Aircraft Pilot (Direct Hire)

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (NASA); Houston (TX); Presencial; USD 161.000 - 197.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (NASA) in Houston, TX seeks a Research Pilot/Aviation Safety Officer to pilot research aircraft and lead safety operations across 26 aircraft, multiple types, and 60+ aircrew involved in astronaut readiness and airborne science missions.

The role includes commanding aircraft as PIC, supervising safety reviews, and coordinating with military and civilian partners to mitigate aviation hazards and ensure mission readiness.

Formación

• FAA commercial pilot license with instrument rating (or equivalent from armed services).
• Flight hours requirements: 1,500 flight hours as PIC or co-pilot, 250 PIC hours in fixed-wing, 75 hours night, 100 hours in last 12 months.
• One year of directly related specialized experience at GS-13 level including safety, flight operations, and aviation safety management.

Responsabilidades

• Serve as instructor pilot aboard high-performance jet trainer and support astronaut readiness training.
• Piloting large two-engine jet and/or four-engine turbo-prop cargo aircraft on diverse missions with possible extended deployments.
• As PIC, manage up to 9 crew and coordinate passengers, engineers and scientists during missions.
• Review engineering designs and readiness proposals to support research flight programs and airborne missions.
• Represent the Aviation Safety Office in Readiness Reviews for modifications and deployments.
• Identify aviation hazards, lead investigations, and contribute to safety inspections and training.

Conocimientos

FAA pilot license with instrument

Military instructor pilot

Flight instructor certification

Descripción del empleo

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.

Location

Houston, TX

Telework Eligibility

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.

Remote Job

No

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed

No

Salary

$161,169 – $197,200 per year

Pay Scale & Grade

GS 14

Work Schedule

Full-time

Travel Required

Occasional travel – You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment Type

Permanent

Occupations and Job Series

2181 Aircraft Operation

Supervisory Status

No

Federal Service Type

This job is in the Competitive Service

Union Representation

No

Drug Test

Yes

Security Clearance

Sensitive Compartmented Information

Position Sensitivity and Risk

Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Background Check

Suitability/Fitness

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Announcement Number

JSC-27-DE-13101073-LC

Control Number

890720500

Public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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.

Requirements

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:

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 servicesAND
   • 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

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 applicationAND
• 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.

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.”

Any applicant that received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) from the federal government within the last five years based on 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, see 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.

• 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;
• 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.

Benefits

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.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management’s Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and veterans’ preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Veterans: Under the provisions of Direct Hire Authority, veterans’ preference does not apply. However, applicants who are eligible for veterans’ preference are encouraged to include that information in your application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). For more information please see: Veterans’ Preference information on the FedsHireVets website.

You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

You will be assessed on the following competencies:

• Advanced Technical Training Design
• Crew Systems and Aviation Operations
• Institutional Aircraft Operations
• Accident Investigation
• Decision Making
• Oral Communication
• Teamwork

NASA considers paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

NASA will not ask you to disclose criminal history record information during the application process or before we make a conditional/tentative offer of employment. If you apply for this position and are selected, NASA will conduct a suitability/security background investigation after you accept a tentative job offer. If you feel you are asked to disclose your criminal history before you accept a tentative offer and wish to file a complaint within 30 days, please contact: Agency‑[e-mail].

Agency Contact Information

NASA Shared Services Center

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Address: Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058, US

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance:

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Select Service Signature and false statements
• Social security number request

Required Documents

All submitted resumes must not exceed two (2) pages in length. Resumes longer than two pages will be rejected by USAJOBS. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize including experience and relevant qualifications that directly align with the position advertised. All work experience and accomplishments must be associated with dates (month/year) to allow for accurate qualification assessment.

A complete application package includes a resume, required documents and completion of the vacancy announcement questionnaire. Please see this guidance: What to include in your resume. Your resume should describe your specialized experience and support your answers to the vacancy announcement questionnaire. If you are using a Curriculum Vitae (CV) as a resume, it must meet all requirements listed above for a complete resume package.

Please note: if any of the following types of information are included on your resume, your application package will be disqualified:

• Classified or government sensitive information.
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Photos of yourself
• Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
• Encrypted and digitally signed documents

The following documents are required:

• Professional License
• Professional Certification
• Resume

There may be other supporting documents (licenses, certification, veterans preference, etc.), depending on your answers to the questionnaire and job announcement description, that you may need to submit, please verify your application. Do not submit your OF-306 with your application.

If you are a surplus or displaced employee (CTAP and ICTAP), submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP. This includes copies of your agency notice, most recent Performance Rating and most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting current position, grade level, and duty location.

Official documents are required at the time of appointment for verification of eligibility and qualifications.