Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) logo
Full-time
On-site
Frederick, Maryland, United States
$55,000 - $65,000 USD yearly
Flight Instructors, Mechanics / Aircraft Maintenance, Pilots

Aviation Tech Spec

Job Category: Technician

Requisition Number: AVIAT001357

    • PostedSeptember 11, 2025
  • Full-Time
  • On-site
  • Location:
    Headquarters
    421 Aviation Way
    Frederick, MD 21701, USA

Description

JOB SUMMARY:  

Aviation Technical Specialists in AOPA's Pilot Information Center serve as a technical resource to AOPA members, staff, and the aviation community at large. Responsibilities include analysis and resolution of member inquiries and issues pertaining to flight operations, enforcement actions, aircraft ownership and maintenance, regulations, airports, security, medical, airspace, charting, flight training, and support of AOPA’s flight instructor refresher course. Specialists utilize personal aviation experience and expertise along with industry and government contacts to conduct research used to guide advocacy and outreach efforts throughout AOPA.  

Specialists are also responsible for member education on AOPA products and services during their communication with members. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

Member Aviation Technical Support (80%) 

Responds to member inquiries via email, phone, chat, mail, and in-person communication, providing aviation technical expertise and guidance. This can require research and outreach to government and private sector aviation contacts not generally available to membership. 

Represents both the department and the association in public settings such as air shows and conventions, with related occasional travel as required. 

AOPA Internal Support (10%) 

Provide aviation technical expertise to all AOPA departments in support of association goals and objectives.  Communicate with other AOPA departments to maintain specialist awareness of operations and initiatives that impact pilots and AOPA members.  Maintain open communication with those departments to provide feedback and insight into current member perceptions. 

AOPA Online Resources Support (10%) 

Develop and provide resources for the AOPA website, AOPA App, and AOPA Social Media. 

**Although this job description aims to capture the majority of the position duties, other duties may be assigned based on business and departmental needs. 

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:  

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with recent flight experience. 

Solid understanding of aviation subject matter, including FAA regulations, the nation's airspace system, airport governance and operations, aircraft ownership, aircraft maintenance, FAA rulemaking, flight operations, pilot security requirements, pilot and instructor certificate privileges and limitations, enforcement procedures, ATC operations, and flight training. 

Comprehensive knowledge of the aviation industry, including current events that impact aviation, as well as current and developing technologies and trends. 

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. 

Experience in internet research methodology and competence in the use of Microsoft Office. 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:  

An aviation-related undergraduate degree or comparable experience. 

FAA Flight Instructor Certificate. 

FAA Airframe & Powerplant Certificate. 

FAA Inspection Authorization designation. 

Call center environment and customer interface technology experience, such as Salesforce, Five-9, and Zendesk. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

This position works in an office setting. 

Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm (occasionally 9:30 am-6 pm), Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break. 

Generally, a climate-controlled environment with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions when attending aviation-related events, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviation aircraft. 

This position requires some travel, up to 5% of the time, to various general aviation or industry-related events. Travel is by aircraft (general aviation and commercial) and by road or public transit.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

The physical demands of this position are typical of a standard office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to: 

Sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings. 

Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment. 

Communicate effectively via email, phone, and in person, which requires clear speech, hearing, and vision. 

Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 15 pounds, such as boxes of materials or equipment. 

Occasionally, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms during the course of normal office activities. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  
 
This position is located at AOPA’s Frederick, MD headquarters.   

The salary range for this position is: $55,000 - $65,000, depending on education and experience. 

BENEFIT INFORMATION: 

Flight Training (earn your Private Pilot License for free) & Annual Flight Proficiency Program (so you can keep flying and remain proficient) 

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents the 1st of the month following their start date 

Flexible Spending Plans 

Health Savings Plan with employer contribution (for eligible participants) 

401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match, and annual discretionary supplemental employer contribution 

Company paid Short and Long-term Disability Insurance 

Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D insurance with the option to buy up  

Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during first year (accruals increase based on tenure) 

Paid Holidays: 12 holidays 

Personal days: 3 (prorated based on hire date) 

Volunteer day: 1 (prorated based on hire date)  

Work From Home Fridays 

Paid Parental Leave  

AOPA Membership 

Employee Assistance Program 

Wellness Program (earn medical insurance premium discounts) 

Gym Reimbursement Program 

Supplemental insurance options (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity) 

Tuition Reimbursement Program  

Discount on AOPA swag 

Business casual dress code 

Free coffee, tea, hot cocoa 

Qualifications

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

Com Pilot Lic (CPL)

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.