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Aerospace Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Quality Inspector

Dulles, VA

Quality Inspector The Quality Inspector performs validation activities to ensure materials ... Experience in aerospace, NASA-related, or high-reliability electronics environments. * Experience ...

Aerotek

Quality Inspector

Dulles, VA

$20 - $30/hr

Quality Inspector The Quality Inspector performs validation activities to ensure materials ... Experience in aerospace, NASA-related, or high-reliability electronics environments. * Experience ...

Kelly Services

Quality Control Inspector

Hampton, VA

$36 - $45/hr

Inspect machined parts, fabricated components, assemblies, and finished products. * Verify parts ... Machine shop, aerospace, defense, precision manufacturing, fabrication, or contract manufacturing ...

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All JobsAerospace Inspector JobsAerospace Inspector Jobs in Virginia

Aerospace Inspector information

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$12

$27

$51

How much do aerospace inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace inspector in Virginia is $27.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $31.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do SpaceX quality inspector make?

Aerospace inspectors at SpaceX typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience and location. They are responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of aerospace components, often requiring certifications and familiarity with inspection tools and standards.

How to become an aerospace inspector?

To become an aerospace inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant technical training or an associate degree in aerospace, manufacturing, or a related field. Industry experience, knowledge of inspection tools and standards such as AS9100 or NADCAP, and certifications like ASQ Certified Quality Inspector can enhance job prospects. Some positions may require on-the-job training or specialized certifications, and inspectors often work in manufacturing environments with strict safety and quality protocols.

What is an aerospace inspector?

An aerospace inspector is a professional responsible for examining aircraft components, systems, and assemblies to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. They perform inspections using tools like calipers and non-destructive testing methods, often requiring certifications such as AS9100 or FAA standards, and work in manufacturing or maintenance environments. Their role is critical for maintaining compliance and safety in the aerospace industry.

What does an Aerospace Inspector do?

An Aerospace Inspector is responsible for examining aircraft, spacecraft, and related components to ensure compliance with safety regulations, industry standards, and design specifications. They conduct detailed inspections, perform tests, and review documentation to verify quality and reliability. Inspectors may work in manufacturing, maintenance, or regulatory environments, identifying defects and ensuring corrective measures are implemented. Their role is critical in maintaining the safety and airworthiness of aircraft and aerospace systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aerospace Inspector position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerospace Inspector, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, strong attention to detail, and knowledge of industry regulations, often backed by relevant technical certifications or an associate degree. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment, and quality management systems is essential. Effective communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills make an inspector stand out in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety, compliance, and reliability of aerospace components and systems.

What are some of the most common challenges Aerospace Inspectors face on the job?

Aerospace Inspectors often encounter challenges such as keeping up with constantly evolving regulations and maintaining precise documentation while efficiently inspecting complex components. The work sometimes requires juggling multiple responsibilities under tight deadlines and collaborating with engineers and production teams to resolve quality issues. Inspectors also need to stay vigilant for even minor defects that could have significant safety implications. Adapting to new technologies and inspection methods is another aspect of the role, helping inspectors maintain the highest standards in the aerospace industry.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

In the aerospace industry, senior or lead aerospace inspectors typically earn the highest salaries due to their experience, certifications, and responsibility levels. Specialized inspectors with advanced skills in non-destructive testing or those overseeing complex projects tend to have higher pay. Certifications such as ASNT Level III or equivalent can also contribute to increased earnings for aerospace inspectors.
What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Inspector jobs in Virginia? For Aerospace Inspector jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Inspector jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Inspector jobs in Virginia are:
Aerospace Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Inspector job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,417 per year, or $27.1 per hour.
Aerospace Certification Engineer

Aerospace Certification Engineer

Qualdoc

Newport News, VA • On-site

$60/hr

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Aerospace Certification Engineer
Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Contract
Pay: Starting at $60.00/hour (higher based on experience)
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Aerospace Certification Engineer to support aircraft modification, repair, and certification programs. In this role, you will develop certification strategies, prepare compliance documentation, and coordinate certification activities to ensure aircraft systems meet FAA, military, and industry requirements.
The ideal candidate has experience supporting aircraft certification programs, regulatory compliance, and engineering documentation within the aerospace industry.
Responsibilities
  • Develop certification strategies, certification plans, and means of compliance for aircraft modification and repair programs.
  • Identify applicable FAA, military, customer, and airworthiness requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Prepare and maintain certification documentation, including compliance matrices, engineering reports, certification plans, and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA).
  • Coordinate certification activities with engineering, production, quality, and program management teams.
  • Work with FAA representatives, engineering consultants, customers, and suppliers to support certification planning, technical reviews, inspections, and approvals.
  • Review engineering drawings, analyses, reports, and technical documentation to verify regulatory compliance.
  • Support conformity inspections, ground testing, flight testing, and compliance demonstrations.
  • Provide technical guidance during fabrication, installation, troubleshooting, and aircraft modification activities.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide recommendations related to certification strategy, regulatory compliance, and continued airworthiness.
  • Maintain certification records under configuration control and ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives and certification process enhancements.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Experience supporting aircraft certification, aircraft modifications, repairs, or aerospace product development programs.
  • Working knowledge of FAA regulations, Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) processes, FAA Form 337 major alterations, and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA).
  • Experience developing or reviewing compliance matrices, engineering reports, test plans, conformity documentation, and other certification artifacts.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, analyses, and technical documentation.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering and production teams.
  • Comfortable working in both office and aircraft hangar environments.
  • U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status required.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Five or more years of experience supporting aircraft certification, STC programs, military airworthiness, or regulated aerospace certification activities.
  • Experience developing certification plans, compliance strategies, and means of compliance.
  • Familiarity with MIL-HDBK-516C airworthiness requirements.
  • Experience coordinating conformity inspections, ground testing, flight testing, and certification activities.
  • Experience preparing engineering reports, compliance documentation, and ICA manuals.
  • Knowledge of aircraft systems, structures, avionics integration, and aircraft modification practices.
  • Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems, engineering release processes, and configuration management.
  • Experience supporting continued operational safety, post-certification engineering activities, and project risk management.

What You'll Bring
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to regulatory compliance.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • A proactive approach to solving technical and certification challenges while supporting successful project execution.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Qualdoc

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2020

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