Pilot I

Nevada National Security Sites; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 83,720 - 239,096; Full time

Job summary

MSTS is seeking a professional pilot to join the Aviation Department for the Remote Sensing Laboratory at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, NV. The role starts as Second in Command on King Air 350ER and AW139, with a path to PIC in both aircraft, contingent on type ratings and training completion.

The NNSA Air unit acts as an emergency response team; standby duties, deployment readiness, and rigorous safety standards are required. DOE clearance and U.S. citizenship are prerequisites.

Qualifications

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument ratings in Airplane Multi‑engine Land and Rotorcraft Helicopter.
• FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
• Documented flight experience meeting or exceeding 1,500 total hours, with at least 500 hours in airplanes and 500 hours in helicopters.
• Thorough knowledge of FAA regulations, Part 91 Operations and Public Aircraft Operations.
• Consent to release FAA Pilot Records Database information per 14 CFR Part 111.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Flight Planning: Study flight plans, evaluate weather, check fuel, weight, and payload limits.
• Aircraft Inspections: Perform walk‑arounds and instrument checks before takeoff.
• Crew Briefings: Inform flight crew and co‑pilots about flight details and safety protocols.
• Navigate and operate aircraft controls along planned routes and maintain ATC contact.
• Monitor engines, fuel, weather, and adjust routes to avoid turbulence or storms.
• Provide passenger updates on flight status, weather, and delays.
• Post‑flight: document logbooks, maintenance logs, and status reports.

Skills

Excellent communication

Safety-conscious

Education

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (IR)

FAA Second Class Medical Certificate

1,500 total flight hours (500+ in airplanes, 500+ in helicopters)

Tools

King Air 350ER

AW139

Proline Fusion Avionics

Job description

Job Description

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Our mission is to ensure the security of the United States and its allies by providing high‑hazard experimentation and incident response capabilities through operations, engineering, education, field, and integration services, and by acting as environmental stewards to the Site’s Cold War legacy. Our vision is to be the user site of choice for large‑scale, high‑hazard, national security experimentation, with premier facilities and capabilities below ground, on the ground, and in the air. MSTS employs over 2,750 professional, craft, and support employees who innovate, collaborate, and deliver on some of the most challenging nuclear security challenges.

Full‑time employees receive a competitive salary and benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a pension and a 401(k); paid time off and 96 paid holidays; relocation assistance (if located more than 75 mi from the work location); tuition assistance and reimbursement; and more.

Responsibilities

MSTS is seeking a professional pilot to join our Aviation Department to support the Remote Sensing Laboratory located at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, NV. Operated on both fixed‑wing aircraft and helicopters, this is a unique dual‑rated pilot position in support of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

Initially perform pilot duties as a Second in Command (Pilot 1) in a King Air 350ER and AW139, with the intent to upgrade to Pilot In Command in both. Continued employment is contingent on successful completion of both type rating courses (KingAir 350 and AW139) and the ability to upgrade to Pilot 4 in a timely manner (typically a year).

The NNSA Air unit is primarily an emergency response team. Pilots must be prepared to respond if activated. Standby requirements include:

• On‑standby as needed, usually 2–3 weeks per month, occasionally longer.
• Standby pay of $40 per day.
• Residence within 2 hrs of the assigned base while on standby.
• Reliable cell‑phone reception during standby.
• Physically fit to fly and meet additional physical and inoculation requirements.
• May be deployed for several weeks straight for emergency or non‑emergency missions.

Additional duties:

• Develop written mission planning documents and risk/hazard assessments.
• Provide safety and mission briefings to technical crew, mission scientists, and electronic technicians/operators.

Pre‑Flight Responsibilities

• Flight Planning: Study flight plans, evaluate weather reports, and check fuel requirements, aircraft weight, and payload limits.
• Aircraft Inspections: Perform comprehensive walk‑arounds and instrument checks before takeoff to verify engine, landing gear, and navigation system conditions.
• Crew Briefings: Inform the flight crew and co‑pilots about flight details, safety protocols, and route‑specific conditions.

In‑Flight Responsibilities

• Navigate and operate aircraft controls along planned routes, using visual references and cockpit instrumentation.
• Maintain continuous contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to manage takeoffs, landings, and altitude or route modifications.
• Monitor engines, fuel consumption, and weather, adjusting routes to avoid turbulence or severe storms.
• Provide passenger updates on flight status, weather, and delays.
• Collaborate with the First Officer and Cabin Crew to execute standard operating procedures and ensure passenger safety.

Post‑Flight Responsibilities

• Ensure aircraft is properly secured and parked upon arrival.
• Complete official logbooks, maintenance logs, and status reports, noting any system malfunctions.

Safety & Emergency Management

• Make split‑second decisions and manage communication with ATC and crew during mechanical, medical, or weather emergencies.
• Adhere strictly to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations or local aviation authority standards.
• Participate in mandatory training, simulator tests, and health evaluations to maintain flight certifications.
• Perform other related work as assigned by Supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 6 years of professional‑level experience.
• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument ratings in both Airplane Multi‑engine Land and Rotorcraft Helicopter.
• FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
• Documented flight experience meeting or exceeding 1,500 total hours, with at least 500 hours in airplanes and 500 hours in helicopters.
• Thorough knowledge of FAA regulations, Part 91 Operations and Public Aircraft Operations.
• Consent to release of FAA Pilot Records Database information per 14 CFR Part 111.
• Excellent communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (Airplane Multi‑engine Land and Rotorcraft-Helicopter).
• 2,500 hours total time with 300 hours in King Air series aircraft and 300 hours in twin‑turbine helicopters in the previous 24 months.
• AW‑139 Type Rating.
• BE-300 Type Rating.
• Proline Fusion Avionics experience.
• FAA Certified Flight Instructor Certificates.
• Turbine aircraft experience.
• Formal training at an FAA Part 142 Training Center (e.g., Flight Safety).
• Primary work location at Remote Sensing Laboratories, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
• Willingness to work non‑standard hours and deploy worldwide on short notice.
• Willingness to fulfill standby emergency response duty.
• Pre‑placement physical examination, including drug screen. MSTS maintains a substance‑abuse policy with random drug testing.
• Valid driver’s license.

Security Clearance & Background

MSTS requires a DOE Q‑level security clearance, U.S. citizenship, and a minimum of 18 years of age. Applicants must obtain and maintain clearance, including background investigations, counter‑intelligence evaluations, and possible polygraph examinations, per DOE directives and 10 CFR Part 707.4, 709.

Salary Range

• Pilot 1: $83,720.00 – $125,590.40 (annual).
• Pilot 2: $109,054.40 – $163,592.00.
• Pilot 3: $134,222.40 – $201,344.00.
• Pilot 4: $159,390.40 – $239,096.00.

Equal Opportunity Employment

MSTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. MSTS is a background screening, drug‑free workplace.