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Aviation Accident Investigation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Aviation Safety Manager

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Aviation Accident Investigation: 10% Participate and provide technical expertise regarding aviation accident investigations as requested. Additional Responsibilities: Other duties as assigned by ...

Textron

Air Safety Investigator

Fort Worth, TX

$44K - $54K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

... 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

  • Medical

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Textron

Air Safety Investigator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$44K - $54K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

... 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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

$152K - $241K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

STV Incorporated

Safety Director - Aviation

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$130K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Investigate accidents, incidents, and safety events, identifying root causes and implementing ... Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

STV

Safety Director - Aviation

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$130K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Investigate accidents, incidents, and safety events, identifying root causes and implementing ... Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

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Aviation Accident Investigation information

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How much do aviation accident investigation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

More about Aviation Accident Investigation jobs
What cities are hiring for Aviation Accident Investigation jobs? Cities with the most Aviation Accident Investigation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation Accident Investigation jobs? The most popular types of Aviation Accident Investigation jobs are:
What states have the most Aviation Accident Investigation jobs? States with the most job openings for Aviation Accident Investigation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aviation Accident Investigation jobs look for? 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 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,270 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Sr Aviation Accident Investigator (Air Carrier & Space) - DIRECT HIRE

National Transportation Safety Board

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$169K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Summary
This position is in the Air Carrier and Space Investigations Division. The Office investigates, or causes to be investigated, all civil and public aircraft aviation and space accidents and selected incidents; prepare detailed reports; develop proposed probable cause determinations; and formulate recommendations to minimize their recurrence for consideration and adoption by the Board and for use by other government agencies, the Congress, the transportation community, and the traveling public.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Sr Aviation Accident Investigator (Air Carrier & Space) - DIRECT HIRE,GS-1801-15, you will perform the following major duties:
  • Serve as a Senior Investigator-In-Charge (IIC) for certain domestic accidents and incidents involving commercial air carrier operations and space and as the U.S. Accredited Representative for international air carrier accidents and incidents when the U.S. is the State of design/manufacture, State of operation, and/or the State of registry.
  • Acts as the on-call Air Carrier and Space Investigations Duty Officer by taking notifications of accident or incidents and investigate relevant media reports as appropriate, to include answering phones, notifying Chief and Office of Aviation Safety Directors about events and launch to accident/incident sites.
  • Evaluate evidence accumulated during accident and incident investigations and review the factual and analysis investigation reports to determine the adequacy of the facts necessary for establishing probable cause and remedial recommendations.
  • In preparation of the Board's accident report, coordinate with Division Chief on steps involved in report's progress from the initial draft through release to the public.
  • Manage U.S. participation in international aviation investigations by applying the standards and recommended practices (SARPs) of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and makes the IIC aware of the U.S. differences in this regard.
  • Drafts, writes, or effects timely processing of safety recommendations and accident prevention efforts as relevant to U.S responsibilities in the accident based on evidence obtained during the investigation.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be regi or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
  • 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.
  • This position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
  • You may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, upon entering the position and annually.
  • THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBILE FOR REMOTE TELEWORK.
  • 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.
  • A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • 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).

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must meet one of the following Basic Requirements:
Applicant must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-14 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing the following duties:
  • Led high visibility civil aviation or commercial space projects that received significant attention and interest from the aviation industry, commercial space, the media, the Congress, and/or the public.
  • Manage personnel and resources necessary for civil aviation accident and incident investigations.
  • Identify significant equipment and/or operational safety issues and recommend changes that may significantly impact aviation industry operations.
  • Write technically accurate, detailed, and logically supported reports regarding the civil aviation accident/incident, identifying a proposed probable cause(s) and safety recommendations.

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
EDUCATION
Education is not applicable at the GS-15 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.
  • A Relocation or Recruitment Incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidates.
  • If you left Federal Employment and received a buy out and you are selected for this position, you may be required to repay the full amount of the payment.
  • Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) meet the basic qualification standards (including minimum educational and experience requirements; (3) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 and above on the rating criteria for this position; and, (4) submit the appropriate documentation ( to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
  • Note: ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
  • 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. OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
  • Multiple and subsequent vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
  • NTSB uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.
  • 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.
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