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Flight Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Will perform daily and pre-flight inspections and perform flying duties as required. * Will be required to support MTF and MOC operations. * Will be required to tow and move aircraft on the flight ...

Flight Operations Drone Pilot

Tampa, FL · On-site

$48K - $57K/yr

Perform pre-flight inspections and verify aircraft airworthiness and mission readiness * Support customer training, operational demonstrations, and fielding activities * Ensure compliance with FAA ...

KY · On-site

Will perform daily and pre-flight inspections and perform flying duties as required. * Will be required to support MTF and MOC operations. * Will be required to tow and move aircraft on the flight ...

CH47 Flight Mechanic

Portland, OR · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

Participate in daily pre-flight and post-flight inspections, ensuring the aircraft is operationally ready, clean, and maintained in excellent condition. This includes fueling, washing, and engine ...

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Flight Inspector information

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$5

$17

How much do flight inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight inspector in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight inspector?

Flight Inspectors are aviation professionals responsible for evaluating and ensuring the safety, functionality, and compliance of aircraft navigation systems, airports, and air traffic control procedures. They conduct in-flight inspections, test navigational aids and instrument landing systems, and verify that aviation standards are met. Their work is crucial for maintaining safe air travel and involves both hands-on testing and detailed reporting. Flight Inspectors often work for government agencies or regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

How do I become a flight inspector?

To become a flight inspector, candidates typically need a background in aviation, such as experience as a pilot, aircraft mechanic, or aviation safety professional. They must meet regulatory requirements, which often include obtaining relevant certifications and passing written and practical exams from aviation authorities. Additionally, strong attention to detail, knowledge of safety standards, and familiarity with aircraft systems are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight inspector?

To thrive as a Flight Inspector, you need expert knowledge of aviation regulations, aircraft systems, and inspection procedures, typically backed by an FAA certification and extensive experience in aviation maintenance or piloting. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, inspection software, and regulatory documentation systems is essential. Meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication allow Flight Inspectors to identify and resolve safety or compliance issues efficiently. These skills are vital to ensure aircraft safety, regulatory compliance, and the prevention of accidents in the aviation industry.

How do you become a flight inspector?

To become a flight inspector, candidates typically need a background in aviation, such as experience as a pilot, aircraft mechanic, or aviation safety professional. They must often obtain relevant certifications, pass written and practical exams, and meet specific regulatory requirements set by aviation authorities, including a thorough background check and medical certification. Experience with aircraft maintenance, safety procedures, and knowledge of aviation regulations are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by flight inspectors during routine inspections?

Flight Inspectors often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, tight schedules, and the need to adapt to different types of aircraft and avionics systems. They must remain vigilant to small discrepancies that could impact safety, all while balancing regulatory compliance with operational demands. Additionally, Flight Inspectors frequently collaborate with pilots, maintenance crews, and regulatory bodies, requiring strong communication skills and a thorough understanding of current aviation regulations.

What is the difference between Flight Inspector vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectFlight InspectorAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, Flight Inspector certificationFAA A&P license, specialized maintenance certifications
Work EnvironmentRegulatory oversight, inspections at airports or maintenance facilitiesHands-on aircraft repair and maintenance in hangars or repair stations
Employer & IndustryAirlines, FAA, aviation safety agenciesAircraft repair stations, airlines, military

While both roles require FAA A&P certification, Flight Inspectors focus on regulatory compliance and safety inspections, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform hands-on repairs and maintenance. Both are essential in aviation safety but differ in daily duties and work environment.

More about Flight Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Flight Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Flight Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Inspector jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,000 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Flight Inspector 2

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$61K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman's Space Sector is seeking a Flight Inspector - Level 2 to join our team in El Segundo, CA. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
The Flight Inspector is responsible for inspecting raw materials, in-process work, and finished products to ensure compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. This role performs first article, in-process, and final inspections, interprets engineering drawings and GD&T, utilizes precision measuring equipment, and investigates quality discrepancies to support corrective actions. The Flight Inspector partners closely with manufacturing, engineering, suppliers, and customers to ensure high-quality aerospace products are delivered safely and accurately.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
In this job, you will:
  • Performs analysis and tests of raw materials, packaging materials, and/or finished products from manufacturing, to ensure quality standards and compliance to customer and regulatory requirements, and tolerance specifications for the chemical or physical property.
  • Performs a variety of qualitative tests or qualitative assays on samples, and to aid in maintenance and certification of test instruments and apparatus to ensure compliance.
  • Prepares and monitors quality statistics and reports.
  • Reviews production records for conformance to procedures. Conducts non-conformance tests of manufactured, packaged or tested product.
  • Performs 1st article, in-process, and final inspection on machined or composite fabricated parts.
  • Reads part drawings with a high degree of GD&T understanding
  • Reviews, analyzes, and possesses knowledge and ability to use inspection equipment such as: Micrometers, Calipers, Height Gauges, Optical Comparators, etc.
  • Investigates problems and developing\recommending corrective actions for recurring discrepancies
  • Interfaces with manufacturing, engineering, customer, vendor and subcontractor representatives to ensure requirements are met
  • The ideal candidate must have a high-level understanding of composite assemblies, complex assemblies, and their associated mechanical manufacturing processes.

  • Other duties as assigned

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
Basic Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or equivalent and 2 years additional education and/or related experience.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance
  • Experience working with inspection equipment such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, or optical comparators, etc
  • Ability to read, interpret, and communicate blueprints, specs, and other technical documents
  • Experience in one or more of the following: inspecting and generating discrepancy reports, composite fabrication or inspection, assembly structure inspection, proof load testing, vibration testing, and/or interfacing directly with customers

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with CMM/Romer Arm
  • Previous aerospace industry experience
  • Proficiency with SAP, CAPE, MEF, and Solumina software suites
  • Active DoD Top Secret Government Clearance

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $61,100.00 - $101,800.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939