ER-2 High-Altitude Flight Research Pilot

Pilot Assessments; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

i3 seeks an experienced Research Pilot to join NASA AFRC’s high‑altitude flight team based at Edwards AFB. You will conduct full‑time flight operations for NASA and partners, flying the ER‑2 and related aircraft on scientific campaigns and global deployments.

The role requires a Bachelor’s or higher in a relevant field, an FAA CPL with instrument, multi‑engine, and single‑engine land ratings (or military equivalents), and substantial PIC flight hours including U‑2 experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, physical science, life science, or math.
• FAA CPL with instrument, multi-engine and single-engine land ratings, or military pilot ratings.
• 1,500 PIC hours; U‑2 pilot experience preferred (1,000+ hours in U‑2 highly desired).
• US passport current and valid; ability to deploy worldwide.
• DoD SECRET clearance and NASA Flight Medical Certification eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Execute ER‑2 sorties per directives and regulations.
• Maintain performance per training plans and policies; demonstrate emergency procedures.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of systems, safety, airfield operations, and ATC procedures.
• Support deployments CONUS/OCONUS and long‑duration missions.
• Participate in training, meetings, and safety forums.
• Provide flight‑ops scheduling/record‑keeping support.
• Maintain currency per NPR 7900.3C and related directives.

Skills

Flight operations

Safety procedures

ATC regulations

Flight scheduling

Crew readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering/physical science/math

Tools

Microsoft Office

Scheduling tools

Job description

i3 seeks an experienced Research Pilot to join NASA AFRC’s high‑altitude flight team based at Edwards AFB. You will conduct full‑time flight operations for NASA and partners, flying the ER‑2 and related aircraft on scientific campaigns and global deployments.

The role requires a Bachelor’s or higher in a relevant field, an FAA CPL with instrument, multi‑engine, and single‑engine land ratings (or military equivalents), and substantial PIC flight hours including U‑2 experience.