Chief Inspector

uaa; Goodyear (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

United Aviate Academy is seeking a Chief Inspector to lead regulatory compliance and quality assurance at the FAA Part 145 Repair Station. You will oversee the QMS, supervise quality inspectors, and ensure safe, reliable aircraft maintenance in line with FAA and company procedures.

You will coordinate audits with the FAA and customers, drive CAPA activities, and promote continuous improvement across operations. Strong leadership, communication, and analytical abilities are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in aviation maintenance or quality assurance.
• Experience in a Part 145 Repair Station environment preferred.
• FAA regulatory compliance and audits experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure FAA Part 145 compliance and regulatory alignment.
• Maintain and manage the QMS, RSM, and QCM documentation.
• Lead internal quality audits of departments, processes, and procedures.
• Coordinate external audits by customers, regulatory agencies, and third parties.
• Track audit findings and ensure timely CAPA closure.

Skills

Quality management

Regulatory compliance

Auditing

Leadership

Analytical

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree

Aviation experience accepted

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The Chief Inspector is responsible for establishing, supervising quality inspectors, implementing, and maintaining the Quality Management System (QMS) for the FAA Part 145 Repair Station. This role ensures compliance with FAA regulations, company procedures, and customer requirements, while promoting continuous improvement in safety, reliability, and operational performance. The Chief Inspector acts as the primary authority for regulatory compliance and quality assurance activities within the repair station.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure the Repair Station operates in full compliance with 14 CFR Part 145, FAA regulations, and other applicable aviation authority requirements.
• Maintain and manage the Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), and other regulatory documentation.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the FAA and regulatory authorities during audits and inspections.
• Monitor changes in aviation regulations and ensure company policies are updated accordingly.

Quality Management System

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Establish quality policies, procedures, and standards.
• Conduct internal audits to verify compliance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Identify quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Audits and Inspections

• Plan and conduct internal quality audits of departments, processes, and procedures.
• Coordinate external audits by customers, regulatory agencies, and third parties.
• Track audit findings and ensure timely corrective action closure.

Training and Quality Awareness

• Ensure personnel receive required regulatory and quality training.
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance to staff regarding regulatory requirements and quality procedures.

Documentation and Records

• Maintain quality records, audit reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Ensure proper recordkeeping in accordance with FAA requirements.
• Oversee document control processes.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze quality data, trends, and performance metrics.
• Lead improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
• Investigate root causes of quality discrepancies and implement solutions.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of 14 CFR Part 145 regulations.
• Familiarity with FAA regulatory documentation and compliance processes.
• Experience with quality systems, auditing, and corrective action programs.
• Strong analytical, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and reporting abilities.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or Bachelor's degree will be considered
• Equivalent aviation experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in aviation maintenance or quality assurance.
• Experience in a Part 145 Repair Station environment strongly preferred.
• Prior experience with FAA regulatory compliance and audits.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of 14 CFR Part 145 regulations.
• Familiarity with FAA regulatory documentation and compliance processes.
• Experience with quality systems, auditing, and corrective action programs.
• Strong analytical, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and reporting abilities.

Certifications

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License (Required)
• Quality Management experience
• Internal or Lead Auditor Certification

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Behaviors

• Must have exceptional written and oral communication skills and be able to interact with a wide variety of people.
• Advanced computer skills (knowledge of MS Office programs, such as Word, Excel) are required.
• Must have good people, team building, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to successfully work with others as part of a team to achieve established goals.
• Ability to work independently and within a team setting.
• Outstanding attention to detail, organizational skills, valuing safety, and adhering to company policies.
• Commitment to the company culture as a subsidiary of United Airlines and valuing the Core4.

EEO Statement: Westwind School of Aeronautics Phoenix, LLC, dba United Aviate Academy (UAA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind - All employment decisions at UAA are based on business needs. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting job applicants and employees without regard to race, religion or belief, color, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, genetic information, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identify and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, or any other status protected by laws, regulations, and reasonable accommodations. Decisions on employment and promotions are based solely upon an individual's qualifications, with reference to the responsibilities and skills required of the position for which the individual is being conside