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Aerospace Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Aerospace Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$27

$51

How much do aerospace inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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.

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.

How much do aerospace inspectors make in the US?

Aerospace inspectors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, with experienced inspectors and those working in specialized areas earning higher. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, certifications, and the complexity of the inspections performed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace inspector?

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.

Infographic showing various Aerospace Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,417 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Aerospace Certification Engineer

Qualdoc

Newport News, VA โ€ข On-site

$60/hr

Contractor

Posted 16 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