ER‑2 High‑Altitude Research Pilot – NASA AFRC (Edwards AFB)

✈️ The mission

Join NASA AFRC’s high‑altitude research team flying the ER‑2—NASA’s variant of the U‑2S—on scientific and airborne sensing missions that push the edge of the stratosphere. As an i3‑supported Research Pilot based at Edwards AFB, you’ll conduct full‑time flight operations for NASA and its partners, with opportunities to support additional NASA aircraft and globally deployed campaigns.

🧭 What you’ll do

• Execute ER‑2 and assigned aircraft sorties in accordance with FAA, OEM, and all applicable directives, regulations, and instructions.
• Maintain performance standards per training plans, Flight Crew Branch policies, and program directives; demonstrate Emergency Bold Face procedures from memory.
• Exhibit expert knowledge of aircraft systems, limitations, safety precautions, airfield operations, and ATC regulations/procedures.
• Support deployed operations (CONUS/OCONUS) and long‑duration missions in high‑altitude, confined‑space environments.
• Participate in i3 and NASA‑directed continuation training, meetings, and safety forums.
• Perform on‑site tasks for safe, secure, and professional operations; provide administrative and flight‑ops scheduling/record‑keeping support.
• Maintain proficiency, currency, and annual requirements per NPR 7900.3C, NPD 7900.4D, AFPD 8700.1, and AFOP 7900.3‑006.

🧰 What you’ll bring

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution (major in engineering, physical science, life science, or mathematics desired).
• Pilot credentials: FAA CPL with instrument, multiengine, and single‑engine land ratings; or military pilot and instrument ratings.
• Flight experience: Minimum 1,500 hours Pilot‑in‑Command (PIC) required (verified). U‑2 pilot experience required; 1,000+ hours in the U‑2 and currency within the past five years are highly desired.
• Operational readiness: Current U.S. passport valid through employment period; ability to routinely deploy worldwide.
• Security & medical: Able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance; pass NASA Flight Medical Certification and random drug screenings.
• Training background: Formal military training in relevant duties (DD‑214 annotating AFSC/MOS) or equivalent civilian experience highly desired.
• Tools & systems: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard flight ops/scheduling tools.

📚 Training, standards, and support

NASA provides training and qualification checks, periodic simulator events, and periodic flight physicals via a NASA‑authorized flight surgeon. You’ll uphold rigorous standards aligned with NASA and Air Force policy, ensuring mission safety, data quality, and crew readiness across all operations.

🌟 Why this role

• Fly one of the world’s premier high‑altitude research platforms in support of groundbreaking science and national missions.
• Operate within a world‑class safety culture with structured training, currency, and simulator pipelines.
• Broaden your portfolio across a diverse NASA fleet, including crewed and remotely piloted platforms.

📨 Next steps

Qualified U‑2/ER‑2 aviators ready for high‑altitude, long‑duration research missions are encouraged to apply through i3. Please ensure your application clearly documents PIC totals, U‑2 experience and currency, licenses/ratings, education, and clearance/medical eligibility.

Note: Employment is through government contractor i3 in support of NASA AFRC operations.