Chief Inspector

King Aerospace; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

King Aerospace is seeking a Chief Inspector in the Quality / Inspection department to oversee QA personnel and ensure compliance with FAA and ISO standards. The role involves leading the inspection function, maintaining regulatory documentation, and coordinating with regulators.

The Chief Inspector will ensure accuracy in reporting, supervise staff, and manage department processes to uphold safety and quality across all aircraft maintenance activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must meet FAA qualification requirements for Chief Inspector under 14 CFR Part 145.
• Proven leadership and regulatory liaison capabilities.
• Strong quality assurance and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure QA functions comply with RSQCM, TPM, Operations Manual, and ISO/AS9110.
• Ensure compliance with ADs, SBs, ACs, STCs, PMAs, and regulatory requirements.
• Represent inspection practices to regulatory agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory liaison

Quality Assurance

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

FAA qualification - Part 145 Chief Inspector

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PowerPoint

Inspection tracking systems

MISA maintenance software

Job description

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Quality / Inspection

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Inspector provides direct supervision of Quality Assurance personnel and oversees the overall operation of the Inspection Department. This role ensures compliance with 14 CFR Part 145, the FAA-accepted Repair Station / Quality Control Manual (RSQCM), FAA-approved Training Program Manual (TPM), Operations Manual, and ISO/AS9110 quality management system requirements. The Chief Inspector serves as the official liaison to regulatory authorities, maintains regulatory independence from production functions, and ensures that all work performed meets applicable FAA regulations, contractual requirements, and established safety and quality standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure quality assurance functions comply with the RSQCM, TPM, Operations Manual, and ISO/AS9110 requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), Advisory Circulars, Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), Parts Manufacturer Approvals (PMAs), and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the official representative to regulatory agencies regarding inspection practices and continuous airworthiness.
• Submit required FAA reports of defects or non-airworthy conditions, including FAA Form 337 for major repairs or alterations in accordance with FAR 145.63.
• Create, review, and revise company manuals and procedures to maintain FAA and AS9110 compliance.
• Monitor calibration records to ensure precision tools and test equipment maintain National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceability.
• Perform facility audits to ensure proper techniques, safety standards, housekeeping, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain the qualified inspector roster in accordance with Part 145 requirements.
• Ensure inspection training programs are effective and regulatory records are properly maintained.
• Oversee aircraft weight and balance activities as required.
• Monitor stockroom operations to ensure proper segregation and identification of serviceable and rejected items.
• Coordinate inspection functions with department supervisors to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Assist in development and maintenance of the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Provide recommendations to leadership regarding company maintenance capabilities and compliance matters.
• Manage subordinate supervisors within the Quality Assurance Department, including hiring, training, evaluating performance, and administering discipline in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Plan, assign, and direct departmental work to ensure regulatory and contractual compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on experience, qualifications, and business needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of aviation experience across multiple aircraft types.
• At least ten (10) years of experience as a Chief Inspector or Quality Supervisor supporting heavy maintenance, modification, and repair projects.
• Must meet FAA qualification requirements for Chief Inspector under 14 CFR Part 145.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ability to interpret and communicate technical procedures, professional publications, and government regulations. Ability to prepare reports, business correspondence, and procedural documentation. Ability to effectively present information to management, regulatory authorities, customers, and stakeholders.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply mathematical concepts including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to inspection and maintenance scenarios.

REASONING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

Ability to solve practical problems in complex regulatory environments and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, inspection tracking systems, and aviation maintenance software (MISA preferred).

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Current FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate required.
• Inspection Authorization (IA) required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TSA Ramp Pass.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable government security clearance or National Agency Check (NAC).
• Demonstrated leadership ability and commitment to ethical and safety standards.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Valid driver’s license required.

COMPLIANCE, WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following information describes the general work environment and physical demands associated with this position. The statements below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequently exposed to hangar environments and varying outdoor weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, elevated work areas, fumes, airborne particles, and electrical equipment.
• Noise levels may be loud depending on operational activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Regularly required to walk, sit, stand, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment screenings, which may include a background check and drug screening, in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

King Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

King Aerospace complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.