Aviation Safety Inspector (AW-General Aviation Avionics )

Federal Aviation Administration

Ankeny (IA)

Remote

USD 127,000 - 165,000

Full time

14 days+

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Telework eligible

Job summary

Federal Aviation Administration in Ankeny, IA, is hiring an Aviation Safety Inspector (AW-General Aviation Avionics). The PAI interfaces with air carriers and agencies, planning and evaluating avionics programs to ensure safety and compliance. Education is not qualifying for this position and experience is evaluated accordingly.

The posted pay range is $126,797–$164,841 per year. The position is telework eligible and requires a federal security clearance. Applications close on 2026-10-07.

Responsibilities

The Principal Avionics Inspector (PAI) serves as the primary operations interface between assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, designees, and the FAA.

Job description

Aviation Safety Inspector (AW-General Aviation Avionics )

Department: Department of Transportation

The duty station for this position is Ankeny, IA. The Principal Avionics Inspector (PAI) serves as the primary operations interface between assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, designees. and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Key Responsibilities

The Principal Avionics Inspector (PAI) receives administrative direction from management in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The PAI, mostly independently plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects, studies, or other work. The PAI provides policy assistance to Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) on difficult or complex policy interpretations. The work is normally accepted without change.

Completed work may be reviewed for adherence to FAA policy and for assurance that project requirements have been fulfilled. Some FG-14 assignments involve service wide responsibility for application of expert knowledge of flight avionics for an advanced multiengine turbojet aircraft. Such employees are concerned with all aspects of the operational capabilities and limitations of the aircraft.

ASIs at the FG-14 level establish technical procedures and performance indexes and review complete flight operations programs for leaders in the aviation industry, or organizations of comparable scope and complexity, or a uniquely complex group of general aviation organizations. Assignments at this level are of great scope and unusual complexity. The following assignments are illustrative: 1.

As a Service wide expert on a particular type of aircraft: Advises other inspectors of major changes; Evaluates new training methods and equipment; Serves on boards that evaluate incidents, accidents, complaints, and other serious problems relating to the aircraft. 2. As the principal representative in regulatory surveillance of general aviation activities, exercises certificate authority; or evaluates maintenance activities and complete aircraft overhaul facilities. 3.

Exercises certificate authority and safety responsibility over a complex of broad and varied general aviation organizations such as air taxis, executive and/or industrial operators, repair stations, and flight and mechanic schools when the activities monitored equate collectively to a major air carrier in terms of size and complexity of aircraft fleet employed, scope and technical complexity of operations, management sophistication, industry leadership, and public impact.

The magnitude, intensity, and scope of program responsibility are typically such as to require significant and regular assistance of lower graded inspectors. Decisions typically have broad impact on the operation, maintenance of a particular type of advanced aircraft, or a geographic area containing a variety of novel and/or complex aviation operations. Decisions also have a significant effect on the safety of the flying public.

FG-14 employees have critically important and frequently controversial contacts with key officials of major manufacturers and general aviation organizations. Contacts are made to resolve issues which affect the initial certification or operations programs, and their effect on safety and compliance with regulations. The PAI provides guidance to field level staff to solve difficult technical issues.

Resolves all but unique problems, with the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Develop plans, techniques, and policies to address current and anticipated problems and issues. Works with management to solve problems. The PAI is expected to follow established laws, orders, policies, and regulations that provide general guidance for completing work objectives but is allowed considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches.

The PAI uses resourcefulness, initiative, and judgement based on experience to develop and implement evaluation procedures to address problems where precedents are not applicable. Methods, practices, or decisions may be used as guidance in similar problem areas. Performs other duties as required.

Requirements & Education

Education is not qualifying for this position and may not be substituted for experience.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $126797 – $164841/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-07.