jobUSAJOBS
Aerospace Engineer, AST, Research Pilot (Direct Hire)
Organization Langley Research CenterLocation Hampton, United StatesPosted 11 May 2026Deadline 22 May 2026
Aerospace Engineering
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Full Description
In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. 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. NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement. 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. 2. Flight Hours: 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command (or first pilot) flight time that included at least 500 hours in jet aircraft having at least 3,000 pounds of thrust per engine. FLYING TIME IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS -- Recent flight hours may be waived provided the individual's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely. 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 and if requested. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. 3. Specialized experience: To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level: Piloting in an aerospace research environment that provided knowledge and skill in aerospace engineering or research flight operations; Performing aircraft operations, especially high performance, and extended envelope fixed-wing experimental aircraft that provides knowledge and proficiency in aeronautical engineering and related engineering and scientific fields; and Making recommendations for the test plan development and program management To qualify for GS-15, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level: Conducting aerospace research environment as a pilot, providing expertise in aerospace engineering or research flight operations; Performing aircraft operations, especially high performance, and extended envelope fixed-wing experimental aircraft that provided experience in aeronautical engineering and related engineering and scientific fields; and Performing airworthiness oversight; test plan development, approval and program management. The following experience is desired, but not required: Experience in flying multiple platforms; Graduation from a recognized Test Pilot School (USNTPS, USAFTPS, ETPS, EPNER, or NTPS (long course)); international experience; hold an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate; type ratings in G-III, G-IV, G-V or 777 aircraft; prior experience in P-3 aircraft. To receive proper consideration, you must: Submit a copy of your 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. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.
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