Full Time

Aircraft Pilot (Direct Hire)

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Part-time
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Houston, TX
???* / year

Job Description

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



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  • 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.

Requirements



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Conditions of employment

  • This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
  • This position may require a one-year probationary period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. **See Additional Information section**
  • You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • You must be proficient in the English language.
  • At the time of initial appointment, you must possess a current FAA first class medical certificate or a military pilot flight physical; OR you must obtain a NASA flight medical certification.
  • Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance. Investigation/Clearance may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
  • Financial Disclosure, Drug Testing, and/or the Travel Requirements for this position may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.

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:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement.

For purposes of Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) selection priority, well-qualified is defined as possessing knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies which clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position, as determined through SME review of the resume/application. If you have special priority selection rights under ICTAP, you must:

  • Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position.
  • Exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position.
  • Submit proof that you meet the requirements for ICTAP as indicated in "Required Documents."

For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap.

Any applicant that received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) from the federal governmentwithin the last five years based of the closing date of this announcement, if selected, may be required to repay the full amount prior to establishing a start date. For additional information on the VSIP repayment requirement, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/voluntary-separation-incentive-payments/.

Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit.

Probationary Period

You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.

In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.



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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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