Instructor / Developmental Test Pilot (DTP) - MH-47 Special Operations Aviation
Job Overview
This highly specialized position requires an expert Instructor Pilot (IP) who will also serve as a Developmental Test Pilot (DTP). The successful candidate will be instrumental in the development, testing, and subsequent instruction of advanced rotary wing systems, focusing specifically on the MH-47 Active Parallel Actuator Subsystem (APAS) for the operational force. This is a full-time, high-impact role supporting critical national security missions.
Essential Details
- Job Category: Aviation / Flight Operations
- Employment Type: Regular, Full-time
- Minimum Clearance Required: Secret
- Travel Commitment: Up to 50% (Continental US)
Key Responsibilities
The Instructor / Developmental Test Pilot will be responsible for a dual mandate of rigorous flight testing and comprehensive aircrew instruction. Specific duties include:
Developmental Testing and Program Support
- Developing, coordinating, and executing detailed test plans, comprehensive procedures, and formal reports for new and modified systems.
- Conducting developmental test flights on new or modified Special Operations Aircraft (SOA) helicopters and upgraded systems to rigorously evaluate performance metrics, operational suitability, and overall safety standards.
- Collaborating closely with the program office, engineering teams, and developers to ensure system performance consistently meets established specifications and defined user requirements.
- Representing the SOA user community at industry events, conferences, and meetings related to helicopter development, testing, and emerging aviation technologies.
- Performing Maintenance Test Flights (MTFs) on primary model aircraft following major maintenance, modification, or overhaul, as necessary, or on new production aircraft when government acceptance MTFs are not executed.
- Managing all aspects of assigned projects, including planning, coordination, execution, and formal reporting.
Flight Instruction and Standardization
- Developing curriculum materials for the MH-47 APAS system and providing follow-on instruction to the operational aviation force.
- Providing detailed flight instruction to students covering all topics within the established flight instruction curriculum.
- Training and qualifying Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, Government, Partner Nation, and Contractor rotary wing aviators in advanced mission skills.
- Ensuring all aviators achieve proficiency in night vision goggle (NVG) helicopter operations at terrain flight altitudes under diverse light and weather conditions, adhering strictly to the ARSOA-47 Aircrew Training Manual standards.
- Qualifying aviators for duty as a Basic Mission Qualified (BMQ) Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and/or Maintenance Test Pilot in the MH-47G ARSOA rotary wing airframes.
- Performing essential crew duties during training support, recovery, and demonstration flights, and serving as co-pilot for maintenance test flights when authorized by the Government Flight Representative (GFR).
- Assisting with training schedules, aircraft scheduling, and coordinating resources to effectively support the Program of Instruction (POI).
- Maintaining strict compliance with all governing flight regulations, rules, and standards, including but not limited to DCMA INST 8210.1D, AR 95-1, USASOC Sup 1 to AR 95-1, ARSOA 3-04.11, and the 160th RTSOP.
Minimum Qualifications (Required)
Candidates must demonstrate extensive experience and formal qualifications within military rotary wing aviation:
- Possession of a current Secret Security Clearance.
- Minimum of 15 years of experience with military rotary wing aircraft.
- Current qualification in the MH-47 model aircraft.
- Graduate of a Department of Defense (DoD) approved course of instruction for Instructor Pilots.
- Possession of a current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating (Helicopter), as required by AR 95-20.
- Total rotary wing flight experience of 2,000 hours minimum (pilot/copilot).
- A minimum of 1,000 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC).
- A minimum of 500 hours flying utilizing Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
- A minimum of three years of recent experience involving current aircraft and aircraft related technical systems development, architecture, integration testing, fielding, and sustainment.
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical or management field.
- A minimum of two years of experience serving as a Fully Mission Qualified (FMQ) Flight Lead (FL), Standardization Instructor Pilot (SIP), or Instructor Pilot (IP) in Army Special Operations rotary wing helicopters.
- Graduation from the U.S. Army Instructor Pilot Course or completion of an equivalency evaluation conducted by the Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence.
Preferred Qualifications (Desired)
- Qualification in an approved Crew Dunker or equivalent safety course.
- Qualification on the Helicopter Emergency Egress Device (HEEDS).
Compensation and Work Environment
This organization is committed to a culture of integrity, innovation, and trust, placing the safety and success of the nation at the center of all operations. Employees benefit from robust learning resources and unique flexible time off policies designed to support a balanced professional and personal life.
The proposed salary range for this position is: $94,600 – $208,000.
Final salary determination is influenced by factors including geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, prior work experience, specific competencies, education, and professional certifications. Comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, wellness programs, financial planning, retirement options, continuing education support, and generous time off, are provided.
The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.