FLIGHT TEST PILOT

U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 142,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking a Flight Test Pilot for its Customs and Border Protection division. In this role, you will provide essential technical guidance and execute flight tests to support the agency's Aviation and Marine Test Program. You are required to have specialized experience in flight testing and a valid FAA Medical Certificate.

Qualifications

• Must have 1750 hours total flight time, with specific flight hours as detailed.
• Relevant experience in flight testing and analysis of aircraft performance data is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance in Aviation and Marine Test and Evaluation.
• Conduct test flights and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Review test-related documentation for accuracy and compliance.

Skills

Technical guidance

Flight testing

Aircraft performance analysis

Education

Completion of flight test course

FAA Medical Certificate Class I or II

Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, Operational Test and Evaluation Center located Washington, D.C.
Duties

As a Flight Test Pilot, you will provide technical assistance to management's development, planning, and execution of the agency's Aviation and Marine Test and Evaluation (T&E) Program.

This position starts at a salary of $142,488.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $185,234.00 (GS-14, Step 10)

Typical Work Assignments Include:

Requirements

Qualifications
This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement.

Completed a long flight test course (flight tests schools include but are not limited to U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (USAFTPS) U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS), Empire Test Pilot School (ETPS) or National TPS (pilot long course)). Or have least 1 year of experience of either flight-testing aircraft for engineering approval (civilian or military) or analyzing aircraft performance data.

An FAA Medical Certificate Class I or II. Either one must be within 12 calendar months of the date of issuance. Your FAA Medical certificate must be valid through the closing date of this announcement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Military flight medicals cannot be used.

Must obtain/ maintain qualification/certification/training currency in designated fixed and rotary wing aircraft for test pilot duties

Flight Hours: You must have 1750 hours total flight time. Within the 1750 hours you must have/show:

• 1150 hours pilot-in-command
• 75-night flight hours
• 100 flight hours within the last 12 months

Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Providing technical guidance and review of test programs and representing the program in technical matters related to testing, test design, test budgeting, test analysis, test results, new test competencies, workload acceptance, and related evaluations
• Conducting test flights in accordance with, aircraft flight/performance manual, established test plans, FAA Federal air regulations, policies and procedures governing how aircraft are certified, what requirements the crew must have, including pilots or others, where the aircraft can be flown, and basic flight operations
• Reviewing responses to test related documentation, annual reports, and periodic metrics to ensure accuracy and compliance to safety requirements, federal air regulations, etc
• Developing, executing, and reviewing test cards, test readiness briefings, safety readiness briefs, test out-briefs and coordinate all activities supporting test execution
• Performing duties beyond the functional check flight duties, engaging in more complex and experimental testing of aircraft systems, performance and designing under various conditions.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

Experience refers to 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.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 06/06/2025.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers

Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
• A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
• Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
• Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.