TSA Security Inspector

Travel Security Careers; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in Chicago seeks a Transportation Security Inspector to oversee inspections of airports, carriers, and cargo facilities. You will evaluate security programs, identify vulnerabilities, and produce comprehensive reports to strengthen aviation security.

The role involves field inspections, regulatory research, incident response, and collaboration with airport authorities and law-enforcement partners to ensure compliance with federal requirements.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience at the level stated in the vacancy is required.
• Experience may include conducting regulatory inspections, compliance reviews, investigations, or security assessments.
• Ability to interpret and apply transportation-security laws, regulations, policies, or procedures.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills for technical or investigative reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections, security assessments, and regulatory-compliance reviews.
• Evaluate security programs and procedures for airports, airlines, and air cargo.
• Inspect security processes, records, systems, facilities, and equipment.
• Identify vulnerabilities and compliance concerns, and address deviations from standards.
• Review documents and collect information related to inspections or investigations.
• Prepare detailed reports that explain findings and supporting evidence.
• Recommend or initiate corrective and enforcement actions within authority.
• Respond to security incidents, suspected violations, and emerging threats.
• Coordinate with TSA personnel and other agencies on regulatory guidance.
• Support exercises, tests, and vulnerability assessments as needed.

Skills

Regulatory inspections

Security assessments

Report writing

Stakeholder coordination

Job description

Transportation Security Inspector – Aviation Opportunities in Chicago

Transportation Security Inspectors help ensure that airports, air carriers, cargo facilities, and other regulated aviation organizations follow federal transportation-security requirements. Rather than screening passengers at a checkpoint, inspectors evaluate the systems, procedures, records, and security programs designed to protect the broader aviation network.

This role combines field inspections, regulatory research, security assessments, incident response, and detailed report writing. Inspectors work with airport representatives, airline personnel, law-enforcement partners, and other stakeholders to identify compliance concerns and strengthen aviation security.

Position Details

• Official Title: Transportation Security Inspector – {inspector_specialty}
• Location: {airport_or_office}, Chicago, IL
• Employer: Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security
• Salary: {salary_min}–{salary_max} per year
• Pay Band: {pay_band}
• Schedule: {work_schedule}
• Travel: {travel_requirement}
• Appointment Type: {appointment_type}
• Who May Apply: {who_may_apply}
• Security Clearance: {security_clearance}
• Application Deadline: {closing_date}

Some inspector vacancies are open only to current TSA employees or applicants who qualify through a specific federal hiring path. Review the official announcement before applying to confirm your eligibility.

What You May Do

• Conduct inspections, security assessments, and regulatory-compliance reviews
• Evaluate airport, airline, and air-cargo security programs and procedures
• Inspect security processes, records, systems, facilities, and equipment
• Identify vulnerabilities, compliance concerns, and departures from required standards
• Review documents and collect information related to inspections or investigations
• Prepare detailed reports that explain findings, supporting evidence, and required follow-up
• Recommend or initiate corrective and enforcement actions within assigned authority
• Respond to security incidents, suspected violations, and emerging transportation threats
• Participate in approved security tests, exercises, and vulnerability assessments
• Provide regulatory guidance to airport authorities, air carriers, cargo operators, and other stakeholders
• Coordinate with TSA personnel and federal, state, local, or airport law-enforcement agencies

Experience Requirements

Transportation Security Inspector positions generally require specialized experience at the level stated in the official vacancy. Relevant experience may include:

• Conducting regulatory inspections, compliance reviews, investigations, or security assessments
• Interpreting and applying transportation-security laws, regulations, policies, or procedures
• Evaluating security programs, operational controls, or corrective-action plans
• Identifying security vulnerabilities or violations of established standards
• Documenting inspection findings and preparing technical or investigative reportsCommunicating regulatory requirements to regulated organizations and industry stakeholders