Chief Test Pilot (GS-2181-15) Published March 27, 2026 About the Role: The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Chief Test Pilot (GS-2181-15) to work at the USAF Test Pilot School (USAF TPS) at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. The primary purpose of this position is to: serve as the United States Air Force Test Pilot School’s nationally/internationally recognized technical expert in airborne flight test and evaluation. The incumbent is the senior instructor test pilot who provides the technical expertise, corporate knowledge, and long term continuity for all flight test techniques and in-flight instructional methods taught by the USAF TPS. This position has primary technical and safety review responsibility for all TPS curriculum flight test training and in-flight instruction. The incumbent provides ground, simulator, and in-flight instruction in advanced flight test instructional techniques and training responsibilities to experienced experimental test pilots, flight test engineers and experimental test combat systems officers who have been assigned to the TPS Staff as Flight Test Instructors. The incumbent teaches and imparts advanced flight test knowledge, skills, and abilities to students who are operationally experienced pilots, navigators and engineers who have no previous experimental flight testing experience. As the Chief Test Pilot for TPS and the Air Force Test Center, this individual has test enterprise-wide consulting, briefing, and technical & safety advising responsibilities and is expected to be actively involved in test professional organizations. Announcement Length/Closes: 21 calendar days Location: Edwards AFB, CA Typical 2026 salary range: $197,200 Special Salary Rate per year (includes Locality) Travel Requirements: Up to 15 days per year Incentives: This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official. Desired Skills: Masters Degree or PhD in Engineering or Physics 10+ years of experience in military flight test Articulate and engaging speaker Major Duties: • Chief Test Pilot Flight Instructor: The incumbent is the primary USAF TPS test pilot flight instructor, providing all newly assigned TPS instructors advanced classroom and airborne training on flight test technique instructional methods. • Potential to be the X-62 VISTA Chief Safety Pilot • Develops policy, guidance and plans for IP and Instructor FTE upgrades and continuous training. • Provides classroom, pre/post-flight briefings, and in-flight instruction to teach TPS students how to conduct test and evaluations of new or critically modified aircraft. • Airborne Flight Test Technique (FTT) Technical Expert: The incumbent serves as the USAF Test Pilot School’s principle technical expert for airborne flight test techniques (FTTs) and is the primary developer and approver for airborne curriculum events. • Responsible for the Comprehensive Candidate Evaluation Program that evaluates student pilot candidates flying skills and adaptability in multiple aircraft. • Evaluates Test Management Project proposals and serves as staff advisor as appropriate. • Provides expert advice to the Commandant, Deputy Commandant, Technical Director, and Division Chiefs regarding the technical adequacy and scope of all in-flight instruction. • Test Pilot School’s expert authority on flight test techniques and flight test safety to the Test Wing, Center, Command, HQ Air Force, DoD and all other outside agencies. • Represent Test Pilot School as a recognized flight test technical expert at national and international symposia and conferences. Qualifications/Requirements: U.S. Citizenship Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest Obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance (Single Scope Background Investigation). Previous military pilot experience as an instructor/mission commander in fighter or multi-engine aircraft (F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, F-35, C-17, B-1, B-2, etc). Graduate of USAF Test Pilot School, USN Test Pilot School, Empire Test Pilot School or EPNER. Must meet USAF Class II flying requirements to include physical requirements to fly ejection seat aircraft, at the time of appointment. Incumbent will have access to flight surgeons and must comply with AFI 48-123 requirements to see a flight surgeon for Duties Not Involving Flying (DNIF) and Return to Flying Status (RTFS) determinations. Must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating. The FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. Must meet the specialized OPM experience requirements for a GS-2181 Test Pilot Flight Instructor (1750 hrs total flight time, 1300 hrs PIC, 300 hrs IP time, 75 hr Instrument time, 100 hrs flight time in the last 12 months). This is a designated Drug Testing Position. A very high level of technical knowledge (to include sufficient depth and breadth) and a demonstrated mastery in experimental aerospace vehicle flight test and evaluation techniques that enable incumbent to serve as the Chief Test Pilot Flight Instructor and Flight Test Technique Technical Expert for the world’s premier Test Pilot School. A very high level of technical knowledge and demonstrated expert skills to operate, maintain qualification in, and provide advanced flight test technique instruction in two to three different and dissimilar aircraft/weapons systems including the T-38, F-16, X-62 Variable-Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), C-12, sailplanes, and other aircraft as required to meet the learning objectives of the USAF TPS. A very high level of knowledge, skill and ability in experimental flight test theory, flight test techniques, flight test methods and flight test procedures used to evaluate research, prototype and production aerospace vehicles, systems and weapons. ***Resumes limited to two pages. Federal agencies now only accept resumes up to two pages in length.*** Learn more about the new resume requirements at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit. Please send resumes to: Heather Ash, heather.ash.1@us.af.mil ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC HIRING FREEZE IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED
