Chief Inspector

Socket.dev; Ozark (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AAR is seeking a Chief Inspector to ensure regulatory compliance and airworthiness across maintenance activities. You will bridge Maintenance and Quality, applying expert judgment to inspections and documentation.

You will lead audits, enforce standards, review work orders and records, and mentor staff, while maintaining a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in aviation maintenance or equivalent experience; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of ten years in aircraft maintenance or quality control.
• Mandatory knowledge of FAA and related regulatory requirements.
• A&P license in good standing preferred; capable to lead quality department.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory compliance oversight for maintenance, inspections, and documentation.
• Airworthiness determinations and final review of work orders and records.
• Develop and enforce inspection standards, including scheduled inspections and incoming parts.
• Lead quality assurance activities and identify corrective actions.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on regulations and inspection criteria.
• Manage technical records and regulatory retention.
• Conduct internal and vendor audits and surveillance.
• Coordinate maintenance and quality between teams.
• Ensure training and competency of inspectors and technicians.
• Investigate non-conformances and issue corrective actions.
• Verify tooling and equipment calibration and compliance.
• Support safety and risk management.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

FAA regulations knowledge

Inspection leadership

Regulatory compliance

A&P license (preferred)

Education

Bachelor's in aviation maintenance or equivalent experience

Master's degree preferred

Job description

This position is pending contract award. If AAR is awarded this contract, the estimated start date is October 1, 2026.

The Chief Inspector serves as the primary authority for ensuring regulatory compliance and airworthiness across all maintenance activities. This role strengthens the operational link between Maintenance and Quality by applying expert technical judgment, directing inspection standards, and verifying that all work performed meets FAA, OEM, company, and FSN requirements. Through rigorous oversight, documentation control, and continuous communication, the Chief Inspector safeguards the integrity, safety, and airworthiness of customer aircraft.

What you will be responsible for:

• Regulatory Compliance Oversight — Ensuring all maintenance, inspections, and documentation comply with FAA regulations, FSN requirements, company procedures, and manufacturer specifications.
• Airworthiness Determination — Signing off aircraft, components, and maintenance packages as airworthy, including final review of work orders, logbook entries, and inspection records.
• Inspection Program Management — Developing, maintaining, and enforcing inspection standards, including scheduled inspections, incoming parts inspections, and return‑to‑service procedures.
• Quality Assurance Leadership — Monitoring maintenance activities to ensure adherence to quality standards, identify discrepancies, and initiate corrective actions.
• Technical Expertise & Guidance — Serving as the subject matter expert for maintenance teams, providing interpretation of regulations, technical data, and inspection criteria.
• Documentation Control — Managing technical records, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory retention requirements.
• Audit & Surveillance Activities — Conducting internal audits, vendor audits, and surveillance of maintenance operations to verify compliance and identify risks.
• Coordination Between Maintenance & Quality — Acting as the communication bridge between technicians, supervisors, and quality personnel to resolve issues and maintain operational alignment.
• Training & Competency Assurance — Ensuring inspectors and technicians are properly trained, qualified, and current on regulatory and procedural requirements.
• Non‑Conformance Management — Investigating discrepancies, issuing corrective actions, and ensuring proper resolution and documentation.
• Tooling & Equipment Verification — Ensuring inspection tools and equipment are calibrated, serviceable, and compliant with standards.
• Safety & Risk Management — Identifying hazards, enforcing safety protocols, and supporting a culture of continuous improvement and compliance.
• All other duties as assigned.

What you will need to be successful in this role:

• In order to access Fort Rucker, US Citizenship is required.
• Bachelor's in aviation maintenance or equivalate experience, Masters preferred.
• Minimum of ten years’ experience in aircraft maintenance and / or quality control.
• Mandatory knowledge of the FAA and other regulatory requirements as they pertain to aircraft maintenance and certification.
• Holds current A & P license in good standing, preferred.
• Qualified to function at the highest level in the quality department.

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off program
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to high levels of noise, dust, vibration and chemical fumes (within OSHA limits) able to work in extreme climatic conditions, able to climb on ladders and platforms and work on heights up to 50 ft from the ground.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

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