Aerospace Engineer, AST, Research Pilot (Direct Hire)
Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Location:
Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC)
Salary:
$161,169 – $197,200 per year
Overview
The Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Research Pilot to support advanced aeronautics flight research and Earth science missions. The incumbent will conduct experimental and developmental flight tests, execute complex airborne science operations, and contribute to NASA’s mission to advance aerospace technology and scientific discovery.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
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Serve as a Research Pilot in the Flight Operations Branch, executing aeronautics and airborne science research projects.
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Lead collaboration with engineers, project managers, and technical teams to plan and execute flight research missions, including acting as a test pilot to ensure mission success.
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Operate research and development aircraft equipped with scientific payloads, remote sensing systems, and specialized instrumentation.
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Coordinate with Airborne Science project scientists to refine data requirements, optimize flight profiles, and perform real-time adjustments for mission effectiveness.
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Serve as a subject matter expert across multiple aircraft, demonstrating operational capabilities and managing in-flight and ground emergencies.
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Advise the Director for Flight Operations and the Chief Pilot on aircraft operations, science data collection strategies, instructional techniques, and regulatory compliance.
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Support global deployment operations, including remote-site logistics, international coordination, and the implementation of safety practices.
Conditions of Employment
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Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals.
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Position may require a one-year probationary/trial period as determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.
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Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
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Must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
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Must possess a current FAA first-class medical certificate, military pilot flight physical, or obtain a NASA flight medical certification at the time of appointment.
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Subject to a pre-employment background security investigation.
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Requirement to complete a financial disclosure statement upon selection.
Qualifications
Certificates and Ratings
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A current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commercial pilot’s license with an instrument rating OR a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services.
Flight Experience
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Minimum of 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command (or first pilot) flight time, including at least 500 hours in jet aircraft with a minimum of 3,000 pounds of thrust per engine.
Specialized Experience (GS-14)
Candidates must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level, including:
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Executing in-flight test techniques to evaluate aircraft performance and flying qualities.
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Serving as Pilot in Command in fighter, trainer, transport, or bomber aircraft, while leading flight operations and managing safety standards.
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Performing flight research, flight test, or airborne test-bed aircraft operations to evaluate aircraft systems.
Education Requirements
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Engineering (from an ABET-accredited program), Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science, or Computer Science (with specific coursework in mathematics and statistics). Graduate degrees in these fields are also qualifying. Engineering degrees from outside the U.S. must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).
Application Requirements
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Submit a copy of the pilot license (front and back).
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Ensure flight hours are clearly documented in the resume.
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Provide a detailed narrative in the resume describing how specialized experience requirements are met.
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Note: NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in drafting application and assessment responses.