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Designated Airworthiness Representative Jobs in California

... Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs). Create and refine standardized stress analysis ... Working knowledge of FAA regulations and compliance standards for structural airworthiness.

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Interfaces with customers, subcontractors, suppliers, and government representatives on assigned ... designated systems, subsystems, capabilities, or projects/programs. * Functions as a senior ...

Act as a primary interface with certification authorities, designated representatives, and external ... Airworthiness Standards: Part 23, 25, 27, 29, 33, 34 or 35 * Capable of setting a positive tone ...

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Designated Airworthiness Representative information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do designated airworthiness representative jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for designated airworthiness representative in California is $17.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Designated Airworthiness Representative?

A Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) is an individual authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct inspections and issue airworthiness certificates for aircraft and aircraft parts. DARs are typically experienced aviation professionals who have been appointed to act on behalf of the FAA in certain certification processes. They may specialize in either manufacturing (DAR-F) or maintenance (DAR-T) functions. Their work helps ensure that aircraft meet safety and regulatory standards before being allowed to operate. DARs provide valuable expertise in the certification and regulatory compliance of aircraft.

What are some common challenges Designated Airworthiness Representatives face when balancing regulatory compliance and client expectations?

Designated Airworthiness Representatives often encounter challenges when clients expect expedited approvals or interpret regulations differently. Maintaining impartiality and strict adherence to FAA regulations is crucial, even when under pressure to meet tight schedules. DARs must communicate clearly with clients to manage expectations and ensure that all documentation and inspections meet regulatory requirements. This balancing act requires strong technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and a commitment to aviation safety. Collaborating with manufacturers, repair stations, and FAA personnel is also a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Designated Airworthiness Representative, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR), you need extensive knowledge of aviation regulations, aircraft systems, and airworthiness standards, typically supported by years of experience in aircraft maintenance or engineering and FAA authorization. Familiarity with FAA certification procedures, regulatory documentation, and inspection tools is essential, and many DARs hold A&P or engineering certifications. Strong attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication skills are crucial for evaluating compliance and interacting with aircraft owners, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies. These skills and qualifications ensure aircraft meet safety and regulatory standards, protecting public safety and maintaining industry integrity.

What is the difference between Designated Airworthiness Representative vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectDesignated Airworthiness RepresentativeAircraft Maintenance Technician
CredentialsFAA certification, often specific to aircraft typeFAA certification or license, such as A&P certificate
Work EnvironmentFAA offices, aircraft manufacturers, or repair stationsAircraft repair facilities, hangars, or maintenance shops
Employer & Industry UsageFAA-authorized, working closely with the FAA and manufacturersPrivate or commercial repair stations, airlines, or maintenance companies
Primary RoleRepresent FAA in certification and airworthiness tasksPerform maintenance, repairs, and inspections on aircraft

While both roles involve aircraft safety and certification, Designated Airworthiness Representatives focus on FAA certification and airworthiness documentation, often working in regulatory environments. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform hands-on repairs and inspections, ensuring aircraft meet safety standards. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the aviation industry.

What are popular job titles related to Designated Airworthiness Representative jobs in California?

For Designated Airworthiness Representative jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Designated Airworthiness Representative jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Designated Airworthiness Representative jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Designated Airworthiness Representative job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,769 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Aviation Safety Inspector

Department of Transportation

Oakland, CA • On-site

$93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Inspect manufacturing processes, quality systems, and procedures to ensure compliance with approved design criteria and safety standards.

  • Evaluate and oversee the issuance of airworthiness certificates and manage programs related to airworthiness approvals.

  • Perform quality assurance activities such as first article, in-process, and final assembly inspections, as well as destructive and non-destructive testing.


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Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

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Job description

Join the Federal Aviation Administration as an Aviation Safety Inspector - Manufacturing. The FAA work environment is rich in opportunity, diversity, teamwork and work life balance.

