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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

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 21, 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 Technician

Federal Aviation Administration

Washington, DC • On-site

$63K - $91K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Federal Aviation Administration rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 295 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
Serves as Aviation Safety Technician (AST) in a Flight Standards Office providing technical support to Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASl's) and the public.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Technical Administration
Provides technical knowledge and support to aviation safety inspectors, the general public, stakeholders, and airmen regarding a wide variety of aviation-related topics. Extracts safety data and information from FAA records to identify trends for items that affect aviation safety and enters technical findings in agency approved databases.
This individual will provide technical assistance and/or support with certification, surveillance, investigation, and/or enforcement, examples include, but are not limited to:
Certification Support
Provides technical support to ASl's during certification of operators and air agencies.
Reviews airmen certification files, submitted by designees for accuracy.
Reviews inspection authorization files for renewal eligibility.
Conducts Operational Color Vision Tests.
Reviews designee management system to determine renewal eligibility.
Compiles data for technical reports.
Surveillance Support
Assists ASI's with surveillance of aviation events.
Assists in drafting and issuing waivers and authorizations.
Investigation Support
Drafts Enforcement Investigative Reports (EIR) for review and final approval by an ASI
Acts as the Point of Contact (POC) for safety assets (PPE) related to accident
investigations.
Enforcement Support
Incumbent will be responsible for enforcement functions including: conducting
violations, voluntary disclosure, suspect illegal charters, incidents, navigation and altitude
deviation investigations.
Other
Provides technical support for special inspections, including a variety of the functions
described in the previous paragraphs.
May conduct meetings or portions of meetings in support of technical work functions.
Prepares technical correspondence in support of assigned work functions.
Provides administrative support and project tracking utilizing required computer
software.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • (See Required Documents)
  • Successful completion of a security investigation may be required.
  • Position is designated as Moderate Risk; a background investigation may be required.
  • Selectee will be required to report to an FAA/AVS facility.
  • This is not a 100% telework position. Situational telework may be available based on the needs of the Office.

Qualifications
FG -08, To qualify for this position at the FG-8 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FG/GS-7 level. Specialized experience is: demonstrated accomplishment in practical technical aviation operations, computer skills and knowledge of common software applications, analytical skill, interpersonal skills, and communication skills. Typically preferred candidates will show technical training and/or certification experience applicable to a regulatory aviation environment.
FG -09, To qualify for this position at the FG-9 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FG/GS-8 level. Specialized experience is: demonstrated accomplishment in practical technical aviation operations; computer skills and knowledge of common software applications; analytical skill; interpersonal skills; and communication skills: experience gathering and compiling aviation safety data; experience analyzing aviation safety information for the purpose of identifying trends; experience preparing technical reports and documents; and experience assisting in aviation investigations such as complaints, occurrences, incidents, accidents and/or violations. Typically preferred candidates will show technical training and/or certification experience applicable to a regulatory aviation environment.
Refer to OPM's Operating Manual Qualification Standard at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/group-stds/gs-cler.asp .
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Please follow all instructions carefully.
Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility or consideration for employment.
Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.
Education
Not applicable.
Ingrade/Downgrade applications will be accepted.
Interviews: All or none of the candidates may be interviewed.
Selectee must report to the advertised facility.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS: Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or Omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job. Your application/resume must have your official title, grade, series and employment dates in your work history.
As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA)/Leadership and Management Dimension (LMD) NARRATIVES from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a NARRATIVE response in the text box listed below each KSA/LMD.
In lieu of providing a KSA NARRATIVE response in the text box listed below each KSA/LMD, in your work history on your resume/application, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA/LMD. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate. Please also ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job); Duties (be specific in describing your duties); Employer's name and address; Supervisor name and phone number; Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week); & Salary. Determining length of Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible due to an incomplete application.
Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.
Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability.
Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.
Applicants must apply online to receive consideration for this vacancy announcement. Faxed, mailed or e-mailed applications cannot be accepted. If you need to submit additional documents to supplement your on-line application, e.g. SF-50, you may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS.
Full promotion potential to the FG-9 Level: Identification of promotion in the vacancy announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon the selectee meeting training, qualification requirements, and recommendation by the supervisor.
Preview job questionnaire
Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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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.
Review our benefits
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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