Lead Maintenance Inspector - 950

West Star Aviation Inc.

Chicago (IL)

On-site

USD 44,000 - 80,000

Full time

6 days ago
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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision
401(k) match
Weekly pay
Paid holidays
Life Insurance
HSA/FSA options

Job summary

West Star Aviation in Chicago, IL is seeking a Lead Maintenance Inspector to oversee quality control tasks, review technician sign-offs, and verify compliance with AMM, RSQCM, and customer GMM guidelines under FAA regulations.

The role requires a high school diploma and an A&P license; experience with inspection equipment; strong communication; and the ability to coordinate across teams in a fast-paced hangar environment.

Qualifications

  • Must have high school diploma or equivalent and Airframe and Powerplant license or Repairman Certificate.
  • Experience with inspection equipment and visual inspection aids relevant to article inspected.
  • Ability to work under deadlines in a fast-paced hangar environment and communicate clearly in English.

Responsibilities

  • Review technician assignments and sign-offs for adherence to station authorizations.
  • Perform front-line spot checks of maintenance activity per AMM, RSQCM and GMM guidelines.
  • Verify MEL procedures and ensure proper tagging and documentation during repairs.
  • Conduct final aircraft walk-around and release with focus on disturbed areas.
  • Coordinate with maintenance teams and communicate with customers as needed.

Skills

Inspection
Quality control
FAA regulations
MEL procedures
Technical data
Communication

Education

High school diploma
Airframe and Powerplant license
Repairman certificate

Job description

Lead Maintenance Inspector - 950

Full Time On-Site Chicago, IL, USA

West Star is the fastest growing maintenance repair organization in the industry and we recognize this is the result of our talented team of trusted employees working together to deliver customer service excellence. We are committed to providing our employees with personal and professional growth opportunities while fostering a culture of respect and well-being with a small company feel.

When you join our team we don’t think you should have to wait for your benefits to kick in. That’s why when you start, they start with you! This includes medical, dental, 401K match, time off accruals, weekly pay days and much more. We don’t want you to live to work, we want you to work and live.

What you can expect as a Lead Maintenance Inspector at West Star:

As a Lead Maintenance Inspector you will manage the performance of operational quality control tasks and ensure adherence to the policies and procedures in the West Star Aviation, "WSA" Repair Station & Quality Control Manual, Customer Maintenance Programs, and Federal Aviation Regulations.

You Will Be ESSENTIAL To Many FUNCTIONS Including
  • Review technician assignments and sign offs to ensure technician adherence to Roster Authorizations and Repair Station Authorizations.
  • Perform front line, spot checks of technician maintenance activity to ensure adherence to AMM, RSQCM, and customer GMM guidelines. Including but not limited to:
  • Ensure all Repair Station RQC and Operators RII requirements are properly identified, inspected and documented.
  • Engine run/taxi qualification of techs assigned to run engines / taxi
  • Verification of satisfactory squawk completion
  • Verification of operational checks
  • Spot check verification of tech proficiency
  • Verification and communication with tech support
  • Ensure customer MEL "M" procedures have been complied with, with respect to the maintenance performed
  • Ensure MEL verification procedures as outlined in MQB 2018-02 Rev 1 are adhered to.
  • Perform aircraft final walk-around and release, with particular attention to areas disturbed during maintenance
  • The Lead Maintenance Inspector will advise the customer via email that the aircraft has been released from West Star Aviation custody.
  • Ensure that appropriate and current Technical Data is used. (i.e. Manufacturers Maintenance and Overhaul Manuals, Service Bulletins, Part or Component Specifications, etc.)
  • Ensure that the Policies and Procedures outlined in the WSA RSQCM are followed
  • Ensure the proper tagging, inspection, identification of parts, and components as outlined in this manual. These inspections are to be carried out in real time coordination with maintenance activities
  • Ensure that distributed customer requests are being carried out in the manner that is expected of WSA. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Verifying proper tech support is involved
  • Verifying tech support is mentioned in Corridor corrective actions
  • Verifying MX Net status of projects
  • Verifying MX Net updates
  • Spot check of Ramp App usage
  • Perform the functions authorized on the Repair Station Roster
  • Reject items and work found to be non-compliant with the WSA Repair Station & Quality Control Manual, Customer Maintenance Programs, and Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Reject incomplete or improperly completed work which is submitted for return to service consideration
  • Hold the release of an aircraft by extending the RTS line if unsatisfactory conditions are identified that would lead to a quality escape
  • Reject corrective actions with respect to Quality issues
  • Effectively and clearly communicate (i.e., speak, write, read) in English
  • Any other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor or management.
Your Education
What you’ll need to bring with you:

