Aerospace and Defense Industry
The aerospace and defense industries require employees to have high-security clearances, which makes thorough pre-employment screening important. Since this is a safety-sensitive industry, background checks, and drug screenings are crucial for keeping operations secure. Employers can catch problems early by checking criminal records, verifying qualifications, and testing for drug use.
Health Street provides a variety of employment screening services, including resume verification, criminal background checks, and drug testing. Simplify your hiring process with Health Street's all-in-one screening solutions.
When compliance and security are critical, screening matters. Call (888) 378-2499 or register online to get started.
Drug Testing Requirements
Strict federal regulations also shape how aerospace and defense employers conduct drug and alcohol screening. The Federal Aviation Administration (a federal agency also know as FAA) subjects all FAA-mandated testing programs to stringent inspections. It requires employers to maintain detailed documentation of their testing procedures, results, and the roles of employees tested. An aerospace employer that cannot demonstrate a robust drug testing program (with records of tests and certified providers) risks hefty FAA compliance violations.
To remain compliant, workers in FAA-designated safety-sensitive positions (e.g. pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance crews) must consent to pre-employment drug testing and are subject to random drug/alcohol tests throughout their careers. Similarly, defense contractors and military employers must follow Department of Defense (DoD) guidelines, such as the Federal Investigative Standard for background checks and ongoing drug testing of service members, to ensure personnel remain fit and security-clearance compliant.
In short, the unique demands of aerospace and defense, from high clearance background investigations to unannounced random drug tests, make a thorough, expertly managed screening program non-negotiable for employers in this field.
Drug Testing Services
Other labs just sell tests. We deliver trust, speed, and real human support for the Aerospace and Defense industry. No hidden steps, no confusing options. Just straightforward, professional drug testing that does what it says it will.
Consequences of Inadequate Background Screening
Failing to thoroughly vet employees in such high-stakes roles can have serious consequences. For example, an investigation into FAA-licensed pilots in Texas found that reliance on self-reporting (instead of formal background checks) led to dozens of pilots with serious prior convictions. This included 50 substance abuse-related crimes (DUIs) and 30 major offenses (like aggravated assault and burglary) going undetected.
Missed red flags can translate into major safety threats and security risks.
Background Check Services
We run background checks 100% online. Fast, reliable, and built for the Aerospace and Defense industry. No scheduling, no delays. Just results.
Occupational Health Risks and Safety in Aerospace & Defense
In the A&D industry, workers often face unique hazards. Recent concerns have emerged, such as the U.S. Air Force investigating potential cancer clusters among missileers, prompting enhanced workplace inspections and health tracking initiatives.
In the manufacturing and maintenance sectors, injury rates have risen amid workforce changes. For instance, as the industry restaffed post-pandemic, the injury rate among mechanics doubled.
To address these challenges, the Department of Defense has implemented systems like the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS), which tracks occupational exposures and health data throughout an individual's career.
Occupational Health Services
We keep occupational health moving. Quick access, clear communication, and compliance-ready services for the Aerospace and Defense industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do aircraft mechanics get drug tested?
Yes, FAA regulations require aircraft mechanic drug testing.. Aircraft mechanics in safety-sensitive roles must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. These requirements ensure compliance with FAA alcohol rules for mechanics and help maintain the high drug testing safety standards across the aviation industry.
Can aircraft mechanics smoke weed?
No, aircraft mechanics cannot legally use marijuana, even in states where it is otherwise permitted. The FAA's drug and alcohol testing regulations classify marijuana as a disqualifying substance under the FAA drug test list. A positive marijuana test can result in disqualification from safety-sensitive duties and could cost a mechanic their certification and job.
Do engineers get drug tested?
Yes, many engineers in the aerospace and defense industry are subject to drug testing, especially if their roles are considered safety-sensitive or involve access to classified information. Pre-employment drug testing, as well as random and post-accident testing, are common requirements to ensure compliance with federal and industry safety regulations.
Do defense contractors drug test?
Yes, DoD contractor drug testing requirements mandate that contractors maintain a drug-free workplace under federal law. Contractors are held to the same standards as direct federal government employees to ensure workplace safety, national security, and regulatory compliance.
Do mechanical engineers get drug tested?
Mechanical engineers working in the aerospace and defense sectors are often classified as safety-sensitive employees. This means they are typically required to undergo pre-employment drug testing and may also face random and post-incident testing, especially when working on critical infrastructure or projects involving national security.
What kind of drug test does the FAA use?
The FAA follows the United States Department of Transportations (DOT) testing requirement of a 5-panel drug test using urinalysis or blood samples if the individual tested cannot produce enough urine.
Why are drug tests important for the aerospace and defense industry?
