Aerospace Engineer, AST, Research Pilot (Direct Hire)

Aerospace Engineer, AST, Research Pilot (Direct Hire)

Department: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Location(s): Houston, Texas

Salary Range: $159573 - $195200 Per Year

Job Summary: This position is located in the Aircraft Operations Division, Flight Operations Directorate. As a Aerospace Engineer and Project/Research Pilot you will pilot aircraft used in research, development, and test programs; evaluate test parameters and results; perform flights and ground simulations of advanced missions; and actively participate with project engineers and scientists responsible for the development, design, testing, evaluation, and reporting on new aircraft or aircraft systems.

Major Duties:

• Serves as an instructor pilot aboard a high performance jet trainer, and performs classroom and simulator instructor duty in support of Astronaut Space Flight Readiness Training.
• Serves as pilot-in-command/co-pilot aboard a large two-engine business jet, large two-engine high altitude research jet and/or a large four engine turbo propeller cargo aircraft flying a variety of missions, and extended domestic/overseas deployment.
• As pilot-in-command, responsible for managing up to 9 crew, supporting passengers during mission support operations, and/or engineers and scientists for airborne science missions.
• Serves as a project team member providing engineering and operational expertise for periodic test and research flight programs, to include aircraft upgrades/modifications and airborne science missions.
• Manages project schedule as required. Supports reviews, such as the Configuration Control Panel, Test Readiness Review, Flight Readiness Review, and Operational Readiness Review meetings, for modifications to division aircraft.
• Identifies hazards and reports unsafe acts and procedures. Supports investigation and resolution of aircraft anomalies and mishaps as assigned. Participates in safety inspections and training.
• Provides in-flight support for emergency aircraft, managing flight schedule, and monitoring status of aircraft off-station. Recommends and submits task requests for aircraft upgrades. Monitors and provides aircrew input for all aircraft upgrades.
• Communicates effectively with other project pilots and NASA managers to effectively utilize aircrew and aircraft to maximize mission accomplishment.
• Maintains aircraft flight manuals/checklists, aircraft-specific standard operating procedures, and annual proficiency exam and conducts quarterly continuation and aircraft-specific Crew Resource training.
• Plans aircraft deployments and coordinates travel requirements for all travelers. Ensures deploying aircrew have requisite training and documentation.
• Foster a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence and innovation. Champion NASA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility to create an environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Qualifications: In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement. 1. Certificate and Rating: A current Federal Aviation Administration commercial pilot's license with: An instrument rating and flight instructor certification OR An instrument pilot rating and flight instructor certification from the armed services. 2. Flight Hours: 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command (or first pilot) flight time that included at least 500 hours in a high-performance jet aircraft having at least 3,000 pounds of thrust per engine. 3. Specialized experience: To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level: Utilizing principles of engineering with respect to research and/or test flight operations; Planning and coordinating aircraft missions and aircraft evaluation projects, to include test plan preparation; Applying technical project management to include planning, scheduling, and managing technical requirements involving high-performance aircraft; Establishing aviation safety training principles and procedures; and present briefings and technical information to all levels of management. Desired Experience: Experience as a Military Test Pilot and hold an FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. To receive proper consideration, you must: Submit a copy of your current license with your application Ensure that your flight hours are indicated in your resume. NOTE: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot when requested. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

How to Apply: Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application and have all required information available. We encourage you to provide a complete description of your educational achievements and include both paid and non-paid work in the experience portion of your resume. If you submit a resume that does not contain the required information, you may lose consideration. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: To begin the application process, you will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application process. Once logged in to your account, click on the "Apply" link. Follow the prompts to select your resume (2 pages or fewer) and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. Resumes longer than 2 pages will be rejected by the system. Resumes submitted via other document types will not be forwarded to the hiring manager, nor will they be used in the review of your qualifications. We strongly encourage you to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder when creating your resume. Using the resume builder will help you ensure your resume includes important information related to your qualifications and eligibility for this position. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. During the application process you can review, edit, delete and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the 'Include Personal Information' section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the vacancy questionnaire which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify all required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. NASA's online application process provides step by step guidance to ensure you provide all needed information. If you are unable to apply online, please contact NSSC-CONTACTCENTER@MAIL.NASA.GOV for assistance. Be advised - application materials faxed, emailed, and/or mailed to Johnson Space Center will not be accepted for this announcement. NASA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact center listed on the job vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.

Application Deadline: 2025-12-19