Chief Aircraft Inspector

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus opportunities

Remote role with occasional travel

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Aircraft Inspector to lead our aviation quality assurance program. This remote role oversees inspection, QA, and regulatory compliance across dispersed operations, including our Stellenbosch base.

You will develop robust SMS-based QA systems, mentor inspectors, and drive continuous improvement while interfacing with regulators and senior management. Exceptional leadership and 10+ years in the field are required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in aviation quality assurance or related roles.
• AME license or equivalent advanced qualification.
• Strong knowledge of aviation safety management systems (SMS) and regulatory frameworks (SACAA, EASA, FAA).
• Proven leadership of technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage QA and inspection programs for the fleet.
• Ensure compliance with national and international aviation regulations.
• Train and supervise aircraft inspectors and QC personnel.
• Conduct internal audits of maintenance facilities and documentation.
• Investigate deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Liaise with regulators and provide expert quality advice.

Skills

Aviation QA leadership

Regulatory compliance

SMS knowledge

Team leadership

Education

AME license

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and authoritative Chief Aircraft Inspector to lead their quality assurance efforts. This is a strategic, remote position where you will oversee the entire inspection and quality control program, ensuring compliance with all aviation regulatory requirements and company standards across dispersed operations, including our Stellenbosch base. You will be responsible for developing and implementing robust quality management systems, training inspection personnel, and driving a culture of safety and continuous improvement. This role offers significant influence and the opportunity to shape the future of our client's commitment to aviation safety and excellence from a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive quality assurance and inspection programs for the entire fleet.
• Ensure strict adherence to all national and international aviation regulations and standards.
• Train, mentor, and supervise a team of aircraft inspectors and quality control personnel.
• Conduct internal audits and assessments of maintenance facilities, procedures, and documentation.
• Investigate quality deviations, implement corrective and preventive actions, and track their effectiveness.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and provide expert advice on quality-related matters.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in aviation quality assurance, inspection, or engineering roles.
• A recognized Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license or equivalent advanced technical qualification.
• Deep understanding of aviation safety management systems (SMS) and regulatory frameworks (e.g., SACAA, EASA, FAA).
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing technical teams.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills, comfortable presenting findings to senior management and regulators.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package with bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
• Significant autonomy and the ability to influence organizational quality standards.
• Professional development budget for maintaining certifications and attending industry conferences.
• The flexibility of a remote role, with occasional travel to operational bases like Stellenbosch.