Impaired performance can have dangerous consequences. Many positions are subject to strict government requirements for drug and alcohol testing. Failing to meet these requirements can result in penalties and endanger employees' jobs.
FAA regulations, for example, require pre-employment drug tests for safety-sensitive roles and random testing throughout employment. Department of Defense drug testing rules mandate initial and ongoing drug testing for military members.
What drug testing services does Health Street offer aerospace and defense employers?
Health Street offers an extensive selection of aerospace drug testing options to meet any need in the aerospace and defense industry. We provide:
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Urine and hair drug tests
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DOT-compliant drug tests for DOT-regulated roles
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Random drug testing programs
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Post-accident or reasonable suspicion testing
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Alcohol testing, including breath, urine, and blood tests
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Pre-employment screening, random tests, and post-incident testing
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Specialized testing for specific substances
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On-site drug testing
Why are background checks important for the aerospace and defense industry?
The aerospace and defense industries involve sensitive, secure work. Thorough vetting helps reduce workplace risks and ensures employees meet strict requirements.
Many aerospace and defense jobs require high-level security clearances, so Department of Defense background checks must meet specific standards and Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
Depending on the specific security clearance tier a position requires, defense employers may need to use FIS (Federal Investigative Standard) equivalent background checks to remain Department of Defense compliant. The Federal Investigative Standard (FIS) is used to determine eligibility for U.S. Government (USG) employment and the ability to hold a sensitive position.
What background screening services does Health Street offer for aerospace and defense employers?
Health Street provides a full suite of background screening services tailored to aerospace and defense hiring. We provide criminal background check packages, starting with an SSN trace and nationwide criminal search.
For more detailed checks, we offer the Triple Database Package. It looks at national crime records, sex offender lists, and the TSA Do Not Fly List. We also have a Platinum Package that checks local courthouse records, and an Ultimate Package that adds a 10-panel drug test. Additionally, Health Street performs resume and credential verifications to confirm employment, education, and certifications.
Why Health Street
Accurate and Compliant Screening
As an aerospace and defense employer, you need an employee screening partner that ensures complete accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Health Street delivers some of the best background checks and drug testing services on the market.
In a sector heavily reliant on security and regulatory compliance, we help you avoid the pitfalls of inadequate screening, from missed criminal record red flags to legal issues with improper handling of information for job applicants. Say goodbye to the days of screening errors, delays, and security issues—we've got you covered.
Comprehensive Screening Solutions
Health Street's comprehensive approach covers all aspects of employment screening. We offer different background check packages, from a simple criminal record search to a full package that includes a 10-panel drug test. This way, employers can choose what works best for them.
Reliable Drug and Alcohol Testing
We utilize SAMHSA-certified laboratories for drug analysis, which means results you can trust and hire with confidence. For employers that require it, we also provide alcohol testing. Urine alcohol tests detect consumption up to ~80 hours prior, and blood alcohol tests up to ~4 weeks.
Nationwide Testing Network
With thousands of testing sites across the country, we help new hires get cleared quickly and keep things running smoothly at all your locations.
Meeting Federal Requirements and Combatting Resume Fraud
Health Street helps meet federal requirements and provides resume verification to ensure candidates' qualifications are legitimate.
Citations
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International Trade Administration. (n.d.). *Aerospace & defense industry*. https://www.trade.gov/aerospace-defense-industry
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Aerospace Industries Association. (2021). 2021 facts and figures: U.S. aerospace and defense. https://facts.aia-aerospace.org/
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Canaday, H. (2023, August 29). U.S. mechanic injury rate doubles as industry re-staffs. Aviation Week Network. https://aviationweek.com/mro/safety-ops-regulation/us-mechanic-injury-rate-doubles-industry-re-staffs
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Department of Defense. (2020, June 15). *DOD Instruction 1010.16: Technical procedures for the military personnel drug abuse testing program*. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/101016p.pdf
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Mordor Intelligence. (n.d.). US aerospace and defense market size & share analysis - Growth trends & forecasts (2025–2030). https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/us-aerospace-and-defense-market
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National Counterintelligence and Security Center. (n.d.). Security clearance reform - Status. https://www.dni.gov/index.php/ncsc-how-we-work/ncsc-security-executive-agent/ncsc-reform/ncsc-security-clearance-reform-current-status
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Novelly, T. (2024, June 7). Air Force missileers get new workplace inspections, health tracking amid ongoing cancer cluster study. Military.com. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/06/07/air-force-missileers-get-new-workplace-inspections-health-tracking-amid-ongoing-cancer-cluster-study.html
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 18). Aerospace engineers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineers.htm
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U.S. Navy. (n.d.). Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS). Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command. https://www.med.navy.mil/Navy-and-Marine-Corps-Force-Health-Protection-Command/Preventive-Medicine/Program-and-Policy-Support/DOEHRS_IH_EH/