Description
Note: [redacted] stops accepting applications on February 12, 2020 - apply soon if interested!
Summary
Serves as an aircraft pilot on [redacted] Johnson Space Center (JSC) aircraft in the Aircraft Operations Division, Flight Operations Directorate. The position involves piloting aircraft used in research, development, and test programs; evaluating test parameters and results; performing flights and ground simulations of advanced missions; & participating with project engineers and scientists responsible for the development, design, testing, evaluation, and reporting on new aircraft or aircraft systems.
Responsibilities
Serves as an instructor pilot aboard a high performance jet trainer, and performs classroom and simulator instruction in support of astronaut Space Flight Readiness Training.
Space Flight Readiness Training involves piloting high performance training aircraft while in formation and during high g maneuvers.
Serves as pilot-in-command or co-pilot aboard large two-engine business jets, high altitude research aircraft, and/or a large four engine turbo propeller cargo aircraft flying a variety of missions that require domestic or overseas deployment.
As pilot-in-command, you will be responsible for managing up to 10 crew during airborne science missions. Supports passengers during mission support operations.
Serves as a project team member providing operational expertise for periodic test and research flight programs, to include aircraft upgrades/modifications and airborne science missions.
Manages project schedule and budget as required.
Supports reviews, such as the Configuration Control Panel, Test Readiness Review, Flight Readiness Review, and Operational Readiness Review meetings in support of the operation and modification of division aircraft.
Identifies hazards and reports unsafe acts and procedures. Supports investigation and resolution of aircraft anomalies and mishaps as assigned. Participates in safety inspections and training.
Provides in-flight support for emergency aircraft, manages the flight schedule, and monitors the status of off-station aircraft.
Communicates effectively with other pilots and [redacted] managers to effectively utilize aircrew and aircraft to maximize mission accomplishment.
Manages training for assigned aircrew and conducts aircraft-specific Crew Resource Management training.
Maintains aircraft flight manuals/checklists, aircraft-specific standard operating procedures, and annual proficiency exams. Conducts quarterly continuation training.
Recommends aircraft upgrades. Monitors and provides aircrew input for all aircraft upgrades.
Plans aircraft deployments and coordinates travel requirements for all travelers. Ensures deploying aircrew have requisite training and documentation.
Complies with safety and occupational health standards, rules, regulations and policies.
Travel Required
50% or less - Travel may be required for training or other work-related duties
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Position subject to pre-employment background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
You must be able to obtain and maintain an FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
Position subject to a pre-employment drug test.
You must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
You must be able to obtain and maintain a top secret/SCI clearance.
Qualifications
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-13), which has equipped you with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position described above.
GS-14: Specialized experience is defined as:
- Professional qualifications as an instructor pilot of high-performance jet aircraft, with equivalent knowledge of the operational environment in which they function. This requirement is typically satisfied by having completed a tour of duty as a designated instructor pilot at an institution/command responsible for the training of student/replacement pilots in high performance aircraft;
- Experience with running an Aviation Safety Department
- Being proficient in flight instruction techniques;
- Planning and coordinating aircraft missions and aircraft evaluation projects;
- Applying project management principles to include planning, scheduling, and managing requirements involving high-performance aircraft;
- Enforcing established aviation safety training principles and procedures;
- Communicating verbally, and in writing, technical information to all levels of management.
Certificates and Ratings:
For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess, at a minimum, a current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating, or equivalent military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement.
Note:
Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the
Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Flight Experience:
Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. The categories in which candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements, candidates must:
- Have a minimum of 1500 hours of pilot-in-command (or first pilot) flight time in high performance jet aircraft. For the purposes of this position, high performance jet aircraft are defined as aircraft capable of sustaining in excess of 5g\'s, performing aerobatic maneuvers, and operating in close formation.
- Have logged at least 75 hours of high performance flight time in the past 12 months at the time of appointment.
Medical Requirements:
At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current First Class Medical Certificate in accordance with FAA regulations.
Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experiences 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 include information related to Certificates and Ratings, Flight Experience and flight hour requirements, and medical requirements.