Become an Aerospace Engineer with the NTSB

Are you ready to take your engineering career to the next level while making a tangible impact on global aviation safety? The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently accepting applications for an Aerospace Engineer (Systems) to join the Office of Aviation Safety. This role offers the unique opportunity to serve as a Systems Group Chairperson, investigating accidents and determining the root causes behind mechanical failures.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be on the front lines of aviation accident investigations. Key duties include:

Serving as the Systems Group Chairperson for investigations.
Performing deep-dive analyses on flight controls, avionics, hydraulics, and pneumatic systems.
Leading test plans and troubleshooting procedures following accidents.
Drafting technical factual reports that provide the foundation for board-level safety determinations.
Collaborating with manufacturers, federal agencies, and international partners.

Comparison: Engineering Roles

Feature	Standard Aerospace Engineering	NTSB Investigative Engineering
Primary Focus	Design & Development	Forensic Analysis & Root Cause
Environment	Office/Lab	Field Investigation Sites
Impact	Performance Optimization	Immediate Public Safety & Regulatory Change
Travel	Occasional	High (Go-Team Launches)

Requirements

To be eligible for this GS-14 position, you must demonstrate the following:

Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited school or equivalent technical experience.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level applying engineering principles to aircraft systems.
Assessments: Completion of the mandatory USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Suitability: Ability to handle high-risk environmental conditions and maintain required clearance levels.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $143,913 to $187,093 per year. Beyond the salary, the NTSB provides a robust federal benefits package including:

Excellent health and life insurance options.
Retirement savings via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Generous paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for remote work and flexible scheduling.

This is more than a desk job; it is a critical function in the nation's safety infrastructure. If you possess the technical rigor and investigative mindset required to analyze complex aircraft systems, we encourage you to apply. Ensure your resume highlights your technical achievements, and submit your application package before the July 14, 2026 deadline.

Why This Aerospace Engineer (Systems) - Direct Hire Job Matters

Join the NTSB as an Aerospace Engineer and lead critical investigations into aviation safety at the forefront of national transportation security.

Aerospace Engineer (Systems) - Direct Hire Job Overview

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is seeking a highly skilled Aerospace Engineer (Systems) to join the Office of Aviation Safety in Washington, D.C. In this pivotal role, you will apply your technical expertise to investigate aircraft accidents, analyze complex flight control and avionics systems, and develop vital safety recommendations to prevent future incidents. This is a Direct Hire position, offering the opportunity to impact aviation safety on a global scale.

Requirements for Aerospace Engineer (Systems) - Direct Hire

U.S. Citizenship or National.
Completion of a 4-year degree in professional engineering from an ABET-accredited institution OR a combination of education and experience equivalent to engineering standards.
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal service.
Demonstrated ability to analyze aircraft systems, including avionics, hydraulics, and flight controls.
Successful completion of all required USA Hire Assessments.
Ability to obtain and maintain a high-risk suitability/fitness clearance.

Preferred Qualifications for Aerospace Engineer (Systems) - Direct Hire

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Current Engineer in Training (EIT) status.
Experience in accident investigation or forensic engineering.
Advanced technical writing skills for investigative reporting.
Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills for multi-agency collaboration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
✓Transit benefits.
✓Access to fitness facilities.
✓Work-life balance initiatives.

💡 How to Apply Aerospace Engineer (Systems) - Direct Hire Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Aerospace Engineer (Systems) - Direct Hire Job

Review the full announcement on USAJOBS.
Prepare a detailed two-page resume clearly outlining your federal experience (grade/series/hours) and technical accomplishments.
Click the Apply Online button and complete all mandatory questionnaires.
Submit your resume, academic transcripts, and supporting documentation.
Complete the USA Hire Assessment within the required timeframe after receiving the notification link.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume provides specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Do not include personal information like SSN or photos in your application.
Use the practice resources available on the USA Hire portal to prepare for competency assessments.
Submit all documentation well before the closing date to account for potential technical delays.
Clearly link your past experience to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this role?

The role focuses on the investigation of aircraft accidents, specifically evaluating engineering aspects of avionics, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes. The incumbent must be prepared to join major 'go-team' launches, often traveling within two hours of notification for both domestic and international investigations.

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range is $143,913 to $187,093 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Job from National Transportation Safety Board

The NTSB is an independent federal agency dedicated to investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States, alongside major incidents in rail, marine, and pipeline transportation. Their mission is not just to find out what happened, but to ensure it never happens again by issuing critical safety recommendations.