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Aviation Accident Investigation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Textron

Air Safety Investigator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$44K - $54K/yr

... accident investigation organizations. * Participate in technical reviews, hearings, or meetings conducted by the NTSB, FAA, or foreign authorities, as appropriate. * Stay up-to-date with aviation ...

Bell Flight

Air Safety Investigator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$44K - $54K/yr

... accident investigation organizations. * Participate in technical reviews, hearings, or meetings conducted by the NTSB, FAA, or foreign authorities, as appropriate. * Stay up-to-date with aviation ...

Continental

Air Safety Investigator

AL · On-site

Continental Aerospace Technologies™ has been a leader in aviation innovation for more than 120 ... When required, represent Continental Accident Investigation Department at meetings such as ...

Cirrus Aircraft

Director-Air Safety

Duluth, MN · On-site

$152.07 - $241.16/hr

Minimum twelve (12) years' progressive experience in aerospace manufacturing, program management, flight operations, accident investigation, or aviation safety with demonstrated ability to work ...

Cirrus Aircraft

Director-Air Safety

Duluth, MN · On-site

$152K/yr

Minimum twelve (12) years' progressive experience in aerospace manufacturing, program management, flight operations, accident investigation, or aviation safety with demonstrated ability to work ...

Cirrus Aircraft

Director-Air Safety

Duluth, MN · On-site

$152K - $241K/yr

Minimum twelve (12) years' progressive experience in aerospace manufacturing, program management, flight operations, accident investigation, or aviation safety with demonstrated ability to work ...

Cirrus Aircraft

Director-Air Safety

Duluth, MN · On-site

Minimum twelve (12) years' progressive experience in aerospace manufacturing, program management, flight operations, accident investigation, or aviation safety with demonstrated ability to work ...

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Aviation Accident Investigation information

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$66

How much do aviation accident investigation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation accident investigation in the United States is $30.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aviation accident investigation?

Aviation accident investigation is the process of examining aircraft accidents and incidents to determine their causes and contributing factors. Investigators collect evidence from crash sites, analyze flight data and maintenance records, interview witnesses, and work with experts to reconstruct the events leading up to the incident. The goal is not to assign blame, but to improve aviation safety by identifying issues and recommending preventive measures. These investigations are typically conducted by government agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States.

What are aviation accident investigation jobs?

Aviation accident investigation jobs determine the cause of a plane crash and how to prevent future incidents. Members of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrive on the scene after an accident to investigate crash sites and plane wreckage. In this role, you secure the scene to prevent further injury or accident, collect evidence from the site, interview witnesses and victims, review flight history, and look at plane data to determine additional details about each crash. Your responsibilities may include working outdoors in extreme conditions. Aviation accident investigation positions typically collaborate with law enforcement officials, airport authorities, and medical professionals involved in the case.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aviation accident investigator?

To thrive as an Aviation Accident Investigator, you need a solid background in aviation science, engineering, or a related technical field, often supported by relevant degrees and certifications such as those from the NTSB or ICAO. Familiarity with flight data analysis software, accident reconstruction tools, and regulatory systems is crucial for accurate investigations. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top investigators apart. These skills ensure thorough, objective investigations that enhance aviation safety and prevent future accidents.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in aviation accident investigation roles?

Aviation accident investigators often face challenges such as working under significant time pressure to collect evidence before it's disturbed, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and managing the emotional impact of investigating incidents involving injuries or fatalities. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, pilots, and regulatory authorities. Additionally, investigators must communicate findings clearly and impartially, sometimes in high-profile or public settings, which demands professionalism and resilience.

What is the difference between Aviation Accident Investigation vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectAviation Accident InvestigationAircraft Maintenance Technician
Required CredentialsAccredited degree, investigator certifications (e.g., NTSB training)Aircraft maintenance certifications (e.g., FAA A&P license)
Work EnvironmentInvestigations at accident sites, labs, officesMaintenance hangars, repair shops, airports
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, airlines, safety organizationsAirlines, maintenance companies, repair facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

While both roles are vital in aviation safety, Aviation Accident Investigators focus on analyzing accidents to determine causes, often working in investigative agencies. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform repairs and inspections to ensure aircraft safety during regular operations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and industry roles.

More about Aviation Accident Investigation jobs

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The top searched job categories for Aviation Accident Investigation jobs are:

Aviation Accident Investigation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aviation Accident Investigation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,270 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Aviation Accident Investigator (Team Lead) (TEMPORARY PROMOTION /DETAIL NTE 1 YEAR)

National Transportation Safety Board

Anchorage, AK • On-site, Remote

$142K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Summary
Serves as a Team Lead Aviation Accident Investigator in the Office of Aviation Safety, Regional Operations Division. Leads a team of aviation accident investigators responsible for conducting investigations of aviation accidents and incidents throughout the United States. Independently perform the full range of senior aviation accident investigator duties and spends a portion their time (approx. 40 percent) performing a variety of small team leadership, coordination, and workload management.
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Duties
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As a Aviation Accident Investigator (Team Lead) (TEMPORARY PROMOTION /DETAIL NTE 1 YEAR),GS-1801-14, you will perform the following major duties:
  • Leads a small team of (less than four) Aviation Accident Investigators and Air Safety Investigators engaged in the investigation of civil aviation accidents and incidents.
  • Assigns and balances workloads among team members based on the complexity of investigations, workload demands, employee expertise, geographic considerations, and organizational priorities.
  • Performs quality control review of completed work products for technical accuracy, consistency, completeness, adherence to agency standards, and timeliness.
  • Provides mentoring and technical guidance to investigators. Identifies developmental needs and facilitates technical training opportunities.
  • Provides recommendations to management regarding employee performance, recognition, awards, and developmental opportunities. Informs management of performance issues, conduct concerns, or personnel matters requiring supervisory attention.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (see "How to Apply" section.)
  • Suitability for Federal employment
  • Financial Interest in transportation enterprises will be evaluated on a case-by-case-basis.
  • Bargaining Unit Position: NO
  • Direct Deposit is required.
  • Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level) by the closing date of this announcement. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
  • You may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, upon entering the position and annually.
  • THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REMOTE TELEWORK.
  • Participation in this opportunity is contingent upon the agreement of the employee's current supervisor.
  • Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
  • This position is eligible for ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy.
  • Two-Page Resume Limit: Resumes must not be more than two standard single-sided pages (or one page if submitting a front and back, hard-copy).
  • The Temporary Promotion/Detail may be terminated at any time during this period. Upon conclusion of the Temporary Promotion/Detail, you will be returned to your former office and position/grade.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must meet the following Basic Requirements:
Applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level which demonstrates the following: Conduct and lead investigations of aviation accidents and incidents involving general aviation, commercial operations, corporate aviation, rotorcraft, unmanned aircraft systems, and other civil aviation operations; Integrate investigative findings from multiple specialty groups and assists in identifying significant safety issues that affect accident causation or transportation safety; Develop factual reports and analytical products that accurately describe investigative findings and support the determination of probable cause.
For more information see link: General Inspection Investigation Enforcement and Compliance Series 1801
NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.
Education
There is no education substitution at this grade level.
Additional information
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and various benefits as well as work life amenities such as alternate work schedules, telework, flextime, fitness and transit benefits.
  • Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) ARE NOT authorized for this position.
  • All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on OPM's web site at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
  • Ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the National Transportation Safety Board directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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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.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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