Flight Test Pilot

Air Force Civilian Service; Valparaiso (FL); On-site; USD 126,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The Air Force Test Center is seeking a Rotary-Wing Flight Test Pilot (GS-2181-14) to work at Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB, Florida. The role conducts flight tests of new or modified aircraft and trains pilots in flight test techniques, ensuring safe, effective operations.

U.S. citizenship is required, with DAWIA and security clearances. The position offers a competitive salary ($125,776–$163,514) and potential recruitment/relocation incentives, plus comprehensive federal benefits.

Job description

The Air Force Test Center (AFTC) is where tomorrows Air Force is tested! Long considered the “Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe”, AFTC is truly where Air Force superiority begins. Home to many Aerospace establishments and records, AFTC remains the state-of-the-art leader in Aerospace testing, and provides the warfighter with cutting-edge technology. AFTC does not only celebrate its past, but we continue to lead from the front. Join our team today and make Aerospace history! Go above and beyond. At the Air Force Civilian Service, we are the powerhouse behind the U.S. Air Force. From developing cutting-edge technology to ensuring the well-being of our Airmen, your work will have a global impact. Pilots: Turn Your Operational Experience into Mission-Shaping Impact—Guide the Next Wave of Combat Pilots to Strengthen America’s Air Dominance.

About the Role:

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Position Rotary-Wing Flight Test Pilot (GS-2181-14) to work at the 96 Test Wing, 96th Operations Group, 413 Flight Test Squadron, at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base. The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a rotary-wing flight test pilot for the 413 FLTS. The incumbent conducts flight tests of new or critically modified aircraft and instructs pilots in flight test techniques and responsibilities during flight test missions. The incumbent directs activities and manages resources and processes responsible for the effective employment and utilization of squadron aerospace vehicles and implements policy and procedures for aircrew personnel performing flight test operations and test support activities.

Location: Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field AFB, Florida

Typical 2026 salary range: $125,776 - $ 163,514 per year (includes locality)

Telework Information: Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”

Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible

Incentives: This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.

Direct Hire Authority: NO 6-MONTH WAIT! Recently retired and/or retiring from MILITARY service ARE eligible for immediate appointment for AFTC positions. The 180-day waiting period has been waived for AFTC to hire recently retired and/or retiring service members.

Must have requirements or may not be considered:

• Conducts comprehensive developmental flight tests evaluating aircraft flying qualities, performance envelope expansion, and integrated mission systems across diverse rotary-wing configurations and operational regimes
• Manages research, test and evaluation projects and programs. Works with program managers, engineers, aircrew members, maintenance crews, and contractors to plan and identify test objectives, test points, test procedures, safety considerations, risks and hazards as well as factors and actions to mitigate risks and hazards.
• Integrates test objectives, organizes and directs test activities, and supervises flight operations.
• Secures flight planning information to include weather, route planning, aircraft status, fuel requirements, performance data, military flight releases and other planning items as dictated by mission requirements.
• Complies with all laws, regulatory requirements and directives applicable to the conduct of flight test missions.
• Supports squadron leadership on matters regarding aircraft flight test operations and test support activities.
• Recommends and implements policies, procedures and guidance for unit flight operations required to meet mission needs.
• Performs the functions of the Command Chief Pilot and/or Government Flight Representative (GFR). As a GFR, provides oversight for various aircraft acquisition, aircrew support, and maintenance contracts.
• Monitors the standardization program of the contractor and assigned government aircrews to ensure the standardization of maneuvers, procedures and operating criteria.
• Monitors and evaluates contractor and assigned military aircrews on flight activities.
• The employee may be required to travel via military and/or commercial means to perform temporary duty assignments.
• This position is Acquisition Category Professional Development Program (APDP) Test and Evaluation Level II.
• The employee must meet, or be capable of meeting, Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements.

Desired Skills:

• Current or previously qualified military Instructor Pilot in the H-1, H-60, MH-139, or V-22.
• Experience planning, executing, and reporting under USAF Test Center rules and procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of USAF aircraft operations, aircrew training, aircrew standardization and evaluation, aerospace resource management, aerospace test and evaluation, and aircrew personnel equipment and survival training is required.
• Ten years of military pilot rated officer experience with active military/government flight experience within the last 4 years is highly desired.
• A minimum of 2,000 flight hours in rotary-wing and/or tilt-rotor aircraft types is highly desired.
• At least 100 hours of instrument flying and a minimum of 100 hours instructor time is highly desired.
• Prior experience as an evaluator pilot is highly desired.
• Functional Check Flight/Maintenance Test Flight and/or Operational Test Flight experience is desired.
• Qualification and currency in the unit’s assigned aircraft is highly desired.