Enjoy benefits such as weekends off, paid holidays, steady work hours, sick/annual leave, health insurance and more! Begin a rewarding career with the FAA and be part of a select group of individual whose mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Qualifications:

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Not more than 2 separate incidents involving Federal Aviation Regulations violations in the last 5 years;
  2. Have a valid state driver's license;
  3. Be fluent in the English language;
  4. Have no chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
  5. Be a high school graduate or equivalent.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: 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 printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted) without strain;
  2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted);
  3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others or that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

Applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Manufacturing) positions must meet one of the following requirements:

A. Experience in the area of quality systems, methods, and techniques in the manufacture of products and/or articles that demonstrates the ability to determine whether aircraft and related products meet the approved design criteria, or the design criteria on which approval is being sought and is in condition for safe operations; or

B. Experience involving either the actual issuance of airworthiness certificates or having responsibility for managing programs leading to the issuance of original airworthiness certificates or original export airworthiness approvals for products and/or articles; or

C. Experience involving a combination of paragraph A and paragraph B.

Acceptable specialized experience for paragraph A includes actual experience in a majority of the following areas:

  1. First article, in process and final assembly inspection;
  2. Quality assurance provisions of special processes (e.g. heat treating, brazing, welding, carburizing, plating, CAD-CAM, robotics, software quality control, etc.,)
  3. Destructive and non-destructive inspection;
  4. Manufacturing processes;
  5. Airworthiness assurance;
  6. Developing and implementing quality systems and procedures;
  7. Testing procedures; and
  8. Use of improved design data.

The experience in paragraph A or B is typically acquired in such positions as:

  1. Quality engineer;
  2. Quality systems supervisor/manager;
  3. Quality systems auditor;
  4. Service representative with technical quality experience;
  5. FAA designee such as a designated manufacturing inspection representative (DMIR); or
  6. Designated airworthiness representative (DAR) authorized to perform manufacturing inspection functions on behalf of the FAA.

Selective Placement Factors:

Experience should demonstrate at a minimum developmental experience, training, or progressively responsible involvement in the evaluation, certification, oversight, implementation, or operational integration of emerging aviation technologies and programs, with particular emphasis on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and/or Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Experience may be gained through assignments, developmental opportunities, certification projects, operational activities, pilot programs, demonstrations, or other aviation-related work involving emerging technologies.

To qualify for this position at the FG/GS-12 level -All candidates must demonstrate one year (52 weeks) of
specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (FG/GS-11). Specialized experience is defined as knowledge and experience of aerospace quality assurance systems in a position of leadership, or having the ability to make decisions independently, as it relates to an aerospace manufacturing environment in the areas of assembly, test and final inspection, and airworthiness determination as evidenced by practical experience working in this environment - such as work as a Supervisory Quality Inspector, Organization Designation Authorization Unit Member, or Manager of an aircraft or aerospace article manufacturing facility.

To qualify for this position at the FG/GS-11 level -All candidates must demonstrate one year (52 weeks) of
specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (FG/GS-09). Specialized experience is defined asknowledge and experience of aerospace quality assurance systems, and having the ability to make decisions independently, as it relates to an aerospace manufacturing environment in the areas of assembly, test and final inspection, and airworthiness determination as evidenced by practical experience working in this environment.

Specialized Experience Statement: Required in addition to above

Experience or developmental exposure to UAS operations and integration; AAM/eVTOL aircraft and operations; certification, conformity, testing, or operational approval activities; pilot, demonstration, or partnership programs; and emerging aviation technology policy and regulatory frameworks. Experience may be demonstrated through progressively responsible assignments, formal training, developmental details, special projects, or direct participation in FAA or industry programs involving emerging aviation technologies.

THE FULL PERFORMANCE POTENTIAL TO THE FG-13 GRADE 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 all training, qualification requirements, and recommendation by the supervisor.

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


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.
  • My resume reflects clear experience or developmental exposure regarding UAS operations and integration; AAM/eVTOL aircraft and operations; certification, conformity, testing, or operational approval activities; pilot, demonstration, or partnership programs; and emerging aviation technology policy and regulatory frameworks.


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

No education substitution for qualifications for this position. Must be high school graduate or equivalent.

Employment Type: OTHER

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