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.

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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.

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posted 8 December 

Senior Test Pilot - Wisk

Senior Test Pilot - Wisk

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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