B-2 Lead Operational Test Pilot

Step into the cockpit where innovation becomes combat power—and where the next chapter of global strike is written by you as a member of the Air Force Civilian Service.

The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is currently looking for full-time civilian B-2 Lead Operational Test Pilot, GS-2181-14 with the 72d Test and Evaluation (72 TES), Whiteman AFB, Knob Noster, MO.

Salary Range: $145,000 - 188,000

NO 180-DAY WAIVER!

Recruitment and Relocation incentives may be available.

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.

This position can close at any time. Apply Now!

In this role, you will serve as a B-2 Operational Test Pilot in the 72 TES, you don't just fly the playbook—you write it. In this role, you are a combat-focused innovator at the intersection of advanced technology and real-world execution. Operating at the apex of global strike, you will fly live-fly campaigns to validate next-gen weapons, revolutionary software, and Open Mission Systems. You’ll collaborate with engineers and data scientists to evaluate combat effectiveness against peer threats, shape program-office designs, and author the Tactics.

Minimum Flight Hour Requirements (Flight Logs Are Mandatory)

• 1750 Total Flight Hours
• 1150 Pilot-In-Command Hours
• 75 Night Flying Hours
• 75 Flight Hours of Instrument Time (at least 10 hours must be in actual instrument conditions)
• 500 Instructor Hours
• 100 Hours Flying Time Last 12 Months
  
  

Mandatory Documents

• Flight Logs
• FAA Certifications (front/back)
• DD 214 (Member 4) or In Lieu of DD 214 Letter
• FAA medical Cert Class II or better
  
  

Qualifications

• Must be a US Civilian
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance
• This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position
• Rated officer experience is critical to the success of the mission
• Mastery of USAF aircraft operations, aircrew training, aircrew standardization and evaluation, aerospace resource management, aircrew life support, aircraft and aircrew safety, and aircraft flight test management; systems and operating procedures, advanced instrument techniques, aerobatic maneuvers, close and tactical formation flying, high-speed flight, aerial refueling, and range missions with ordnance, as well as knowledge of high-performance bomber aircraft, and of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of the corresponding aircraft simulator.
• Knowledge of a wide range of advanced multi-disciplinary professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, equipment, and of system engineering and efforts required to achieve and preserve operational safety, suitability, and effectiveness (OSS&E) in systems or end-items.
• Knowledge of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structure, and operation of the DoD and organizations that govern, interface with, and/or influence systems acquisition, development, test, and/or sustainment; and knowledge of planning, programming, and budgeting cycles, financial systems, and restrictions on expenditure of funds.
• Knowledge of and skill in evaluating state-of-the-art and advancements in theory, application, technology, and policy affecting systems being developed, and in planning, organizing, and directing the functions and staff in critical aspects of development, production, sustainment, test, and/or support of systems, sub-systems, or equipment.
• Medical Examination/Physical: This position requires a physical/medical examination. The physical requirement of this position as determined by the manager is: Passing the evaluation results of the aviation class 2 physical.
• Must possess and be able to maintain a FAA Medical Certificate Second Class or better.
• Employee is required to meet and maintain the necessary knowledge and skill levels in the application of rated aviator expertise and an Instructor Pilot IP and/or Evaluator Pilot.
  
  

Desired Experience: Current or former B-2 instructor pilot. Completion of a military Test Pilot School (TPS) or Weapons School is highly advantageous

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Your application package (resume, supporting documents) will be used to determine your eligibility, and qualifications.

Click the apply button to complete an application and upload your two-page resume to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional supporting documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50). As of 27 September 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length. To learn more about the new resume requirements visit https://afciviliancareers.com/resumetips/ OR https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/agency-guidance-on-the-two-page-limit-on-resume-length/

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.