Supervisory Security Specialist (Security Testing and Mitigation Manager)

Federal Aviation Administration•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Supervisory Security Specialist serves as manager of the Security Testing and Partnerships Branch, Analysis and Evaluation Division (AUS-300), Office of Advanced Aviation Technologies (AAT). The Branch is the FAA authority for testing, evaluating, and validating Detection, Tracking, Identification, and Mitigation (DTIM) systems. The role provides managerial leadership and oversight of aviation and UAS security programs designed to identify, assess, and mitigate threats to the National Airspace System (NAS), critical infrastructure, and aviation operations. It oversees security policy and requirements, threat mitigation strategies, security technology testing and evaluation, and inter-agency coordination related to UAS and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) activities. The position manages a multidisciplinary organization conducting studies, investigations, compliance audits, and enforcement matters across the FAA and with external organizations. It leads investigations of sensitive or high-profile UAS incidents, accidents, and service-provider outages; evaluates findings to determine root causes and regulatory compliance; and directs appropriate corrective or enforcement measures. The specialist also oversees the deployment and operational use of C-UAS systems by partner agencies and directs responses to high-risk, high-visibility, or nationally significant aviation safety events and investigations. The manager integrates the work of multiple organizations to advance FAA strategic goals, participates in FAA strategic planning, and makes program and budget commitments for a major organization. Responsibilities include setting priorities, allocating resources, assigning and reviewing work, guiding employees and subordinate managers, evaluating performance, and taking or approving personnel and corrective actions as appropriate. The position leads development of national-level UAS and C-UAS security policies, rules, regulations, standards, and procedures. It oversees standardized testing protocols, performance criteria, and evaluation methods for assessing DTIM technology safety, reliability, and compatibility with the NAS. The specialist develops security solutions to emerging threats and cross-organizational problems, and provides guidance to prevent or resolve issues without higher-level intervention except when broader FAA or office interests are at stake.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Submit an SF-50, as applicable or required.
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-J or FG/GS-14 in the Federal Service.
Specialized experience reviewing and evaluating intelligence, threats to critical infrastructure, and cybersecurity risks.
Specialized experience developing security requirements, identifying vulnerabilities and operational risks, and developing mitigation strategies to address security threats.
Specialized experience leading investigations into incidents, accidents, and service-provider outages, and evaluating findings to establish root causes, assess regulatory compliance, and recommend corrective or enforcement measures.
Qualifications must be met by the vacancy announcement closing date.
May be subject to a background investigation and a one-year probationary period.
May be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty.
Subject to the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, including pre-employment or pre-appointment screening and random testing for designated positions.
FAA employees must submit an SF-50.

Responsibilities

Manage the Security Testing and Partnerships Branch, Analysis and Evaluation Division (AUS-300), Office of Advanced Aviation Technologies (AAT).
Provide managerial leadership and oversight of aviation and UAS security programs addressing threats to the NAS, critical infrastructure, and aviation operations.
Oversee security policy development, security requirements, threat mitigation strategies, technology testing and evaluation, and inter-agency coordination for UAS and C-UAS activities.
Manage a multidisciplinary team conducting studies, investigations, compliance audits, and enforcement matters across the FAA and with external organizations.
Lead investigations into sensitive, high-profile UAS incidents, accidents, and service-provider outages, including incidents subject to public or congressional scrutiny.
Evaluate investigation findings to establish root causes, assess regulatory compliance, and determine appropriate corrective or enforcement measures.
Oversee security for partner agencies' deployment and operational use of C-UAS systems.
Direct high-risk, high-visibility, or nationally significant aviation safety events and investigations, coordinating strategies to resolve systemic safety and regulatory issues.
Integrate multiple organizations' work toward FAA strategic goals, participate in strategic planning, and make program and budget commitments for a major organization.
Evaluate security requirements, threat mitigation capabilities, operational vulnerabilities, and potential impacts associated with C-UAS deployment.
Identify, prioritize, and define security, research, testing, and data requirements for assessing emerging DTIM systems and their effects on civil aviation equipment and operations.
Manage a large, multi-level organization, typically through subordinate managers; set strategy and priorities, allocate resources, assign work, provide guidance, monitor performance, communicate expectations, approve leave, and recommend or take personnel actions.
Lead and provide technical and security guidance in developing national-level UAS and C-UAS policies, rules, regulations, standards, and procedures.
Oversee development of standardized testing protocols, performance criteria, and evaluation methodologies for DTIM technology safety, reliability, and NAS compatibility.
Develop and evaluate security policies, procedures, standards, and implementation strategies to address emerging UAS threats and vulnerabilities.
Guide subordinate managers and employees in preventing and resolving problems, and develop and approve solutions to current and anticipated issues spanning organizational lines and disciplines.