Systems Engineer - Air Traffic Control

Job Title

Systems Engineer – Air Traffic Control Voice Communications

This Systems Engineer role focuses on serving as a subject matter expert in air traffic control (ATC) voice communication technologies within the National Airspace System. The position centers on modern voice switching platforms, associated hardware and software, and a wide range of communication interfaces, including analog, digital, electrical, and VoIP-based systems, along with the supporting IP-based network infrastructure. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define system requirements, perform market and industry analysis, support acquisition processes, and contribute to verification, validation, and lifecycle management activities.

The role also involves preparing and evaluating technical documentation, supporting software development and testing, and helping to design the next generation of ATC communication systems deployed across hundreds of facilities.

• Serve as a subject matter expert in ATC voice communication technologies, including voice switching platforms, associated hardware and software, and analog, digital, electrical, and VoIP-based interfaces.
• Engineer and assess advanced ATC communication solutions such as air‑to‑ground radio systems, voice switching and control systems (VCS), recording platforms, and protocol translation technologies.
• Support system engineering efforts and research and development initiatives, particularly during early design, integration, and acceptance phases.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to define system requirements and align technical solutions with operational needs of the National Airspace System and its supporting infrastructure.
• Conduct market and industry analysis to evaluate potential technologies, vendors, and solutions for ATC voice communication systems.
• Support acquisition processes by contributing to technical evaluations, solution assessments, and recommendations for system selection and deployment.
• Prepare, review, and evaluate technical documentation, including engineering studies, analytical reports, and system design materials.
• Contribute to the development, integration, and testing of software components that support NAS‑related functions and associated support environments.
• Work with modern digital voice and radio communication platforms deployed in FAA facilities, leveraging IP‑based architectures for secure, real‑time voice and data communications between pilots and air traffic controllers.
• Coordinate and execute technical initiatives, including direct engagement with stakeholders to gather, refine, and manage system and interface requirements.
• Participate in and lead technical reviews, ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements for ATC voice communication systems.
• Oversee system development activities from concept design through deployment, including prototyping, integration, testing, installation, and system acceptance.
• Support ongoing operations and maintenance by providing technical guidance, troubleshooting complex issues, and recommending improvements to existing ATC voice systems.
• Contribute to the specification, design, and requirements for ATC voice switch air‑to‑ground (A/G) trunks, ground‑to‑ground (G/G) trunks, and associated networking.
• Engage with FAA and ATC stakeholders to help design and deliver the next generation of ATC communication systems for hundreds of facilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience, including substantial work with ATC voice communications systems.
• Deep knowledge of the FAA, including National Airspace System (NAS) Voice Communications Systems and voice switches.
• Domain expertise in ATC voice switch hardware, software, and systems, including analog, electrical, digital, and VoIP interfaces.
• Experience defining requirements and designing ATC voice switch air‑to‑ground (A/G) trunks, ground‑to‑ground (G/G) trunks, and related networking.
• Strong understanding of communications systems and networks, including…