Aircraft Pilot (Direct Hire)

About the role

Aircraft Pilot – Research Pilot & Aviation Safety Officer
NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, is seeking an experienced Aircraft Pilot to join its Aircraft Operations Division.

This position combines advanced flight operations, research and development, astronaut training, and aviation safety leadership. The successful candidate will serve as a Research Pilot and Aviation Safety Officer, with additional responsibility as Deputy Chief of the Aviation Safety Office.

The role supports a diverse aircraft operation comprising 26 aircraft across five aircraft types and more than 60 active aircrew.

Job Description
The successful candidate will conduct flight operations supporting research, development, flight training and test programmes. Responsibilities include acting as an instructor pilot aboard a high-performance jet trainer in support of astronaut Space Flight Readiness Training.

The pilot will also operate as Pilot-in-Command or co-pilot on a large twin-engine business jet and/or a four-engine turboprop cargo aircraft. Missions include domestic and international operations, sometimes involving extended deployments, and may support passengers, engineers and scientists conducting airborne research.

In addition to flying duties, the position carries a significant aviation safety leadership responsibility, overseeing safe flight operations and maintenance across the Aircraft Operations Division.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct flight instruction aboard a high-performance jet trainer, including classroom and simulator instruction for astronaut Space Flight Readiness Training.
• Operate as PIC or co-pilot on large business jets and four-engine turboprop cargo aircraft in support of NASA missions.
• Manage aircraft missions involving up to nine crew members, passengers, engineers and scientists.
• Represent aviation safety interests during Test Readiness Reviews, Flight Readiness Reviews and Operational Readiness Reviews.
• Review engineering designs, aircraft modifications and operational readiness proposals associated with research and airborne science programmes.
• Identify aviation hazards, investigate aircraft anomalies and mishaps, and implement corrective and preventive measures.
• Support aviation safety inspections, training and the division's Safety Management System.
• Deliver regular safety briefings to flight crews covering incidents, hazards, close calls and operational safety concerns.
• Coordinate safety matters and risk-mitigation strategies with military services, aircraft manufacturers, NASA safety organisations and division leadership.

Requirements

• A current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating; or
• Military pilot and instrument qualifications, together with a military flight instructor certification.

• 1,500 hours as PIC or co-pilot in aircraft of any weight or category.
• 250 hours PIC in fixed-wing aircraft.
• 75 hours of night flying.
• 100 flight hours during the preceding 12 months.
• 500 hours of flight instruction directly related to the instructional area and aircraft category required for the position.

• At least one year of directly related specialised experience equivalent to the U.S. federal GS-13 level.
• Experience participating in an Aviation Safety Management System.
• Experience assessing aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, flight operations and human factors affecting safe aircraft operations.
• Experience identifying and evaluating operational hazards, conducting safety investigations and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Strong decision-making, communication and teamwork skills.

• Military instructor pilot experience in an ejection-seat aircraft.
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

• Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate, military pilot flight physical, or eligibility to obtain NASA flight medical certification at initial appointment.
• English language proficiency.
• U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
• Successful completion of the applicable background investigation and security requirements.
• Drug testing is required.

Package highlights

• Annual salary: USD $161,169–$197,200.
• Federal Government GS-14 pay grade.
• Full-time, permanent appointment.
• Occasional domestic and international travel.
• Telework eligibility subject to NASA policy.
• Relocation expenses are not reimbursed.