ER‐2 High‐Altitude Research Pilot – NASA AFRC (Edwards AFB)

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

The mission

Join NASA AFRC’s high‑altitude research team flying the ER‑2—NASA’s variant of the U‑2S—on scientific and airborne sensing missions that push the edge of the stratosphere. As an i3‑supported Research Pilot based at Edwards AFB, you’ll conduct full‑time flight operations for NASA and its partners, with opportunities to support additional NASA aircraft and globally deployed campaigns.

What you’ll do

• Execute ER‑2 and assigned aircraft sorties in accordance with FAA, OEM, and all applicable directives, regulations, and instructions.
• Maintain performance standards per training plans, Flight Crew Branch policies, and program directives; demonstrate Emergency Bold Face procedures from memory.
• Exhibit expert knowledge of aircraft systems, limitations, safety precautions, airfield operations, and ATC regulations/procedures.
• Support deployed operations (CONUS/OCONUS) and long‑duration missions in high‑altitude, confined‑space environments.
• Participate in i3 and NASA‑directed continuation training, meetings, and safety forums.
• Perform on‑site tasks for safe, secure, and professional operations; provide administrative and flight‑ops scheduling/record‑keeping support.
• Maintain proficiency, currency, and annual requirements per NPR 7900.3C, NPD 7900.4D, AFPD 8700.1, and AFOP 7900.3‑006.

What you’ll bring

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution (major in engineering, physical science, life science, or mathematics desired).
• Pilot credentials: FAA CPL with instrument, multiengine, and single‑engine land ratings; or military pilot and instrument ratings.
• Flight experience: Minimum 1,500 hours Pilot‑in‑Command (PIC) required (verified). U‑2 pilot experience required; 1,000+ hours in the U‑2 and currency within the past five years are highly desired.
• Operational readiness: Current U.S. passport valid through employment period; ability to routinely deploy worldwide.
• Security & medical: Able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance; pass NASA Flight Medical Certification and random drug screenings.
• Training background: Formal military training in relevant duties (DD‑214 annotating AFSC/MOS) or equivalent civilian experience highly desired.
• Tools & systems: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard flight ops/scheduling tools.

Training, standards, and support

NASA provides training and qualification checks, periodic simulator events, and periodic flight physicals via a NASA‑authorized flight surgeon. You’ll uphold rigorous standards aligned with NASA and Air Force policy, ensuring mission safety, data quality, and crew readiness across all operations.

Why this role

• Fly one of the world’s premier high‑altitude research platforms in support of groundbreaking science and national missions.
• Operate within a world‑class safety culture with structured training, currency, and simulator pipelines.
• Broaden your portfolio across a diverse NASA fleet, including crewed and remotely piloted platforms.

Next steps

Note: Employment is through government contractor i3 in support of NASA AFRC operations.