A High school diploma or equivalent and Airframe and Powerplant License or Repairman Certificate are required. A valid driver’s license approved for airline travel and/or a valid passport is ideal, but not mandatory. Aircraft specific factory training is preferred.

Your Experience

Extensive experience in maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations with part 43. Must be proficient in using the various types of inspection equipment and visual inspection aids appropriate for the article being inspected.

Your Initiative

We’re looking for a team player who is self-motivated and able to perform in a fast paced environment where working under specific deadlines and time constraints will be common.

Your Sense Of Responsibility

Attend work every day as scheduled to include overtime and weekend assignments.

Notify supervisor in advance of shift starting if unable to work.

Must have reliable transportation to get to work each and every day.

Must perform all work in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.

Follow all company and safety rules during performance of duties.

Maintain customer oriented work habits.

Direct the work and flow of multiple projects.

Supervision of team members in daily operations and duties.

Completion of work orders, FAA paperwork.

Other Particulars
Physical Requirements

Lift at least 70 lbs.

Routine walking, bending and squatting or sitting.

Routing or repetitive physical motion with arms and hands.

Work in confined spaces.

Sit or stand for prolonged periods while performing repairs.

Work on elevated platforms (up to 40 feet in the air) using fall protection safety gear.

Mental Requirements

Understanding and implementation of regulations and guidelines.

Troubleshoot or evaluate system operation.

Work with others in a professional manner.

Must be able to input and retrieve information from computers.

Experience with Apple and Microsoft products especially Outlook, Word, and Excel spreadsheets.

Able to travel to locations, in all weather conditions, to perform repairs.

Work independently with minimal supervision.

Working Conditions

The majority of work will be accomplished in a hangar environment which can include very hot or very cold temperatures.

Work outside during aircraft runs will occur.

Varied positions in and around the aircraft.

Equipment Used

Personal hand tools supplied by the mechanic.

Pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical equipment.

Jacks, stands, lifts and other support devices.

Tugs, power carts and other engine powered equipment.

Personal computer and work order prints.

Compensation & Benefit Information

The following information is disclosed according to state specific requirements. If the position applied to is not in a state with these requirements, the following information may not apply. The hourly rate for this position generally ranges between $32 - $58. Actual hourly rate will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience and performance. Additional compensation in the form of a shift differential will be provided if the employee is assigned to an alternate shift. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package. Other forms of compensation include a semi-annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) company match and employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA).

West Star Aviation’s Benefits
  • Benefits Effective Day One for Eligible Employees
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
  • Life Insurance, Disability Benefits & Supplemental Benefits
  • 401(k) Plan with Employee Contributions & Employer Match
  • Paid Company Holidays & Weekly Paid Time Off Accruals
  • Flexible Work Schedules include 5x8, 4x10 and 3x12
  • Weekly Competitive & Industry Leading Pay means you are paid more often
  • Bonus Opportunity based on Company and Site Performance
  • Internal Mobility & Career Advancement opportunities
Company Description

With over 78 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, we offer comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, Missouri; and Statesville, NC as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis and Chicago. Our extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.

This Organization Participates In E-Verify

© 2025 West Star Aviation. All rights reserved.

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