Chief Inspector Job Description
Position Title: Chief Inspector
Department: Quality Assurance
Reports To: Accountable Manager
Location: SBD
Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary
The Chief Inspector is responsible for ensuring the repair station complies with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, company policies, manufacturer maintenance instructions, and quality management requirements. This position oversees the inspection department, maintains the Repair Station Manual (RSM) and Quality Control Manual (QCM), ensures airworthy products are returned to service, and serves as the primary liaison with FAA inspectors regarding quality matters.
The Chief Inspector has the authority to reject work that does not meet regulatory or company standards and is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the Quality Assurance system.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, including Part 145.
- Maintain compliance with customer, OEM, and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate FAA inspections, audits, and surveillance activities.
- Serve as the primary contact for FAA quality-related matters.
- Maintain Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), and Inspection Procedures Manual as required.
Inspection Oversight
- Supervise all receiving, in-process, final, and return-to-service inspections.
- Verify maintenance records are complete and accurate.
- Ensure all maintenance is performed in accordance with approved technical data.
- Review and approve inspection documentation.
- Ensure proper calibration and control of inspection equipment.
- Verify tooling and equipment meet regulatory requirements.
Quality Assurance
- Develop and administer the Quality Assurance program.
- Conduct internal audits and inspections.
- Investigate discrepancies and quality escapes.
- Initiate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Monitor effectiveness of corrective actions.
- Analyze quality trends and recommend process improvements.
Airworthiness & Return to Service
- Ensure only qualified personnel perform inspections.
- Verify all work orders meet FAA requirements before approval for return to service.
- Review Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), and maintenance data as applicable.
- Ensure traceability of parts and materials.
Documentation & Recordkeeping
- Maintain inspection records in accordance with FAA retention requirements.
- Ensure work packages are complete prior to closing.
- Maintain calibration records.
- Maintain training and authorization records for inspectors.
Personnel Management
- Supervise Quality Inspectors.
- Conduct performance evaluations.
- Train and mentor inspection personnel.
- Ensure inspectors maintain required qualifications.
- Recommend hiring, discipline, and termination when necessary.
Safety
- Promote a strong safety culture.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.
- Participate in Safety Management System (SMS) activities.
- Report hazards and quality concerns promptly.
Continuous Improvement
- Develop quality metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Recommend improvements to inspection processes.
- Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist with customer audits and quality questionnaires.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance or related field preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 8 years of aircraft maintenance experience.
- Minimum 3 years in an inspection or quality assurance leadership role.
- Previous experience in an FAA Part 145 Repair Station required.
- Experience with turbine aircraft preferred.
Certifications
Required:
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate
Preferred:
- Inspection Authorization (IA)
- NDT certifications (if applicable)
- AS9110 Internal Auditor training
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of FAA Part 145 regulations.
- Strong understanding of FAA Parts 43, 65, 91, and applicable regulations.
- Ability to interpret maintenance manuals, IPCs, SRMs, CMMs, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Strong organizational skills.
- High attention to detail.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and maintenance software (Quantum MX experience preferred).
- Ability to make independent regulatory decisions.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb for extended periods.
- Lift up to 50 pounds.
- Work in hangar and shop environments.
- Ability to inspect aircraft in confined spaces.
- Ability to work occasional overtime or weekends.
Pay: From $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
