You will serve as an Aerospace Engineer/Research Pilot in the Research Services Directorate which involves the piloting of aircraft (and/or Uninhabited Aerial Systems(UASs)) used in research, development, and test programs; planning/evaluating test parameters; performing flight and/or ground simulations of advanced missions and aircraft; participating with project engineers and scientists responsible for development, design, testing, evaluation, and reporting on new aircraft or aircraft systems. Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee. Participates in engineering research and operational aspects of a wide variety of flight, simulation, and lab experiments which require operation of aircraft types from single engine piston aircraft to medium sized jet aircraft. Applies aviation/flight test knowledge and experience/safety practices to all flight projects in order to safely plan and operate Langley aircraft in support of NASA missions. Develops, executes, and leads complex plans for flight mission operations with complicated and interactive factors, concepts, or conditions. Develops mission operations plans to accomplish research objectives. Applies accepted flight research principles/practices/techniques for aircraft operations to meet requirements of research experiments. Serves as a safety pilot during flight experiments/research with other subject pilots. Interfaces with experiment developers, flight crew, research systems personnel, and mechanics in formulating/applying system constraints/procedures to flight documentation or flight/ground activities. Serves as a Lead Research Pilot on assigned flight/simulation experiments providing support piloting/operational consultation on other experiments/activities both inside and outside the continental United States. Develops/designs flight operations, equipment, or systems for a broad range of interdisciplinary activities that cut across conventional lines of engineering/scientific fields. Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and veterans' preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet. Veterans: Under the provisions of Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply. However, applicants who are eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). For more information please see: Veterans' Preference information on the FedsHireVets website. You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. You will be assessed on the following competencies: Crew Systems and Aviation Operations Institutional Aircraft Operations Mission Execution Research Technical Competence NASA considers paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. NASA will not ask you to disclose criminal history record information during the application process or before we make a conditional/tentative offer of employment. If you apply for this position and are selected, NASA will conduct a suitability/security background investigation after you accept a tentative job offer. If you feel you are asked to disclose your criminal history before you accept a tentative offer and wish to file a complaint within 30 days, please contact: Agency-FCCJ@NASA.gov.