Inspector, Chief

Chief Inspector. Accountable to the Vice President of Quality and Safety for the overall operation of the Quality Control Department, and as such, will have the final authority in the releasing to service of airframes, engines, propellers, appliances, and the component parts thereof meeting AAR, customer and FAA specifications.

What You Will Be Responsible For

• 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.
• Oversee all phases of inspection and verify accuracy of required documentation prior to return-to-service authorization.
• Ensure incoming materials meet airworthiness standards and verify quality of work performed by external vendors.
• Prevent the installation or reuse of defective or unserviceable parts.
• Oversee proper identification, tagging, and control of parts and components.
• Maintain and oversee the Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) system.
• Lead internal audits and support preparation for all external audits.
• Ensure proper calibration and control of inspection tools and precision test equipment.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance and other departments to resolve quality-related issues.
• Lead, supervise, and develop personnel assigned to the Quality Control Department.
• Conduct hiring, training, performance evaluations, and ongoing employee development.
• Chair the facility’s Review Board and drive improvements in inspection processes, quality systems, and procedures.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.
• Prepare and present required reports to customers, leadership, and internal departments.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration with vendors, customers, and internal teams to address quality concerns.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

What you will need to be successful in this role:

• B.S. or B.A. (or equivalent experience).
• Have at least 5 years’ experience working in the Quality Assurance/Quality Control Department for an entity certificated under 14 CFR Part-121, Part-135 or Part-145. FAA.
• Airframe and Powerplant license required and must be in good standing.
• Sufficient working knowledge and understanding of Repair Station operations certificated under 14 CFR Part-145.
• Experience conducting internal and external audits; familiarity with audit standards and methodologies.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience with a team of 30 or more.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and industry regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) processes.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to supervise, coach, and develop team members.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Must understand, read, and write English.

Year One Critical Success Factors

• Ascertains that all inspections are properly performed on all completed work and that the proper inspection records, reports, and forms used by the Repair Station are properly executed prior to releasing the article for return to service.

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off program
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
• The environmental characteristic for this position is an office/warehouse setting.
• Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business/warehouse environment.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

Compensation The anticipated salary range for this position is $108,000 to $135,000 annually. This range reflects the base salary for candidates who meet the requirements of the role, including experience, education, and location. AAR offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer match, paid time off and holiday pay, as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Job Operations

Primary Location United States-Illinois-Rockford

Schedule Full-time

Overtime Status ExemptWe are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.