ER-2 Research Pilot

Integration Innovation • Edwards AFB, CA

20d • Onsite

About The Position

The ER-2 Research Pilot conducts full-time pilot duties on the ER-2 (U-2S) and other NASA aircraft as assigned, including Gulfstream III, Gulfstream IV, Gulfstream V, C-20A, B-737, B777, RQ-4 Global Hawk, T-34C, and TG-14. The role supports NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) aircraft operations by flying sorties for NASA and its customers and delivering quality products while maintaining safe operations. Aircraft are based and maintained at AFRC on Edwards Air Force Base, California, and routine deployed operations take place both within and outside the continental United States.

The pilot operates aircraft in accordance with applicable FAA, manufacturer, and other directives and regulations; maintains performance standards, proficiency, currency, and annual requirements; and participates in required continuation training and meetings. The role also involves on-site operational support and administrative or flight-operations scheduling and recordkeeping as needed. NASA provides aircrew training, qualification checks, periodic simulator training, and periodic flight physicals through an authorized flight surgeon.

The position pays $185,000–$195,000. The stated range is a general guideline and does not guarantee compensation; offer considerations may include responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, location, and applicable laws. The role includes light-to-medium work, outdoor and office conditions, and flight-line work that may involve day or night schedules, high noise, and long missions of up to 12 hours at high altitude in a confined space. Deployed environments may involve inclement weather and exposure to dust, fumes, odors, chemicals, and confined spaces.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university or college.
• Pass random drug screenings.
• Possess a current U.S. passport valid through the period of employment.
• Possess an FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine, and single-engine land ratings, or possess pilot and instrument ratings from the armed services.
• Provide logbook and/or flight records verifying at least 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) time.
• Have U-2 pilot experience.
• Meet the position’s security requirements and pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification.
• Possess knowledge and first-hand experience necessary to provide direct government-contractor support to NASA AFRC staff.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Be able to create, maintain, and update briefings and statistical reporting.
• Be able to obtain a DoD SECRET security clearance.
• Meet the physical and functional demands described, including the ability to work outdoors and in deployed conditions and to read technical materials, communicate clearly, and perform required physical tasks.

Nice To Haves

• Major study in an appropriate field of engineering, physical science, life science, or mathematics.
• Formal military training in the expected duties, with DD 214 annotating AFSC/MOS qualification, or applicable civilian experience.
• At least 1,000 hours in the U-2.
• Have been a current U-2 pilot within the past five years to be qualified to begin duty as a NASA ER-2.

Responsibilities

• Conduct flight operations in accordance with FAA, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and other applicable directives, regulations, and instructions.
• Maintain performance standards under applicable directives, training plans, and Flight Crew Branch policies, including knowledge of safety precautions, airfield operations, emergency Bold Face procedures, aircraft systems and limitations, and ATC regulations and procedures.
• Participate in i3- and NASA-directed continuation training, meetings, and other forums mandated by the on-site management team.
• Perform on-site tasks necessary to support safe, secure, and professional operations at operating locations.
• Provide direct support for administrative tasks and flight-operations scheduling and recordkeeping as needed.
• Maintain proficiency, currency, and annual requirements in accordance with applicable NASA and Air Force directives and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior