Aerospace Engineer, AST, Research Pilot - NASA

Aerospace Engineer, AST, Research Pilot
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Summary
This position is located in the Aircraft Operations Division, Flight Operations Directorate. As a Aerospace Engineer and Project/Research Pilot you will pilot aircraft used in research, development, and test programs; evaluate test parameters and results; perform flights and ground simulations of advanced missions; and actively participate with project engineers and scientists responsible for the development, design, testing, evaluation, and reporting on new aircraft or aircraft systems.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO APPLY

Open & closing dates: 12/08/2025 to 12/19/2025

Salary: $159,573 to - $195,200 per year

Pay scale & grade: GS 14

Location: Johnson Space Ctr , Houston, TX

Duties

• Serves as an instructor pilot aboard a high performance jet trainer, and performs classroom and simulator instructor duty in support of Astronaut Space Flight Readiness Training.
• Serves as pilot-in-command/co-pilot aboard a large two-engine business jet, large two-engine high altitude research jet and/or a large four engine turbo propeller cargo aircraft flying a variety of missions, and extended domestic/overseas deployment.
• As pilot-in-command, responsible for managing up to 9 crew, supporting passengers during mission support operations, and/or engineers and scientists for airborne science missions.
• Serves as a project team member providing engineering and operational expertise for periodic test and research flight programs, to include aircraft upgrades/modifications and airborne science missions.
• Manages project schedule as required. Supports reviews, such as the Configuration Control Panel, Test Readiness Review, Flight Readiness Review, and Operational Readiness Review meetings, for modifications to division aircraft.
• Identifies hazards and reports unsafe acts and procedures. Supports investigation and resolution of aircraft anomalies and mishaps as assigned. Participates in safety inspections and training.
• Provides in-flight support for emergency aircraft, managing flight schedule, and monitoring status of aircraft off-station. Recommends and submits task requests for aircraft upgrades. Monitors and provides aircrew input for all aircraft upgrades.
• Communicates effectively with other project pilots and NASA managers to effectively utilize aircrew and aircraft to maximize mission accomplishment.
• Maintains aircraft flight manuals/checklists, aircraft-specific standard operating procedures, and annual proficiency exam and conducts quarterly continuation and aircraft-specific Crew Resource training.
• Plans aircraft deployments and coordinates travel requirements for all travelers. Ensures deploying aircrew have requisite training and documentation.
• Foster a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence and innovation. Champion NASA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility to create an environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• This position may require a one-year probationary period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. **See Additional Information section**
• You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• You must be proficient in the English Language.
• At the time of initial appointment, you must possess a current FAA first class medical certificate or a military pilot flight physical; or you must obtain a NASA flight medical certification.
• Position subject to pre-employment security background investigation.

Qualifications

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.

1. Certificate and Rating: A current Federal Aviation Administration commercial pilot's license with:

• An instrument rating and flight instructor certification OR
• An instrument pilot rating and flight instructor certification from the armed services.

2. Flight Hours:

• 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command (or first pilot) flight time that included at least 500 hours in a high-performance jet aircraft having at least 3,000 pounds of thrust per engine.

3. Specialized experience:

To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level:

• Utilizing principles of engineering with respect to research and/or test flight operations;
• Planning and coordinating aircraft missions and aircraft evaluation projects, to include test plan preparation;
• Applying technical project management to include planning, scheduling, and managing technical requirements involving high-performance aircraft;
• Establishing aviation safety training principles and procedures; and present briefings and technical information to all levels of management.

Desired Experience:

• Experience as a Military Test Pilot and hold an FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

To receive proper consideration, you must:

1. Submit a copy of your current license with your application
2. Ensure that your flight hours are indicated in your resume.

NOTE: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot when requested.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

Education

Basic Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with a major in one of the following:
a) Engineering from a college or university that has ABET accredited engineering programs
b) Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science or other field of Science
c) Computer Science that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in any combination of mathematics, statistics and computer science with at least half of those hours in mathematics and statistics courses that included differential and integral calculus; and that provided an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of computer science, including digital computer system architecture and system software organization, the representation and transformation of information structures, and the theoretical models for such representations and transformations.

If you did not complete a qualifying bachelor's degree, you may be eligible if you have obtained a graduate degree in an AST qualifying field, as listed above.

Degrees in engineering technology are not considered qualifying for this position.

Engineering degrees earned within the United States: Engineering degrees earned within the United States must be from a college or university that has at least one ABET accredited engineering program. To find out if a school has at least one ABET accredited program, please visit http://www.abet.org.

Engineering degrees earned outside the United States: Engineering degrees earned outside the United States must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), often known as accords. These are non-governmental agreements among organizations that accredit academic degree programs. MRAs recognize the substantial equivalence of mature accreditation systems and programs accredited by signatory organizations within their jurisdictions. For a listing of Signatories, please visit, https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/.

Science and other related degrees earned within the United States: Science and other related degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

Science and other related degrees earned outside the United States: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO APPLY

posted 8 December 

Senior Test Pilot - Wisk

Senior Test Pilot - Wisk

Click HERE to apply

At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!

We are looking for a Senior Test Pilot to join us in testing and certifying a new class of all-electric aircraft. As a member of the Flight Test team, you will be working closely with other Test Pilots and Flight Test Engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the certification group to validate and verify a revolutionary new aircraft design. Wisk recognizes the challenges that the UAM industry faces with regards the certification path for our vehicles. We are taking a pragmatic approach to this task and consequently are looking for experienced flight test personnel to join our talented team to make the certification process as efficient and effective as possible. 

Due to the nature of the work required for this position, this is an onsite opportunity. You will be required to work from our Hollister, CA flight test facility.  Infrequent travel to offsite test locations and training facilities will be part of the scope of your duties.

Your role will involve developing test plans following SMS processes to complete Test Hazard Analyses. You will support test program scheduling, participate in flight test execution as a Test Pilot, and write test reports to a standard required by certification authorities. You will also support writing and updating program documents including Aircraft Flight Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures.

Requirements: 

• 5+ years experience as a test pilot or flight test engineer in flight testing fixed/rotary-wing aircraft or similar complex aerospace systems.  Alternatively 7+ years of aviation industry experience with demonstrated experience in roles involving critical thinking and data analysis.
• FAA Commercial Pilot or ATP certificate (Fixed or Rotary Wing)
• Minimum FAA Second Class Medical certificate
• Bachelors of Science degree in a relevant engineering or technical field 
• Capability to work within the engineering organization to inform vehicle design early, rather than identifying problems later in the development process.
• Experience mission-relating engineering data to operational use cases.

Desired skills and experience: 

• Experience conducting flight test on program pursuing FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification
• Unmanned aircraft flight test experience
• Experience flying turbine-driven helicopters.
• Electric Propulsion test experience
• Both Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing flight test experience
• Human-to-vehicle interface design, test and evaluation experience
• Formal formation flying training
• Masters degree in a relevant engineering or technical field
• Familiarity with MBSE processes

Compensation and Benefits:

In addition to offering a great work environment and the opportunity to be part of the team making electric autonomous flight a reality, at Wisk, we offer excellent total rewards which include a competitive base salary, annual bonus, long term incentive, 401K, health benefits and much more.  

Job Type: Full-time

Pay range the company expects to pay: $133,000 - $157,000 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage  individuals from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized or underrepresented groups in the tech industry and aerospace, to apply for our job openings. We consider  every candidate who shares our passion for making the impossible possible, even if they may not strictly meet all preferred requirements. We firmly believe that a diverse range of perspectives can profoundly influence both our product and our company culture.

Wisk HQ is located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 9 off Fridays for full-time employees throughout the year, flexible vacation time off, 11 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately, commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, patent bonus program, and more.

To all recruitment agencies: Wisk Aero does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Wisk Aero employees, or any other organization location. Wisk Aero is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. 

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.

Click HERE to apply

posted 1 December 2025

Test Pilot & Director of Test - Merlin Labs

Test Pilot
Merlin Labs

Location: North Kingstown, RI

Click here to apply

About You:

Do you enjoy hands-on testing at the cutting edge of aerospace technology? Do you enjoy fast paced problem solving? Are you self-motivated and have a critical eye for flight safety and flight test details? Do you love the idea of more widely proliferated and safer flying machines, accessible to all?

If so, you might be a good fit to lead our Experimental Test Pilot position as part of our Flight Test team here at Merlin.

