Just a few thoughts from someone who has been around AMO for quite a while. First, I strongly disagree with RCPilot's view of this job. As an AIA, you are first and foremost a pilot whose job is to facilitate mission success to the extent possible while bringing the aircraft back with all the paint and all the people. And this is absolutley the viewpoint of most of AMO leadership at all levels. LEO is significantly secondary in practice, and the agency has job series more LEO focused. If an AIA is executing a mission specific LEO qual, they will not be flying the aircraft. I think of my LEAP as part of the extra pay I earn for safely operating multiple turbine aircraft low to the ground in complex airspaces and tactical enviornments.

In my observation, we are still getting the usual mix of experienced and inexperienced applicants. Virtually all of them turn into excellent AIA's.

We will never compete with major airlines on pay. Many AIA's both old and new will leave for the airlines when able. In this respect we are identical to other mid-tier aviation jobs. Most stay, due to the bennies and job security. For those that leave, geography is usually the driving force.