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Quality

Aircraft Pilot (Direct Hire)

NASA logoNASA$161,169–$197,200/yrHouston, TexasFull-timePosted 1d ago

About the role

Summary

This position is located within the Aircraft Operations Division. As a Research Pilot/Aviation Safety Officer you will pilot aircraft used in research, development, flight training, and test programs. You will assume the role of Aviation Safety Officer and Deputy Chief, Aviation Safety Office in which you will be responsible for the overall safe flight operations and maintenance of 26 aircraft, five different type aircraft, and over 60 active aircrew.

Duties

  • Serves as an instructor pilot aboard a high-performance jet trainer and performs classroom and simulator instructor duty in support of astronaut Space Flight Readiness Training.
  • Serves as pilot-in-command or co-pilot aboard a large two-engine business jet and/or a large four engine turbo propeller cargo aircraft flying a variety of missions, requiring occasional extended domestic or overseas deployment.
  • As pilot-in-command, responsible for managing up to 9 crew, supporting passengers during mission support operations, and/or engineers and scientists for airborne science missions.
  • Serves as a safety team member reviewing engineering designs and operational readiness proposals that support research flight programs and airborne science missions using aircraft upgrades/modifications.
  • Represents the Aviation Safety Office at Test Readiness Reviews, Flight Readiness Reviews, and Operational Readiness Reviews for modifications to division aircraft and deployment of personnel.
  • Identifies aviation hazards and reports unsafe acts and procedures. Manages investigations of aircraft anomalies and mishaps. Key member in safety inspections and training of the Aircraft Operations Division.
  • Manages all aspects of aviation safety matters. Provides monthly briefings to all aircrew on safety concerns, mishaps, close calls, and hazards.
  • Communicates effectively with other military services, civilian aircraft producers, NASA Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, and Aircraft Operations Division leadership on safety concerns and mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. To qualify for this position you must possess: 1. Certificate and Rating: A current Federal Aviation Administration commercial pilot's license with an instrument rating OR A pilot and instrument rating from the armed services AND A flight instructor certification from the armed services. 2. Flight Hours: A minimum of the following flight time hours: 1,500 hours of flight time as pilot-in-command or co-pilot in aircraft of any weight or category, and 250 hours pilot-in-command in fixed wing aircraft, and 75 hours of night flying, and 100 hours of flight time in the preceding 12 months. 3. Specialized experience: One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level that includes: Participating in an organization's Aviation Safety Management System; Providing aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and/or the range of human behavior and its potential for error to evaluate critical issues related to the safe operation of aircraft. Evaluating and conducting safety hazards or potentially dangerous conditions during missions and/or investigations, implementing remedial action to prevent or eliminate recurrence. Desired Experience: Experience as a military instructor pilot in an ejection seat aircraft and hold an FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate 4. Instructor Time Requirement: A minimum of 500 hours providing flight instruction directly related to the area of instruction and category of aircraft in the position. To receive proper consideration, you must: Submit a copy of your pilots license (front and back) with your application AND Ensure that your flight hours are indicated in your resume. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Super-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of super intelligent (SI) or SI-assisted tools during the application process.

This is a US federal job announcement from USAJOBS, the government's official job site, where the application is made. This board is not operated, sponsored or endorsed by OPM or the hiring agency.

Copied from the listing NASA published, verified 31 Oct 2026.

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About NASA

The US space agency, hiring civil servants at its headquarters and its centers in Texas, Florida, Alabama, Maryland, California, Ohio, Virginia and Mississippi.

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