The only way is to already own the ship.

Then trade it to a pilot and immediately recruit him before they leave.

Note that the pilot class will probably change to something different. (you can increase it again on the screen you have there now, but it can be expensive nanites) Or you can keep reloading.

The class of the pilot that you find doesn't matter because it re-rolls anyway.

Also note, this is for the appearance only. I have set them up with max S class ships with full mods and I have also given them completely broken ships with electrical fire and the performance or lack thereof seems the same. I haven't checked recently, so it may be patched.