Pilot I

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Our mission is to help ensure the security of the United States and its allies by providing high-hazard experimentation and incident response capabilities through operations, engineering, education, field, and integration services, and by acting as environmental stewards to the Site’s Cold War legacy. Our vision is to be the user site of choice for large-scale, high-hazard, national security experimentation, with premier facilities and capabilities below ground, on the ground, and in the air.

About the role

MSTS is seeking a professional pilot to join our Aviation Department to support the Remote Sensing Laboratory located at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, NV. We operate both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, making this a unique dual-rated pilot position in support of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Initially, perform pilot duties as a Second in Command (Pilot 1) in a King Air 350ER and AW139, with the intent to upgrade to Pilot in Command in both. Continued employment is contingent on the successful completion of both type rating courses (King Air 350 and AW139) as well as possessing the ability to upgrade to Pilot 4 in a timely manner (typically a year). The NNSA Air unit is first and foremost an emergency response team. Pilots must be prepared to respond if activated, with strict standby requirements for the response teams.

Responsibilities

• Standby requirements:
  • Pilots are required to be on standby as needed, usually 2-3 weeks at a time per month (occasionally longer depending on staffing).
  • Pilots are paid $40 per day extra to be on standby.
  • Pilots must reside within 2 hours of the assigned base while on standby.
  • Pilots on standby must have reliable cell phone reception.
  • Pilots must remain fit to fly while on standby.
  • If called out, pilots must be able to deploy for potentially several weeks straight.
  • Standby positions require an additional physical and inoculations to maintain a deployable status.
  • Deployments for several weeks at a time are possible for both emergency response and non-emergency response missions.
• Develop written mission planning documents, risk/hazards assessments for missions, perform and provide safety and mission briefings to the technical crew (e.g., mission scientists and electronic technician/operators).
• Pre-Flight Responsibilities:
  • Flight Planning: Study flight plans, evaluate weather reports, and check factors like fuel requirements, aircraft weight, and payload limits.
  • Aircraft Inspections: Perform comprehensive walk-arounds and instrument checks before takeoff to verify the condition of engines, landing gear, and navigation systems.
  • Crew Briefings: Inform the flight crew and co-pilots about flight details, safety protocols, and route-specific conditions.
• In-Flight Responsibilities:
  • Navigation and Control: Operate aircraft controls and navigate along planned routes, relying on visual references and cockpit instrumentation.
  • Air Traffic Communication: Maintain continuous contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to manage takeoffs, landings, and altitude or route modifications.
  • System Monitoring: Continuously monitor engines, fuel consumption, and weather. Alter routes to avoid turbulence or severe storms.
  • Passenger Communication: Provide regular updates regarding flight status, weather, and delays.
  • Crew Management: Collaborate closely with the First Officer (co-pilot) and Cabin Crew to execute standard operating procedures and ensure passenger safety.
• Post-Flight Responsibilities:
  • Aircraft Shut Down: Ensure the aircraft is properly secured and parked upon arrival.
  • Documentation: Fill out official logbooks, maintenance logs, and status reports, noting any system malfunctions for the ground maintenance team.
• Safety & Emergency Management:
  • Emergency Protocol: Make split-second decisions and manage communication with ATC and crew if mechanical, medical, or weather-related emergencies occur.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Adhere strictly to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations or local aviation authority standards.
  • Continued Training: Participate in mandatory training, simulator tests, and health evaluations to maintain flight certifications.
• Perform other related work as assigned by Supervisor.

Requirements

• At least 6 years of professional-level experience.
• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument ratings in both Airplane Multi-engine Land and Rotorcraft Helicopter.
• FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
• Documented flight experience that meets or exceeds 1500 hours total time with at least 500 hours in airplanes and 500 hours in helicopters.
• Thorough knowledge of FAA regulations, Part 91 Operations, and Public Aircraft Operations.
• Applicant must consent to the release of their information maintained in the FAA Pilot Records Database in accordance with 14 CFR Part 111.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Must be willing and able to work non-standard hours in various environments with the possibility to deploy worldwide on short notice.
• Must be willing and able to fulfill a standby emergency response duty position.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship and at least 18 years of age. If you hold more than one citizenship, your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
• Pre-placement physical examination, including a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate Airplane Multiengine Land and Rotorcraft-Helicopter.
• 2500 hours total time with 300 hours in King Air series aircraft and 300 hours in twin turbine helicopters in the previous 24 months.
• AW-139 Type Rating.
• BE-300 Type Rating.
• Proline Fusion Avionics experience.
• FAA Certified Flight Instructor Certificates.
• Turbine aircraft experience.
• Formal Training at an FAA Part 142 Training Center such as Flight Safety.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salaries and benefits packages including medical, dental, and vision.
• Both a pension and a 401k.
• Paid time off and 96 hours of paid holidays.
• Relocation assistance (if located more than 75 miles from work location).
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement.

Pay

Annual salary ranges based on pilot level:

• Pilot 1: $83,720.00 - $125,590.40 (new hires start here)
• Pilot 2: $109,054.40 - $163,592.00
• Pilot 3: $134,222.40 - $201,344.00
• Pilot 4: $159,390.40 - $239,096.00

Advancement timelines vary based on simulator school seat availability, internal training program completion, aircraft availability, and mission competence as determined by the Aviation Department leadership team. There is no minimum time in grade before advancements are allowed. It is expected that all new hire pilots will work to advance to Pilot 4 as soon as possible.

Schedule

Much of the scheduled work takes place during normal working hours (0630-1700) Monday-Thursday. However, there are occasions where weekend and off-hours work are required. During these times, pilots are required to adjust their schedules to accommodate nonstandard mission requirements.