Chief Inspector

Unilode; Charlotte, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Unilode is seeking a Chief Inspector to ensure repair station operations meet FAA/CAA/EASA requirements and Unilode standards. This role holds final airworthiness determination authority and leads inspection personnel to maintain top quality and compliance.

The Chief Inspector will oversee preventative, in-progress and final inspections, manage documentation, and drive continuous improvement in inspection processes while ensuring all records support airworthiness determinations.

Qualifications

• A&P license is required.
• Minimum 24 months of aviation maintenance experience in a similar operation.
• Strong organizational and independent work skills.
• Proven ability to make quality decisions and solve problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Hold final airworthiness authority for units repaired at the repair station.
• Oversee compliance with FAA/CAA/EASA regulations and customer requirements.
• Lead inspection staff to ensure quality and production needs are met.
• Perform and oversee inspections (Preliminary, In-Progress, Final) and RTS.
• Ensure inspection records are complete to support airworthiness determinations.
• Report quality issues to QA head and ensure corrective actions.

Skills

A&P License

Team leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

English proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

The Chief Inspector ensures that repair station operations comply with FAA/CAA/EASA regulations, Unilode’s Quality Manual/Procedures, and Customer Air Carrier requirements.

This role holds final airworthiness determination authority and leads inspection personnel to maintain high standards of quality and compliance.

Key Responsibilities and Mapped Competencies:

Airworthiness Determination and Compliance:

Ensures Accountability, Drives Results

• Hold final airworthiness authority for units repaired and maintained by the repair station.
• Ensure all articles delivered to and maintained by the repair station are recorded and staged from receipt to delivery in airworthy/serviceable condition.
• Oversee compliance with FAA/CAA/EASA regulations, manufacturer’s technical data, RSM/QCM, and customer requirements.

Inspection Oversight and Quality Assurance:

Courage, Business Insight, Drives Results

• Manage and delegate responsibilities to inspection staff, ensuring quality and production needs are met.
• Perform and oversee Preliminary, Hidden Damage, In-Progress, and Final inspections/RTS of aircraft articles.
• Ensure all inspection records are complete and accurate, supporting airworthiness determinations.
• Report quality-related issues to the Head of QA promptly and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

Training and Equipment Management:

Develop Talent, Action-Oriented

• Oversee compliance with the FAA/CAA/EASA-approved training program, including initial, recurrent, ongoing, and specialized training.
• Confirm that all equipment maintained by the repair station is on the Capabilities List and that proper data is available and used.
• Ensure staff training records are up-to-date and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Continuous Improvement and Documentation:

Customer Focus, Collaborate

• Ensure compliance with applicable Airworthiness Directives and verify adherence to customer supplements and approvals.
• Drive continuous improvement in inspection processes and quality standards.
• Support the development and documentation of quality policies and procedures.

Our Values in Action:

• Be Humble and Curious: Continuously seek ways to improve quality and compliance processes.
• Inspire, Empower, and Prosper: Lead and develop inspection teams to achieve excellence.
• Team up to be Better: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to uphold quality standards.
• Be Passionate about our Customers: Ensure high-quality service and airworthiness compliance for customer satisfaction.
• Be Eager to Win: Identify innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency and compliance.
• Take Ownership and Get Stuff Done: Ensure timely execution of inspection responsibilities and quality improvements.
• Build a Better Future: Foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement in repair station operations.

The Small Print:

This role requires strong organizational and leadership skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. The Chief Inspector must demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

This is an overview of the role’s scope and its alignment with Unilode’s competencies and values. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities but serves as a guide to the key expectations and contributions of the position. Flexibility may be required to adapt to business needs.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Requirements

Skills and Experience Required:

• A&P License.
• 24+ months of practical experience in aviation maintenance comparable to Unilode’s operations.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently in a high-activity, fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to make quality decisions and solve problems effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including meeting facilitation and team leadership.
• Ability to lift, pull, and push in excess of 65 lbs.
• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and comprehension).
• Competent in reading and interpreting manuals, drawings, and policies.
• Strong communication and punctuation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and computer literacy.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new software programs and systems.

Please note successful applicants who perform or carry out (or are available to perform) a sensitive safety aviation activity (SSAA) can be tested for drugs and alcohol without notice or as part of pre employment checks.