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Flight Operations Inspector Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Pre-flight planning and inspections. * Conduct safe flight operations. * Navigating and flying aircraft. * In-flight monitoring. * Communicating with air traffic control. * Post-flight inspection.

Pre-flight planning and inspections. * Conduct safe flight operations. * Navigating and flying aircraft. * In-flight monitoring. * Communicating with air traffic control. * Post-flight inspection.

Pre-flight planning and inspections. * Conduct safe flight operations. * Navigating and flying aircraft. * In-flight monitoring. * Communicating with air traffic control. * Post-flight inspection.

... and flight lines; operate aviation support equipment and systems used in aircraft operations; perform inspections and operational checks before and after equipment use; conduct preventive and ...

... and flight lines; operate aviation support equipment and systems used in aircraft operations; perform inspections and operational checks before and after equipment use; conduct preventive and ...

... and flight lines; operate aviation support equipment and systems used in aircraft operations; perform inspections and operational checks before and after equipment use; conduct preventive and ...

... and flight lines; operate aviation support equipment and systems used in aircraft operations; perform inspections and operational checks before and after equipment use; conduct preventive and ...

... and flight lines; operate aviation support equipment and systems used in aircraft operations; perform inspections and operational checks before and after equipment use; conduct preventive and ...

... and flight lines; operate aviation support equipment and systems used in aircraft operations; perform inspections and operational checks before and after equipment use; conduct preventive and ...

... and flight lines; operate aviation support equipment and systems used in aircraft operations; perform inspections and operational checks before and after equipment use; conduct preventive and ...

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Flight Operations Inspector information

See Maryland salary details

$12

$26

$50

How much do flight operations inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight operations inspector in Maryland is $26.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $30.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Flight Operations Inspector, you need an extensive background in aviation, a commercial or airline transport pilot license, and in-depth knowledge of flight operations and regulatory standards. Familiarity with flight management systems, aviation safety protocols, and regulatory compliance tools such as ICAO and FAA documentation is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable inspectors to assess operations and clearly convey safety expectations. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensuring compliance, promoting safety, and maintaining high standards in commercial aviation.

What is the difference between Flight Operations Inspector vs Flight Safety Specialist?

AspectFlight Operations InspectorFlight Safety Specialist
Required CredentialsFAA certifications, aviation safety trainingFAA certifications, safety management training
Work EnvironmentAirlines, regulatory agencies, airportsAirlines, regulatory agencies, safety organizations
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in airline operations and regulatory oversightFocus on safety protocols and incident prevention
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Flight Operations Inspectors and Flight Safety Specialists both work within the aviation industry, focusing on safety and compliance. While Flight Operations Inspectors primarily oversee airline operations and ensure regulatory adherence, Flight Safety Specialists concentrate on developing safety protocols and analyzing incidents. Both roles require FAA certifications and are vital for maintaining aviation safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by flight operations inspectors, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Flight Operations Inspectors often face challenges such as staying current with ever-evolving aviation regulations, handling high-pressure audits, and balancing administrative duties with on-site inspections. New hires can prepare by developing strong organizational skills, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of aviation standards, and building effective communication with airline staff and regulatory bodies. Being proactive about ongoing professional development and fostering a detail-oriented mindset can help navigate these challenges and ensure safe, compliant flight operations.

What is a flight operations inspector?

Flight Operations Inspectors are aviation professionals responsible for ensuring that airlines and other flight operators comply with safety regulations and operational standards set by aviation authorities. They conduct inspections of aircraft, review flight procedures, evaluate crew qualifications, and monitor airline operations to ensure compliance with national and international aviation laws. Their work helps maintain the safety and efficiency of commercial and cargo flight operations. Flight Operations Inspectors often have significant experience as pilots or in other aviation roles before taking on this regulatory position.
What are popular job titles related to Flight Operations Inspector jobs in Maryland? For Flight Operations Inspector jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Operations Inspector jobs in Maryland look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Operations Inspector jobs in Maryland are:
What cities in Maryland are hiring for Flight Operations Inspector jobs? Cities in Maryland with the most Flight Operations Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Operations Inspector job openings in Maryland as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,228 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Flight Inspector 4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Patuxent River, MD • On-site

$86K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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 Aeronautics Systems is seeking Flight Inspector 4 to join our Navy MQ-4C Triton Integrated Test Team located at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.
Job Summary:
Flight Inspector 4 performs advanced inspections of airframe, propulsion, avionics, and flight control systems supporting the MQ-4C Triton platform. This role ensures conformity to engineering requirements and quality standards from build through flightline operations. The position partners with production, test, and engineering to verify configuration, resolve nonconformances, and release hardware for test/flight activities while promoting FOD/tool-control discipline and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform in-process, preflight, postflight, and final inspections of structures/composites, mechanical systems, avionics, electrical wiring, and flight controls.
  • Verify conformance to drawings, specifications, work instructions, and quality requirements; interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Use and verify calibration status of precision measuring equipment and tooling (e.g., torque tools, micrometers/calipers, borescopes as applicable).
  • Witness/verify functional tests and system checkouts; document acceptance evidence and inspection results.
  • Review/validate NALCOMIS MAFS, and configuration status to support airworthiness release activities.
  • Document and process nonconformances; coordinate with engineering/MRB for disposition and verify corrective actions.
  • Enforce FOD prevention, tool control, ESD handling, and safety policies; perform critical-operation verifications (bonding, torquing, wiring terminations, etc.).
  • Support internal/customer/regulatory audits by providing objective evidence and participating in corrective action implementation.
  • Mentor junior inspectors/technicians and provide OJT; communicate inspection status and risks to leadership.

Basic Qualifications
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) with 10+ years of aircraft inspection/quality experience; or associate degree with 8+ years; or bachelor's degree with 6+ years.
  • Experience inspecting complex aircraft systems in production, modification, depot, or flightline/test environments (manned or unmanned).
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings/specifications, wiring diagrams, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Experience documenting nonconformances and verifying corrective actions within a quality management system.
  • Proficiency using inspection/measurement tools and producing clear inspection documentation.
  • Ability to work variable shifts, overtime/weekends as required and meet physical demands (heights/stands/ladders, confined spaces as applicable).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance (TS, up to TS/SCI) and program access.

*** Ability to execute domestic and foreign travel (15-20% of time). ***
Primary Level Salary Range: $86,300.00 - $115,000.00
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