Flight Test Pilot; GS-OG

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NO 6-MONTH WAIT! Recently retired and/or retiring from MILITARY service ARE eligible for immediate appointment for AFTC positions. The 180-day waiting period has been waived for AFTC to hire recently retired and/or retiring service members.

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Flight Test Pilot (GS-2181-14) to work at the 96th Test Wing, 96th Operations Group, 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base.

Serves as a fighter flight test pilot within the 96th Operations Group. The incumbent directs activities and manages resources and processes responsible for the effective employment and utilization of squadron aerospace vehicles and implements policy and procedures of aircrew personnel performing flight operations test and test support activities.

Announcement Closes: 10/29/2026

Typical 2026 salary range: $125,776 – 163,514 per year (includes locality)
“If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the stated VOP, your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position.”

Travel Requirements:
Up to 25% travel possible

Incentives:

This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.

Must have requirements or may not be considered:

Must be a graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School (TPS) or USAF Weapons Instructor Course (WIC).

Must be able to pass a physical.

Employee required to obtain and maintain proper security clearance.

This position has been identified as a designated position under the Air Force Drug Testing Plan.

This position is designated a NON-CRITICAL APDP position.

Desired

Skills:

Elite Test & Weapons Pedigree (Priority
1):
Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School (TPS) or USAF Weapons Instructor Course (WIC), bringing at least 3 years of hands‑on experience in fighter flight test management, envelope evaluation, and advanced aircraft systems integration.

Full‑Envelope Tactical Flight Mastery (Priority
2):
Proven command of high‑performance fighter aircraft across demanding operational profiles—including close formation, high‑speed low‑level flight, air‑to‑air combat, aerial refueling, ordnance delivery, and flight simulator fidelity validation.

Instructional Design & Aircrew Standardization (Priority
3):
Demonstrated expertise applying the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) process and Air Force principles to architect, modernize, and standardize fighter pilot training syllabi, curriculum, and Stan/Eval programs.

Major Duties:

Plans, conducts, and reports on high‑risk test flights in modified single/multi‑engine jets. Evaluates weapons, lasers, and new technologies; expands flight envelopes.

Command, instruct, and evaluate test and training sorties. Manage pre‑flight planning (weather, NOTAMs, fuel, FAA/military airspace coordination) and make go/no‑go decisions. Brief aircrew/passengers and enforce regulatory compliance. Apply CRM/ORM to mitigate risk. Maintain logs, report aircraft status, and deliver mission briefs.

Direct complex, high‑risk DoD projects and oversee contractor performance, budgets, and negotiations. Integrate funding requirements, establish milestones, and coordinate engineering changes. Conduct site visits to ensure contract compliance. Advise leadership on policy, resolve critical issues, and deliver program briefs. Maintain technical currency on aircraft systems, safety reports, and Air Force publications.

Execute complex special projects, managing contractor deliverables, budgets,…