The Role:

• Lead capability testing on our test aircraft working with our engineering team in supporting development of our autonomy systems by flying early and often.
• As a lead project pilot, develop and drive the application of processes we need to prepare for, execute, and analyze our flight tests.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, flight controls, integration, and flight operation teams to develop test plans, ensure readiness for test, and drive efficient and effective collection of the data we need to test our systems.
• Execute flight tests as needed onsite, including assisting in building and approving test cards, verifying procedures and software via simulation, serving as test pilot, and supporting generation of analysis and deficiency reports after flight through robust flight test reports.
• This position may require up to 50% travel.

Qualifications:

• BS in Aerospace Engineering or a related subject.
• 5+ years direct experience with experimental flight tests or a combination of equivalent formal training and experience.
• Graduate of a recognized test pilot school or program.
• Knowledge of basic concepts of fixed wing aircraft flight dynamics and control.
• Enthusiastic willingness to do what needs to be done to help our flight test program succeed.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and organizational skills.

Bonus:

• Experience using software development environments and tools such as Linux, git, and Jira.
• Experience with flight controls product development, including testing and troubleshooting at the system level as well as at the software component level.

Compensation Range $215-250K

posted 20 November

Director of Flight Test

Merlin Labs

Location: North Kingstown, RI

Click here to apply

About You:

You are a proven leader in aerospace flight test, with hands-on experience in experimental and certification aircraft programs. You excel at navigating the complexities of first flights, envelope expansion, and certification paths for new aviation technologies. You bring a balance of technical expertise, operational discipline, and visionary leadership that enables you to safely manage the uncertainties inherent in experimental and prototype flight testing. You are motivated by pushing the boundaries of flight and shaping the future of aviation.

Responsibilities:

Lead all experimental and prototype flight test activities, from concept through certification.

Develop and execute test strategies for first flights, envelope expansion, systems validation, and performance testing.

Oversee creation of flight test plans, safety risk assessments, hazard analyses, and flight readiness reviews.

Partner closely with engineering teams to validate new designs, avionics, autonomy, propulsion, and control systems under test.

Direct the work of test pilots, flight test engineers, instrumentation specialists, and ground crews during experimental campaigns.

Ensure adherence to FAA/EASA/DoD experimental test standards and experimental certificate requirements.

Manage relationships with regulatory authorities, DERs, and other stakeholders to align test programs with certification objectives.

Provide leadership in accident/incident prevention, emergency response planning, and operational risk management.

Present technical and program-level updates to senior leadership, partners, and certification bodies.

Foster a culture of safety, innovation, and technical excellence within the test organization.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred).

10 + years of aerospace flight test experience, with significant focus on experimental or developmental aircraft programs.

Demonstrated success managing first-flight and experimental test programs for prototype aircraft.

Deep knowledge of flight sciences, test instrumentation, telemetry, and data analysis specific to experimental testing.

Expertise in FAA Part 21, Part 23/25, Part 27/29, or equivalent experimental certification processes.

Proven leadership of multidisciplinary test teams in high-risk experimental environments.

Strong technical communication skills, with the ability to brief both technical teams and executive stakeholders.

Nice to Haves:

Graduate of a recognized test pilot school or experimental flight test engineer program.

Pilot certification (experimental or test pilot background).

Compensation Range: $220-280K

posted 20 November

Chief Pilot – CIG

Company Name:  CIG

Chief Pilot – Challenger Private Corporate Aviation Operation
Location: Hybrid Englewood, Colorado

 Travel: Up to 45% (domestic and international)

Salary: 150000 - 200000

Command Excellence in Private Aviation
Work Arrangement:
 This position offers flexible work options tailored to candidate location. Local candidates will work in a hybrid capacity, reporting to the hangar one day per week. Out-of-state candidates may work remotely, reporting periodically to CO. These arrangements are designed to balance operational requirements with individual work preferences.

About the Role:
If you are an experienced aviator and a natural leader ready to take command of a world-class corporate flight department—setting the standard for safety, service, and professionalism—this is the opportunity for you.

This role blends hands-on flying with strategic leadership, ideal for a pilot who excels in both cockpit precision and operational excellence. You will mentor a small, high-performing team and collaborate closely with senior leadership to deliver seamless, exceptional travel experiences for executives, family members, and guests.

