitate the integration of automation, contractual, and procurement elements into major NAS programs. Maintains project plans ensuring alignment with safety objectives. Develops and updates program/project plans, schedules, and budget estimates. Leads team meetings to track progress and any address issues. Reviews project metrics to analyze and evaluate project progress and identifies areas for improvements or changes. Leads enterprise level working groups to solve technical issues, capitalize on opportunities, and to engage senior leadership in making
recommendations that drive more effective and efficient organizational alignment, which may affect staffing of bargaining unit positions.
Monitors the performance of contracts utilizing the Acquisition Management System principles and provides technical guidance to the contracting officer. Uses knowledge of aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Safety Risk Management (SRM) policies and processes in conducting engineering analysis to facilitate and document NAS systems and equipment changes. Creates and manages electronic communication systems for analyzing and assessing software development and complex machine learning model integration. Utilizes advanced analytics tools and predictive modeling to detect safety-related risks with air traffic systems, airspace redesign, engineering modification, and procedural changes. Collaborates with team to ensure a safe NAS environment and implement effective safety measures.
Contacts are internal and external to the Directorate and include representatives from FAA Lines of Business, Staff Offices, U.S. and International airspace users, partners in industry, government agencies, and Air Navigation Services.