Frequent Asked Questions
- Does a career with NAVAIR mean that I’ll be in the Navy?
- Will I earn as much as I would in the private sector?
- Is the technology leading edge or less advanced because
it’s government and not private sector? - I submitted my resume. Does that mean I’ve applied?
- Will I have to move to a location based on my specialty?
- How long does the hiring process usually take?
For questions on careers at NAVAIR, please contact:
- East Coast – 1-800-787-9804
- West Coast – 1-866-710-2095
Does a career with NAVAIR mean that I’ll be in the Navy?
As a civilian employee at NAVAIR, you’ll be doing vital work that enables our Sailors and Marines to defend our nation. You may work side by side with the active duty men and women your work supports, but NAVAIR is staffed primarily by civilians.
That means you will not be relocated to new locations without notice or consent. You won’t wear a uniform. The reporting structure is not military. These are civilian careers in support of the military. You will be a federal government civilian employee, and you will not be joining the armed forces.
Will I earn as much as I would in the private sector?
NAVAIR’s salary is comparable to the private sector. In fact, in some instances we offer more lucrative pay than major private sector contractors. You’ll also receive
generous benefits including a thrift saving program with employer match, paid leave, healthcare coverage, flex time and more.
Is the technology leading edge or less advanced because it’s government and not private sector?
Our projects are on the very leading edge of technology. There’s no innovation gap between the systems we’re developing at NAVAIR and the systems being developed by private sector contractors. Major advancements are being made at NAVAIR all the time.
I submitted my resume. Does that mean I’ve applied?
No. Applying for a job is not the same as submitting your resume. You can submit your resume to NAVAIR to be included in our resume database, which will allow us to stay in touch with you if and when openings come up for which you should apply. This does not mean you’ve applied for any open positions. Application processes vary based on qualification levels.
We encourage you to submit your contact information if you don’t see an open position that suits you at this time. When you choose to stay in contact with us, NAVAIR hiring managers across the nation can access your information and consider you for vacant positions. If you seem like a potential match, they’ll contact you directly and give you specific instructions on how to apply. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on opportunities you could be perfect for. Take a look at our Hiring Process page for more detailed information.
Will I have to move to a location based on my specialty?
Yes, but for most specialties, you’ll have your choice of locations. However, much of our work is divided into focused locations. For example, if you’re an explosives specialist, you’ll most likely be needed at our China Lake facility. If you’re a propulsion expert, we’ll probably need your skills in Patuxent River, MD. Each position is specific about where that opportunity exists, so be sure to examine each job description before you apply.
How long does the hiring process usually take?
You will receive notification when your resume has been received. Thereafter we make every attempt to contact candidates of interest in a timely fashion. If a vacancy exists and a manager would like to interview you, you will be contacted accordingly. Always be sure to have your most up-to-date contact information posted on your resume.