Job opening: FLIGHT TEST PILOT
Salary: $141 215 - 183 582 per year
Relocation: YES
Published at: Apr 01 2024
Employment Type: Full-time
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Duties
The primary purpose of this position: Serve as the Air Force's Lead Operational Test Pilot in the B-2 Stealth Bomber program providing direction and oversight for up to 5 other unit pilots.
Serves as a Bomber Operational Test Pilot; performs operational test pilot duties from ground operations (on aircraft or in the weapons simulator) to flight operations (B-2A sorties) in support of test and evaluation of new aircraft systems and software and tactics development.
Serves as Rated Project Officer; provides operational expertise for ground and flight test programs to include aircraft upgrades/modifications and tactics development missions
Serves as B-2 and T-38 Aircraft Commander (AC), Instructor Pilot (IP) and/or Evaluator Pilot (EP); executes and debriefs military flight sorties acting as AC, IP, and/or EP. Position functions as the Mission Commander (MC) or PIC of the mission
Serves as Lead Operational Test Pilot for Standardization and Evaluation, Training, and Scheduling
Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship Required
- Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
- If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
- This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
- Disclosure of Political Appointments
- Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
- Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
- Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
- Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
- Employee is required to meet and maintain the necessary knowledge and skill levels in the application of rated aviator expertise and an IP and/or EP
- Employee must possess a current Instrument airplane rating and FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, airplane multi-engine land (AMEL); Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, AMEL; or military equivalent
- Employee must have successfully completed a Class 1 Flight Physical
- Employee must have logged a minimum of 1,000 hours of time as AC / PIC in high performance aircraft, and have previous experience as a B-2 Instructor Pilot
- Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours; schedule may change on a daily basis due to the operational flying schedule
- Duty may include work on weekends and/or holidays; may be required to fly in commercial and military aircraft to perform other duty assignments
- This position has been identified as a designated position under the USAF Drug Testing Plan; employee is subject to random drug testing
- This position may be designated mission essential based on local conditions; mission essential personnel report for duty at normal times when the base is closed or delayed reporting, and remain on duty during phased or early release
- Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a top secret/SCI security clearance
- This position is Centrally Managed in Operations career field
Qualifications
Employee may be exposed to loud noise, extreme gravity forces (up to 5 Gs), high speed flight, as well as typical risks and/or discomforts associated with flying aircraft over land and open water at 50,000 feet and below, while performing combat tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a top secret/SCI security clearance
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-2181, Aircraft Operations Series. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/aircraft-operation-series-2181/
In order to qualify, you must meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements and the Minimum Flight Hour Requirements described below:
Note: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
AND
Certification and Ratings: For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required.
Flight Experience: Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. The categories in which candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements: The following flight hour requirements apply to all applicants:
Total Flight Time -- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For inservice placements actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may by waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided:
They hold the certificates and ratings required;
They have acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work;
They meet the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and
Their flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.
Pilot-In-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
Night Flying -- For inservice placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
Flying Time, Last 12 Months -- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments. For inservice placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the individual's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely. For positions flying both helicopters and airplanes, at least one-fourth of the total hours must be in either category of aircraft.
Requirements
Category Flight Hours GS-11 and above
1. Total Flight Time 1500
2. Pilot-In-Command 250
3. Night Flying 75
4. Flying Time, Last 12 months 100
The following flight hour requirements apply only when the position requires the particular specialty.
Instructor Time -- Must be related to the nature of the instruction work and the category of aircraft operated (i.e., airplane or helicopter) in the position to be filled. If the purpose of the position is to provide instruction in instrument flight techniques, one-half of the flight time must have involved instrument instruction in either airplanes or helicopters.
Requirements
Category Flight Hours GS-11 and above
Instructor Time 500
Additional Requirements For Flight Test Pilot
For flight test pilots, the minimum flight hour requirements shown for grades GS-11 and above are increased as follows:
Requirements
Category Flight Hours GS-11 and above
Total Flight Time1750
Pilot-In-Command1150
The notes above on Total Flight Time and Pilot-in-Command also apply to flight test pilot positions. Flight test positions also require completion of a flight test course such as a military flight test school or the FAA flight test pilot course, or at least 1 year of experience either flight testing aircraft for engineering approval (civilian or military) or analyzing aircraft performance data.
Medical Requirements
At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position, and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
Continued...
Education
... Qualifications Continued
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
- Mastery of USAF aircraft operations, aircrew training, aircrew standardization and evaluation, aerospace resource management, aircrew life support, aircraft and aircrew safety, and aircraft flight test management; systems and operating procedures, advanced instrument techniques, aerobatic maneuvers, close and tactical formation flying, high-speed flight, aerial refueling, and range missions with ordnance, as well as knowledge of high-performance bomber aircraft, and of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of the corresponding aircraft simulator.
- Knowledge of a wide range of advanced multi-disciplinary professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, equipment, and of system engineering and efforts required to achieve and preserve operational safety, suitability, and effectiveness (OSS&E) in systems or end-items.
- Knowledge of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structure, and operation of the DoD and organizations that govern, interface with, and/or influence systems acquisition, development, test, and/or sustainment; and knowledge of planning, programming, and budgeting cycles, financial systems, and restrictions on expenditure of funds.
- Knowledge of and skill in evaluating state-of-the-art and advancements in theory, application, technology, and policy affecting systems being developed, and in planning, organizing, and directing the functions and staff in critical aspects of development, production, sustainment, test, and/or support of systems, sub-systems, or equipment.
- Knowledge of the methods, AF principles, practices, and programs related to curriculum development, instructional techniques, and training resources.
- Skill in review and analysis techniques and methods to appraise assigned programs or projects; identify needs and solutions; develop goals, policies, and procedures; monitor progress; and evaluate success; ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral reports, as well as communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy in written reports.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Contacts
- Address Whiteman AFB
702 8th Street
Bldg 604, Suite B
Whiteman AFB, MO 35305
US
- Name: Total Force Service Center
- Phone: 1-800-525-0102
- Email: [email protected]
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