Chief Inspector

Job Title: Chief Inspector Reports To: General Manager / Accountable Manager (Regulatory) FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Quality / Inspection Location: Bentonville, Arkansas Position Summary The Chief Inspector provides direct supervision of Quality Assurance personnel and oversees the overall operation of the Inspection Department. This role ensures compliance with 14 CFR Part 145, the FAA-accepted Repair Station / Quality Control Manual (RSQCM), FAA-approved Training Program Manual (TPM), Operations Manual, and ISO/AS9110 quality management system requirements. The Chief Inspector serves as the official liaison to regulatory authorities, maintains regulatory independence from production functions, and ensures that all work performed meets applicable FAA regulations, contractual requirements, and established safety and quality standards.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Ensure quality assurance functions comply with the RSQCM, TPM, Operations Manual, and ISO/AS9110 requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), Advisory Circulars, Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), Parts Manufacturer Approvals (PMAs), and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the official representative to regulatory agencies regarding inspection practices and continuous airworthiness.
• Submit required FAA reports of defects or non-airworthy conditions, including FAA Form 337 for major repairs or alterations in accordance with FAR 145.63.
• Create, review, and revise company manuals and procedures to maintain FAA and AS9110 compliance.
• Monitor calibration records to ensure precision tools and test equipment maintain National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceability.
• Perform facility audits to ensure proper techniques, safety standards, housekeeping, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain the qualified inspector roster in accordance with Part 145 requirements.
• Ensure inspection training programs are effective and regulatory records are properly maintained.
• Oversee aircraft weight and balance activities as required.
• Monitor stockroom operations to ensure proper segregation and identification of serviceable and rejected items.
• Coordinate inspection functions with department supervisors to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Assist in development and maintenance of the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Provide recommendations to leadership regarding company maintenance capabilities and compliance matters.
• Manage subordinate supervisors within the Quality Assurance Department, including hiring, training, evaluating performance, and administering discipline in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Plan, assign, and direct departmental work to ensure regulatory and contractual compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on experience, qualifications, and business needs.

Qualifications The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of aviation experience across multiple aircraft types.
• At least ten (10) years of experience as a Chief Inspector or Quality Supervisor supporting heavy maintenance, modification, and repair projects.
• Must meet FAA qualification requirements for Chief Inspector under 14 CFR Part 145.

Communication Skills Ability to interpret and communicate technical procedures, professional publications, and government regulations. Ability to prepare reports, business correspondence, and procedural documentation. Ability to effectively present information to management, regulatory authorities, customers, and stakeholders.

Mathematical Skills Ability to apply mathematical concepts including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to inspection and maintenance scenarios.

Reasoning And Problem-solving Skills Ability to solve practical problems in complex regulatory environments and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.

Computer Skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, inspection tracking systems, and aviation maintenance software (MISA preferred).

Other Qualifications

• Current FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate required.
• Inspection Authorization (IA) required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TSA Ramp Pass.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable government security clearance or National Agency Check (NAC).
• Demonstrated leadership ability and commitment to ethical and safety standards.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Valid driver's license required.

COMPLIANCE, WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS The following information describes the general work environment and physical demands associated with this position. The statements below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequently exposed to hangar environments and varying outdoor weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, elevated work areas, fumes, airborne particles, and electrical equipment.
• Noise levels may be loud depending on operational activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Regularly required to walk, sit, stand, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Employment Requirements Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment screenings, which may include a background check and drug screening, in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.