Job Title: Chief Inspector

Job Description

The Chief Inspector leads the overall operation of the Quality Control Department and holds final authority for releasing airframes, engines, propellers, appliances, and component parts to service in compliance with customer and FAA specifications. Reporting to the Vice President of Quality and Safety, this role ensures that all inspection activities meet regulatory requirements, maintains robust quality systems, and provides strategic leadership to a large quality control team within a Part 145 repair station environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the repair station maintains full compliance with FAA regulations, airworthiness requirements, and organizational policies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain inspection standards, procedures, and technical data to support consistent and compliant maintenance activities.
• Oversee all phases of inspection and verify the accuracy and completeness of required documentation prior to issuing return-to-service authorization.
• Ensure incoming materials meet airworthiness standards and verify the quality of work performed by external vendors.
• Prevent the installation or reuse of defective or unserviceable parts by enforcing strict inspection and control processes.
• Oversee proper identification, tagging, segregation, and control of parts and components throughout the maintenance and inspection lifecycle.
• Maintain and oversee the Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) system to address nonconformities and drive systemic improvements.
• Lead internal audits and support preparation for all external audits, including regulatory and customer assessments.
• Ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and control of inspection tools and precision test equipment.
• Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance and other departments to resolve quality-related issues and promote cross-functional alignment.
• Lead, supervise, and develop personnel assigned to the Quality Control Department, providing clear direction and support.
• Conduct hiring, training, performance evaluations, and ongoing employee development for quality control staff.
• Chair the facility’s Review Board and drive improvements in inspection processes, quality systems, and procedures.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives across the facility to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Prepare and present required reports to customers, leadership, and internal departments, clearly communicating quality performance and findings.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration with vendors, customers, and internal teams to address and resolve quality concerns.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support the overall mission of the Quality and Safety organization.

Essential Skills

• Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license.
• 5 years of experience working in quality assurance or quality control under Part 121, Part 135, or Part 145 regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in a Part 145 repair station environment.
• Previous leadership experience, ideally overseeing a team of 30 or more personnel.
• Strong background in Quality Assurance and Quality Control within aviation maintenance.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply FAA regulations and airworthiness requirements.
• Experience developing and implementing inspection standards, procedures, and technical data.
• Proficiency in managing corrective and preventative action (CAPA) systems and internal audit processes.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and develop quality control staff in a high-compliance environment.
• Strong communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams, vendors, customers, and leadership.

This is a Permanent position based out of Machesney Park, IL.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $135000.00/yr.

Generous PTO accumulation
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Retention bonuses (1 year- $3,000, 3 years- $7,000, 5 years - $10,000)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401K Plan
• Education Assistance Program Tuition Reimbursement

This is a fully onsite position in Machesney Park,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.