Aviation Accident Investigator

Aviation Accident Investigator

Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Location(s): Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job), United States

Salary Range: $90925 - $118204 Per Year

Job Summary: The incumbent will serve as an Aviation Accident Investigator, located in the Office of Aviation Safety, Regions, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and is responsible for independently conducting investigations of aviation aircraft accidents and incidents. Recommends a probable cause of the accident and develops safety recommendations.

Major Duties:

• As a Aviation Accident Investigator,GS-1801-13, you will perform the following major duties: Serve as investigator-in-charge (IIC) of aviation accident/incident investigations of varying levels of complexity who recognizes, develops, and presents evidence/analyses to reconstruct events, sequences, time elements, and other accident characteristics. Maintain overall control and leadership of domestic investigations located anywhere in the U.S. and coordinate with other federal, state, and local officials. Survey accident sites, determine the scope of investigations, and advise on the need for investigation personnel and equipment. While on scene, collect factual evidence, document wreckage distribution, interview and obtain statements from witnesses, photo-document appropriate aspects of wreckage and site, and conduct or arrange for test and analysis of failed components. Conduct public press conferences during on-scene accident investigations; make presentations to groups of industry stakeholders as part of agency safety promotion efforts; follow NTSB policy when giving factual statements to the public, media, litigants, and victim's family members. Identify safety issues during investigations and lead the development of safety recommendations and safety alerts or initiate and document safety accomplishments when appropriate. Oversee the development of comprehensive investigative reports of the most technically complex investigations and present the findings of those investigations before the public and the agency's Board Members.

Qualifications: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following Basic Requirements: The applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level which demonstrates the following: Specialized experience is defined as: Leading or participating in teams that provide investigative support to a civil aircraft accident/ incident; Independently writing reports documenting the factual findings of civil aviation aircraft accidents/incidents; Leading and documenting safety change in the civil aviation industry by developing guidance, bulletins, directives, or other documents directly applicable to civil aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, operation, and/or regulatory oversight. You must possess a VALID STATE Driver's License. (A copy must be provided if you are selected). For more information see link: General Inspection Investigation Enforcement and Compliance Series 1801 NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section).The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/18/2026. To begin the process, click the 'Apply' button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12946098. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position. NOTE: If you cannot apply online, please send an e-mail which includes the vacancy announcement number, position title and the reason you are not able to apply on-line to recruitment@ntsb.gov at least 1 business day before the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-18