Major Duties:

• Current or previously qualified Instructor Pilot in a rotary-wing or tilt-rotor aircraft.
• Graduate of a recognized long-course Test Pilot School (USAF TPS, USN TPS, National TPS, Empire TPS, EPNER, or International TPS).
• Ability to perform frequent and regular aerial flights in high performance military aircraft associated with training, evaluation, test, and test support military flight activity is required.
• Applicant must meet periodic USAF Class II medical standards as required by Air Force instructions.
• Applicant will have access to flight surgeons and must comply with AFI 48-123 requirements to see a flight surgeon for Duties Not Involving Flying (DNIF) and Return to Flying Status (RTFS) determinations.
• The medical role of the flight surgeon will be limited to “fitness for flight duty” determinations, i.e. DNIF and RTFS.
• Able to complete land and water survival training.
• Knowledge of Expeditionary Air Force concepts, aircraft maintenance, flight safety, acquisition, force development and security regulations, practices, and procedures is required.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, to include public speaking before large and small audiences is required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with a broad range of contacts is required.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship (Required)
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD STATEMENT: Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. (NOTE: Typically, the 1-year probationary period is for Competitive Jobs, and 2-year trail period is for Excepted Jobs.)
• Drug Testing: This is a designated Drug Testing Position
• Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain and “Top Secret” security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
• DAWIA Certification: (if applicable) (Example: Must be able to obtain and maintain the required level of Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification within 9 months of assigned duties.
• Physical: (if applicable) Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical

Top 5-6 job related KSAs:

• Ability to conduct developmental rotary-wing aircraft flight test at the most critical test conditions of loading, speed, maneuvering, and configuration. Ability to determine maximum limits ofsafe rotary-wing/tiltrotor operation and aerodynamic stability where a substantial degree of hazard exists.
• In-depth knowledge of USAF aircraft operations, aircrew training, aircrew standardization and evaluation, aerospace resource management, aerospace test and evaluation, and aircrew personnel equipment and survival training is required.
• Ten years of military pilot rated officer experience with active military/government flight experience within the last 4 years is highly desired. A minimum of 2,000 flight hours, of which 1,500 hours rotary-wing and 500 hours night-vision device experience is highly desired.
• At least 75 hours of instrument flying and a minimum of 100 hours instructor time is highly desired.
• Prior experience as an evaluator pilot is highly desired. Functional Check Flight/Maintenance Test Flight and/or Operational Test Flight experience is desired.
• Graduate of a Military Test Pilot Course or School (or equivalent) is highly desired. Qualification and currency in the unit’s assigned aircraft is highly desired.
• Ability to perform frequent and regular aerial flights in high performance military aircraft associated with training, evaluation, test, and test support military flight activity is required. Applicant must meet periodic USAF Class II medical standards as required by Air Force instructions. Applicant will have access to flight surgeons and must comply with AFI 48-123 requirements to see a flight surgeon for Duties Not Involving Flying (DNIF) and Return to Flying Status (RTFS) determinations. The medical role of the flight surgeon will be limited to “fitness for flight duty” determinations, i.e. DNIF and RTFS.
• Knowledge of Expeditionary Air Force concepts, aircraft maintenance, flight safety, acquisition, force development and security regulations, practices, and procedures is required.
• Ability to plan, organize, mentor, motivate, and direct the functions of and appraise subordinate personnel is required. Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources is required.

Air Force Civilian Service Employment Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: 11 Federal Holidays each year 13 sick leave days earned per year (accumulative)
• Paid Vacation Time: 13-26 days per year based on length of employment
• Health Insurance: No waiting period to qualify for you and your family
• Retirement: Immediate coverage by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
• Basic Benefits Plan Social Security: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), like a 401(k) (Automatically receive 1% agency contributions and up to 5% matching)
• Health & Wellness: Various Medical Flexible Spending Account Federal Long Term Care Insurance, and Life & Disability Insurance
• Work/Life Balance: Family and Medical Leave Act Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Flexible Work Arrangements (dependent on position)
• Career Development: Tuition Assistance & Professional Development opportunities Career enhancement and promotion opportunities

To learn more about our benefits, please check out the AFTC Benefits Trifold at https://simplebooklet.com/260902aftcbenefitstrifold

Should you have any questions about job qualifications, please refer to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Classification & Qualifications for Federal Government Employees: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/.

Federal Resume Tips: Resumes limited to two pages. Federal agencies now only accept resumes up to two pages in length. Learn more about the new resume requirements at: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include https://afciviliancareers.com/PDF/FederalResumeWriting.pdf

Visit the Air Force Test Center job board to view other career opportunities: https://www.aftc.af.mil/About-Us/Jobs/

AFTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.