The NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) Navigator/Mission Planner performs duties in support of the operations of all aircraft assigned to AFRC. Navigators/Mission Planners will plan and fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers ensuring that quality products and safe operations are provided as tasked. AFRC aircraft are located at the main campus at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and the Science and Aircraft Integration Facility (SAIF) located in Palmdale, California, with the Navigator/Mission Planner primarily assigned to Palmdale. Deployed operations, both CONUS and OCONUS, are routine for these aircrew positions. Required availability for Temporary on Call (TOC) position is at least two weeks per quarter, no guaranteed minimum available work.
Responsibilities
Conducts flight operations, performs preflight, in-flight, and post flight duties on NASA aircraft in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual or NASA approved flight crew checklists
Performs applicable normal abnormal and emergency procedures in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual and NASA approved flight crew checklists
Produces detailed flight plans using government furnished mission planning software such as Portable Flight Planning Software (PFPS) and/or Joint Mission Planning Software (JMPS)
Operates onboard mission systems to accurately position the aircraft as required to accomplish mission objectives.
Liaises with the airborne science team lead inflight and when required coordinates and executes flight plan changes during flight to achieve mission objectives
Utilizes the Flight Crew Branch Flight Information Publications (FLIP) program
Participates in i3 and NASA directed continuation training meetings and other forums mandated by the on-site management team
Perform Operational Readiness Reviews on aircraft prior to deployment in accordance with applicable Center procedures
Perform other operation functions such as scheduling, safety, training, planning and project support
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree, or higher, from an accredited university or college (Required), with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, physical science, life science, or mathematics (Desired).
Proficient with government furnished mission planning software such as Portable Flight Planning Software (PFPS) and/or Joint Mission Planning Software (JMPS) (Required)
Graduate of a Flight Training Program as a Navigator and/or Pilot (Required) with a minimum of 2000 hours and an Instructor Qualification (Highly Desired)
Formal military training in expected duties (with DD 214 annotating AFSC / MOS qualification) or applicable civilian experience. (Highly Desired)
Possess a current US passport, valid through period of employment. (Required)
Must be able to pass random drug screenings. (Required)
Must meet the security requirements of the position and pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification (Required)
Required Experience:
Should possess knowledge and first-hand experience necessary to succeed as a government contractor providing direct support to NASA AFRC staff as required.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Must be able to create, maintain and update briefings and statistical reporting.
Must be able to obtain a DoD SECRET security clearance.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Light to medium work. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, see, hear, stoop, crouch, feel, handle; manual dexterity.
Outside work. Ability to tolerate conditions in a deployed environment to include inclement weather, rain, humidity, cold and extreme heat. May be exposed to dust, fumes, odors, chemicals, and confined spaces.
Close, distance, color and peripheral vision and depth perception.
Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals and instructions; procedures, safety instructions, memos, reports. Ability to write at a level to relay data, details and information. Ability to perform shop math. Ability to speak clearly and concisely to relay information.
Office conditions: Moderate noise level. May be required to sit at computer station and/or type on keyboard for extended periods of time. May be required to lift objects such as laptop and office copy paper. May be required to view and read computer monitor for extended periods of time. May be required to take verbal messages per phone and face-to-face contact. Will occasionally be required to stand and walk to deliver items within office or on the flight line.
Flight line working conditions: Will be required to work day or night. May be exposed to high noise levels. Will be required to fly long missions (up to 14 hour duty day) at high altitude in a confined space. May be subject to the altitude or physiological risks normally associated with flying.