1

Aviation Safety Inspector Jobs in Washington, DC

... inspections required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Comprehensive knowledge of FAA regulations, Coast Guard maintenance policies, and aviation safety standards. * Strong understanding of ...

Technician

Sterling, VA · On-site

$41K - $55K/yr

... inspections on aviation components in compliance with OEM technical publications and Unilode's operational standards. This role ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance within Unilode's MRO ...

Technician

Sterling, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

... inspections on aviation components in compliance with OEM technical publications and Unilode's operational standards. This role ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance within Unilode's MRO ...

Technician

Sterling, VA · On-site

$41K - $55K/yr

... inspections on aviation components in compliance with OEM technical publications and Unilode's operational standards. This role ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance within Unilode's MRO ...

Inspector

Sterling, VA · On-site

$58K - $75K/yr

Build a Better Future - Uphold quality and safety to enhance Unilode's reliability and reputation ... Trade-based qualification or aviation-related certification (A&P licence or FAA Repairman ...

... inspections on aviation components in compliance with OEM technical publications and Unilode's operational standards. This role ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance within Unilode's MRO ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Aviation Safety Inspector information

See Washington, DC salary details

$42.5K

$98.7K

$147.2K

How much do aviation safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation safety inspector in Washington, DC is $98,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $113,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aviation safety inspector do?

An Aviation Safety Inspector is responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of aircraft, pilots, and aviation operations. They conduct inspections, evaluate maintenance programs, and enforce regulations set by aviation authorities like the FAA. Inspectors may specialize in different areas such as operations, maintenance, or avionics. Their work helps prevent accidents and ensures that airlines, pilots, and other aviation personnel adhere to safety standards.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for an aviation safety inspector?

Aviation Safety Inspectors spend their days performing detailed inspections of aircraft, reviewing maintenance records, and ensuring compliance with federal aviation regulations. They may observe flight operations, inspect repair or overhaul processes, and conduct interviews with crew members to verify safety procedures. Collaboration with airline staff, mechanics, and regulatory agencies is also common to address safety concerns or recommend corrective actions. This dynamic mix of fieldwork, documentation, and teamwork helps maintain high safety standards in the aviation industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aviation safety inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aviation Safety Inspector, you need an in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, technical expertise in aircraft systems and maintenance, and a relevant degree or experience in aviation or aerospace fields. Familiarity with aviation inspection tools, digital recordkeeping systems, and certifications such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license are often required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help inspectors collaborate with crews and convey complex findings clearly. These abilities ensure inspections meet regulatory standards and contribute directly to safe, compliant air travel.

How do you become an aviation safety inspector?

To become an aviation safety inspector, candidates typically need a background in aviation, such as experience as a pilot, mechanic, or air traffic controller, along with relevant certifications like an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate or pilot license. Applicants must meet specific experience requirements, pass written and practical exams, and often undergo background checks and medical evaluations. The process also involves applying through federal job portals and completing training programs provided by the FAA or relevant aviation authorities.

Is an Aviation Safety Inspector a good job?

An Aviation Safety Inspector is a critical role responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations and inspecting aircraft and maintenance operations. It offers a stable government career, often with benefits, and requires knowledge of aviation standards, certifications, and strong attention to detail. Job satisfaction depends on interest in aviation safety and regulatory work.

Is it hard to become an aviation safety inspector?

Becoming an aviation safety inspector typically requires a background in aviation, engineering, or a related field, along with experience in aviation operations or maintenance. Candidates often need to pass written exams, meet specific certification requirements, and demonstrate strong attention to detail and knowledge of safety regulations. The process can be competitive and demanding but is structured to ensure inspectors are qualified to uphold safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Aviation Safety Inspector jobs in Washington, DC?

For Aviation Safety Inspector jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aviation Safety Inspector jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Aviation Safety Inspector jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Aviation Safety Inspector job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,730 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Maintenance)

Career Fields | Federal Aviation Administration

Washington, DC

$143K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

As a Aviation Safety Inspector and staff assistant to the Branch Manager, the incumbent develops division procedures and conducts operational evaluation and analysis of the airworthiness work of the division and of the International Field Offices (IFOs) concerning the investigation, inspection and surveillance, regulatory compliance and enforcement, certification, certificate management and aircraft maintenance of foreign operators and entities in a foreign geographic location.

Qualifications:

OPM Qualification Standard for the Aviation Safety Inspector Air Carrier Maintenance specialty (from the Operating Manual for Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions) is located at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/aviation-safety-series-1825/

General Requirements for All Positions:

  1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;

  2. Valid State driver's license;

  3. Fluency in the English language;

  4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and

  5. High school diploma or equivalent.

Medical Requirements for All Positions:

Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner and must meet all of the following requirements.

  1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted);

  2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and

  3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of the aircraft must:

  1. Possess a valid second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; and

  2. Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

Applicants not requiring valid second-class medical certificates who are tentatively selected will be required to:

  1. Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; or

  2. Individuals who do not meet the minimum medical requirements but who are otherwise qualified will receive an individualized assessment to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position.

Specialized Experience:

When the predominant work involves air carrier maintenance, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Maintenance) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

1. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and systems of multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight maintained under an airworthiness maintenance and inspection program.
2. Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency.
3. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and aircraft systems with responsibility for certifying airworthiness.
4. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years.
5. FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings.

To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Specialized experience is: Assisting, conducting or performing various technical functions related to certification, surveillance, investigation or compliance recommendation of maintenance activities on FAR Part 145 repair stations.

Recency of specialized experience is waived for current and former FAA employees in the 1825 series.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.

Security Requirements:Non-critical sensitive (2): This position requires completion & favorable adjudication of a Tier 3 (T3) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained and approved.


In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following has been determined to be a selective factor for this position. This means possession of this criterion is part of the minimum qualifications and is essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Applicants who do not possess this criterion are ineligible for further consideration.
  • Experience with certificate management,(14 CFR) part numbers 121, 135, 145, or 147.

  • Experience with data quality review against established guidelines.


IMPORTANT: Ensure that your work experience supports your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA), and Other Factors answers. Your answers and associated work experience will be evaluated further to validate whether the answers that you selected are appropriate.
Education:

Education may not be substituted for experience.

Employment Type: OTHER