Aircraft Inspector

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc.; Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. seeks an Aircraft Inspector for on-site support at Edwards AFB, CA, with NASA projects. Requires deep FAR, manuals, and maintenance procedures knowledge to ensure quality actions on aircraft, engines, and subsystems.

Temporary, on-call through 2026-12-31, with salary range $124,800–$135,200 per year. Responsibilities include inspecting aircraft and subsystems per NASA/DoD/FAA standards, achieving IA, and generating reports.

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years' technical experience; or AS degree and 18 years of experience; or 16 years with BS in non-engineering discipline.
• Additionally, at least 10 of those 20+ years performing engineering technician duties, directly relevant to assigned tasks.
• Training & Certifications: FAA Airframe and Powerplant license is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and verify aircraft and subsystems per NASA, Air Force, Navy, FAA, and commercial requirements.
• Ability to achieve Inspection Authority (IA) within one week, if not already certified.
• Perform inspection on aircraft work assigned to any project, platform or shop as required.
• Perform various processes, aircraft audits, and surveillances.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Suite of applications.
• Ability to generate written reports documenting audit results, nonconformity findings, opportunities for improvement, and positive practices.
• Perform analysis and administration of root cause, containment, and corrective action plans.
• Ensure all work requiring an inspection is captured in the NASA aircraft maintenance management system or other approved documentation.
• Witness operational tests/checks on equipment per data.
• Record all inspections on quality records and evaluate test/inspection results against criteria.
• Provide weekly inspection/surveillance reports to QA, and on-the-spot reports as necessary.
• Review records for accuracy (paper or electronic).
• Interface with project management and engineers.
• Review maintenance activities and records to determine continued airworthiness prior to return to service.
• Review, approve, and perform inspections of quality procedures, processes, and change requests.
• Perform special inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Program.
• Verify requirements for test environments and pass/fail criteria.
• Analyze technical adequacy of verification methods and criteria.
• Prefer knowledge of machine and sheet metal shop fabrication and repair.

Skills

FARs knowledge

Aircraft systems knowledge

Inspection and quality assurance

Report writing

Microsoft Office

Audits and surveillances

Root-cause analysis

Education

AS degree in engineering technology

BS in non-engineering with 16 years experience

FAA Airframe and Powerplant license (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

NASA maintenance management system

Job description

Job Description: AMA has an exciting opportunity to add a motivated and talented Aircraft Inspector to our onsite team supporting NASA's science, experiential and support aircraft/projects. The position requires an in-depth level of understanding regarding Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), aircraft specific technical manuals, and organizational procedures to ensure the quality of aircraft maintenance activities of assigned aircraft. This position will ensure all maintenance actions and inspections are accomplished according to guiding directives, technical manuals and regulations for the aircraft, engine or appliance being returned to service. Inspections may be performed on any system or procedure to ensure quality of the product. This is a temporary, on-call position, not to exceed 31 Dec 2026. The location of work will be at an off-site position, with the home base at NASA Armstrong, located at Edwards AFB in California. Salary range: $124,800-$135,200 per year.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and verify aircraft and aircraft subsystem work per NASA, Air Force, Navy, FAA, and commercial requirements.
• Ability to achieve Inspection Authority (IA) within one week, if not already certified.
• Perform inspection on aircraft work assigned to any project, platform or shop as required.
• Perform various processes, aircraft audits, and surveillances.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Suite of applications.
• Ability to generate written reports documenting audit results, nonconformity findings, opportunities for improvement, and positive practices.
• Perform analysis and administration of root cause, containment, and corrective action plans.
• Ensure all work which requires an inspection is performed and subsequently captured in the NASA aircraft maintenance management system, on the appropriate quality record (if applicable), or other approved documentation format.
• Witness operational tests/checks on equipment in accordance with approved technical data.
• Record all inspections on the applicable quality records.
• Record measurement results (the record shall show the actual test results data) and evaluate test/inspection results against accept/reject criteria.
• Provide weekly inspection/surveillance reports to Quality Assurance Branch Chief; as well as on-the-spot reports, as necessary.
• Review records, paper or electronic, for accuracy.
• Interface with project management and engineers.
• Review maintenance activities, aircraft and subsystem configuration and completeness of record documentation to determine if the requirements for continued airworthiness are satisfied prior to the aircraft being returned to service.
• Review, approve, and perform inspections of quality procedures, processes, and change requests.
• Perform special inspections/one-time inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Program and local policies, processes, and procedures.
• Verify requirements for test environments, test configurations, and pass/fail criteria.
• Analyze technical adequacy of verification methods and criteria.
• Prefer knowledge of machine and sheet metal shop fabrication and repair.

Requirements and Education

• A minimum of 20 years' technical experience; or AS degree and 18 years of experience; or 16 years with BS in non-engineering discipline.
• Additionally, at least 10 of those 20+ years performing engineering technician duties, directly relevant to assigned tasks.
• Training & Certifications: Preferred: FAA Airframe and Powerplant licensed technician.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must have a strong aviation understanding of FARs, Air Force, Navy, NASA, and commercial requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of aircraft systems and aircraft maintenance practices.
• Must be experienced in all levels of aircraft organizational servicing, repair, and overhaul.
• Must be experienced in use of configuration control of aircraft technical publications.
• Must be multi-task oriented, and capable of prioritizing, and must be able to manage aircraft maintenance schedules to perform inspections.
• Must understand mechanical and electrical drawings and schematics Follow safe practices and rules contained in AMA's Corporate Health & Safety Plan and other rules and practices communicated on the job.
• Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk to the employee or others.

Security and Drug Testing

• This position is subject to drug testing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an AFRC inspection stamp.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Physical Requirements

• Working at a computer or desk (considerations: sitting, eye strain, and hand strain). May involve long periods of sitting or standing. Typically, indoor conditions but heat may be a factor.

Equipment and Machines

• Standard office equipment, machines, and computer workstation. Working at a computer or desk. Working with magnification devices daily as required for inspection of small parts.

Attendance

• Must be able to work at a remote location, in accordance to the work schedule set. Punctuality and regular attendance are necessary to meet deadlines, attendance is considered essential. This position may require working weekends or non-standard shift. Flexibility is required based upon workload.

Travel

• Travel is required >75 % of the time. All applicants must be US citizens and if necessary, be able to qualify for clearance.

About AMA

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options. AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.

Headquartered in Hampton, Virginia; with operations in Maryland, Alabama, Texas, Colorado, and California, AMA is a small business with a wide reach.