Senior Quality Inspector

Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd; Florida; On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International training

Career growth

Competitive pay

Paid holidays

Job summary

Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd is launching a new PC-12 final assembly operation in Sarasota, Florida. The role is for experienced aircraft quality inspectors to join the launch team, with about 6–12 months of advanced training at Pilatus in Stans, Switzerland, before returning to Florida.

Candidates must bring hands-on inspection experience and the ability to work independently in a production environment. Upon return, successful Launch Team members work with mentors and become core technical

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience as an aircraft quality inspector in a production or MRO environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and inspection criteria.
• FAA A&P license preferred, but not required for candidates with strong quality background.

Responsibilities

• Performs in-process and final inspections on aircraft structures, systems, and avionics.
• Verifies conformity to approved drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Reviews, documents, and signs off inspection steps in compliance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements.
• Trains and mentors newly hired quality inspectors and mechanics on quality gates, inspection expectations, and compliance standards.
• Ensures all activities comply with EASA regulations and applicable customer and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Strong judgment under pressure

Reading technical drawings

Education

FAA A&P license (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

Description

Be part of the founding Quality team launching the first US aircraft assembly line for Pilatus.

Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd is launching a new PC-12 final assembly operation in Sarasota, Florida. To establish this operation successfully, we are seeking highly experienced aircraft assembly professionals to join our launch team.

Launch team members are selected based on proven hands‑on experience, technical maturity, and the ability to work independently in a production environment.

Successful candidates will complete approximately 6-12 months of advanced, hands‑on training at Pilatus headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, working directly within an established production line. Training starts summer 2026. Upon return to Sarasota, Launch Team members will work alongside Mentors from the Pilatus factory, serving as core technical experts, mentors, and potential future leaders, supporting ramp‑up of the Sarasota assembly line and training of new personnel.

Launch Team | Pilatus Aircraft

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs in-process and final inspections on aircraft structures, systems, and avionics
• Verifies conformity to approved drawings, specifications, and work instructions
• Reviews, documents, and signs off inspection steps in compliance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements
• Learns and applies Pilatus inspection methods, quality gates, and best practices during the Switzerland training assignment
• Captures inspection knowledge and lessons learned and integrates them into Sarasota quality procedures
• Supports development and standardization of US quality inspection processes
• Trains and mentors newly hired quality inspectors and mechanics on quality gates, inspection expectations, and compliance standards
• Exercises independent judgment and stops work when quality or compliance is at risk
• Ensures all activities comply with EASA regulations, company procedures, and applicable customer and regulatory requirements
• Supports additional projects or duties as assigned by leadership

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Acts as a quality authority with the confidence to make and enforce inspection decisions
• Operates independently with minimal supervision in a dynamic production environment
• Serves as a role model for integrity, compliance, and quality culture
• Identifies risks, nonconformities, and systemic gaps early during ramp‑up
• Supports early issue resolution and corrective actions before full-rate production

Requirements

Skills/Qualifications

• FAA A&P license preferred, but not required for candidates with strong quality background
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience as an aircraft quality inspector in a production or MRO environment
• Demonstrated experience with in-process and final inspections; conformity documentation and inspection sign-offs; regulatory compliance and quality gate enforcement
• Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and inspection criteria
• Proven integrity and willingness to uphold quality decisions under production pressure
• Comfortable working across multiple assembly stations and disciplines
• Proficient in basic computer applications (Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Must be able to climb ladders and stairs and work in restricted space
• This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

What We Offer:

• Unique opportunity to help launch Pilatus’ first US PC-12 assembly line
• International training assignment, cultural exchange, language training at Pilatus headquarters in Stans, Switzerland (approx. 6-12 months)
• Comprehensive support package for the Switzerland assignment (details provided separately)
• Long-term career growth opportunities, including paths into Team Lead, Specialist or leadership roles as the program matures
• Competitive compensation, benefits and retention incentives
• 11 paid holidays a year, plus 15 days of paid vacation time, and 6 days of paid sick/personal time to start with an increase to 20 days of paid vacation time after 5 years with Pilatus
• 90% of medical, dental, and vision premiums paid for single coverage and 80% for family coverage, averaging $9,600 annually
• Monthly health savings account (HSA) contributions totaling $2,250 for single coverage and $3,000 for family coverage annually
• 401(k) retirement plan matching up to 6%
• Life and long-term disability insurance premiums paid in full

The hiring range is $37.55 - $52.42 per hour. This range represents Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd.’s estimate of the compensation reasonably expected for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant skills and experience, education, job location, internal equity, market data, and business considerations. The hiring range may be modified in the future based on business or market conditions. Any bonus, incentive compensation, benefits, or other forms of compensation are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans, programs, and policies and may be modified in accordance with applicable law.

With over 3,000 employees and about 200 apprentices at its headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, completion center in Broomfield, Colorado, and multiple service centers across Westminster, MD, Rock Hill, SC, Chamblee, GA and Sarasota, FL, the Pilatus family unites people from over 40 countries. We offer a secure, innovative, international, and sustainable work environment. Courage, vision, and outstanding performance have made us a strong company. Our culture is shaped by a high level of quality awareness, close customer relationships, and a high degree of employee commitment.

Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.