What You’ll Do
 • Lead with Purpose: Manage and inspire the flight crew—driving a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
 • Fly with Precision: Serve as Pilot in Command on domestic and international missions aboard our Challenger aircraft.
• Ensure Operational Excellence: Oversee scheduling, training, maintenance, and regulatory compliance for all flight operations.
 • Champion Safety: Uphold and enhance our SOPs, SMS, and FAA standards—raising the bar for corporate flight safety.
 • Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with maintenance and vendor partners to maintain aircraft readiness and performance.
 • Advise Leadership: Serve as a trusted partner to company executives, ensuring aviation operations align with business goals.
 • Deliver Service with Discretion: Provide a best-in-class travel experience that reflects professionalism, trust, and care.

What You Bring
 • FAA ATP with Challenger 604/605/650 type rating preferred
 • 10,000+ total hours and 5,000+ turbine PIC
 • Minimum 5 years of corporate aviation experience
 • Global/International flight experience preferred
 • Proven leadership and mentoring record
 • Current First-Class Medical
 • Valid passport (eligible for international travel)

Why You’ll Love This Opportunity
 • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package—medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
 • Work for a stable, privately owned company with an impeccable safety record and strong reputation
 • Enjoy a balanced lifestyle—combining flying and leadership with manageable travel
 • Opportunity to shape and grow a respected aviation program with full support from senior leadership

Join Our Flight Department
 If you’re passionate about excellence in both leadership and flight operations—and ready to elevate a premier corporate aviation team—we’d love to meet you. Apply today and help lead the future of our aviation program.

Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/lrjnWwTX2XPeBtQ7oiPxEb

PI277455789

posted 22 August. updated 29 October. updated 11 November.

Lead Test Pilot - Reliable Robotics

Reliable Robotics
Lead Test Pilot
Full Time
San Martin/Mountain View, CA

For more information and to apply click HERE.

We're building safety-enhancing technology for aviation that will save lives. Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods — and eventually people — move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.

As a Lead Test Pilot you will have a senior leadership role within the flight operations team at Reliable Robotics. You will provide direction to the team, and be a leading voice to help guide the development of our safety enhancing technology. You will work in a highly collaborative environment and coordinate with multiple engineering teams across the company to develop and execute flight test plans.

Responsibilities

In your role as Lead Test Pilot, your primary role will be to lead a team of highly motivated flight test pilots and engineers. You will also be responsible for  developing and safely executing flight test plans in support of research and development efforts, and will fly the aircraft in both onboard and remote configurations. You will coordinate the training and scheduling of contract pilots, and help to ensure that all aspects of experimental flight operations are set up for safety and success. You will coordinate with Reliable’s Part 135 airline operations to support standardization of pilot procedures across the organization. Throughout the development process, you will be instrumental in the execution of flight tests, data reviews, and proper operation of the system.

Basic Success Criteria

• FAA Commercial Pilot ASEL with 1500 total flight hours, including at least 500 fixed wing and 500 turbine engine
• Experience performing a secondary skillset while piloting (e.g. tactical aircraft, firefighting, cropdusting, SAR, ISR, law enforcement, etc.)
• Current Second Class FAA Medical Certificate or higher
• 2+ years of experience in an aviation leadership role

Preferred Success Criteria

• Graduate of an SETP recognized flight test school
• Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering or science discipline or equivalent industry experience
• Recent Caravan or PT6A experience
• Diversity of experience in multiple aircraft/ airframes
• CFII or military flight instructor
• Experience with automated and/or large remotely operated vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, etc)
• Experience working in a Flight Test program focused on Certification
• Experience in developing flight procedures, training curricula, and safety management systems
• Experience flying for a 14 CFR part 135 or 121 Air Carrier
• Deep understanding of FAA certification processes and their implementation
• In depth knowledge of systems engineering processes and principles
• Basic familiarity with software programming principles

Must be willing to travel up to 10% of the time.

The estimated salary range for this position is $180,000 to $225,000.  At Reliable Robotics, we strive to provide competitive and rewarding compensation based on experience and expertise, as well as market conditions, location, and pay equity. 

In addition to base compensation, Reliable Robotics offers stock options, employee medical, 401k contribution, great co-workers and a casual work environment.

This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. An offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws.

All applicants are asked to provide documentation that legally establishes status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (and nationalities in the case of a non-U.S. person). Where the applicant is not a U.S. person, meaning not a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or not otherwise permitted to access the export-controlled technology without U.S. government authorization, the Company reserves the right not to apply for an export license for such applicants whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code requires authorization and may decline to proceed with the application process and any offer of employment on that basis.

At Reliable Robotics, our goal is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce.  As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical conditions, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment and promotion is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information and to apply click HERE.

posted 28 October