Aircraft Pilot (Direct Hire)

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center • Houston, TX

5d

About The Position

This position is located within the Aircraft Operations Division. As a Research Pilot/Aviation Safety Officer, the employee pilots aircraft used in research, development, flight training, and test programs. The position also serves as Aviation Safety Officer and Deputy Chief of the Aviation Safety Office, responsible for safe flight operations and maintenance for 26 aircraft across five types and more than 60 active aircrew.

The role includes instructor-pilot duties aboard a high-performance jet trainer and classroom and simulator instruction supporting astronaut Space Flight Readiness Training. The pilot serves as pilot-in-command or co-pilot aboard a large twin-engine business jet and/or a large four-engine turboprop cargo aircraft. Missions may involve occasional extended domestic or overseas deployment. As pilot-in-command, the employee may manage up to nine crew members and support passengers, engineers, and scientists during mission-support and airborne-science operations.

The position contributes to aviation safety reviews, inspections, training, hazard identification, and mishap investigations. It coordinates with military services, civilian aircraft producers, NASA’s Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, and Aircraft Operations Division leadership on safety concerns and mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or person who owes allegiance to the U.S.
• Be proficient in English.
• At initial appointment, possess a current FAA first-class medical certificate or a military pilot flight physical, or obtain NASA flight medical certification.
• Possess a current FAA commercial pilot license with an instrument rating, or armed-services pilot and instrument ratings plus armed-services flight-instructor certification.
• Have at least 1,500 hours of flight time as pilot-in-command or co-pilot in aircraft of any weight or category.
• Have at least 250 hours as pilot-in-command in fixed-wing aircraft.
• Have at least 75 hours of night flying.
• Have at least 100 hours of flight time during the preceding 12 months.
• Have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level, including participation in an organization's Aviation Safety Management System; applying aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and/or human-behavior knowledge to evaluate aircraft-safety issues; and evaluating hazards or dangerous conditions during missions or investigations and implementing remedial action to prevent recurrence.
• Have at least 500 hours providing flight instruction directly related to the area of instruction and aircraft category for the position.
• Submit a copy of the pilot license, front and back, with the application and include flight hours in the resume.
• Provide a clear, detailed narrative in the resume describing how the specialized-experience requirements are met; copied experience statements may constitute plagiarism and lead to disqualification.
• Meet qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Be subject to a pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance; investigation or clearance requirements may vary by duty location or NASA Center.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a military instructor pilot in an ejection-seat aircraft.
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

Responsibilities

• Pilot aircraft used in research, development, flight training, and test programs.
• Serve as an instructor pilot aboard a high-performance jet trainer and provide classroom and simulator instruction supporting astronaut Space Flight Readiness Training.
• Serve as pilot-in-command or co-pilot aboard a large two-engine business jet and/or a large four-engine turboprop cargo aircraft, including missions involving occasional extended domestic or overseas deployment.
• As pilot-in-command, manage up to nine crew members and support passengers, engineers, and scientists during mission-support and airborne-science operations.
• Serve as a safety team member reviewing engineering designs and operational-readiness proposals for research flight programs and airborne-science missions involving aircraft upgrades or modifications.
• Represent the Aviation Safety Office at Test Readiness Reviews, Flight Readiness Reviews, and Operational Readiness Reviews for aircraft modifications and personnel deployments.
• Identify aviation hazards and report unsafe acts and procedures.
• Manage investigations of aircraft anomalies and mishaps.
• Participate in safety inspections and training for the Aircraft Operations Division.
• Manage aviation safety matters and provide monthly aircrew briefings on safety concerns, mishaps, close calls, and hazards.
• Communicate safety concerns and mitigation strategies with military services, civilian aircraft producers, NASA’s Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, and Aircraft Operations Division leadership.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligible employees and their families may have access to a range of benefits. Specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed