Chief Inspector

Vista Global•Bay City, WI

About The Position

The Chief Inspector provides leadership for the Quality Assurance function and ensures compliance with FAA regulations, company procedures, manufacturer maintenance data, and customer requirements. This role leads QA Inspectors, supports aircraft return-to-service activities, promotes a strong culture of safety and regulatory excellence, and drives continuous quality improvement across the maintenance organization. Vista Aircraft Maintenance is the in-house maintenance provider for Vista Members’ unrivaled fleet of over 300 aircraft worldwide, including light, super mid-size, long-range, and ultra-long-range models, with maintenance hubs strategically located across the U.S. and Europe.

Requirements

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate required
High school diploma or GED required
10+ years of aircraft maintenance experience
4+ years of Quality Assurance or Inspection experience
Previous leadership or supervisory experience
Thorough knowledge of FAA regulations and aircraft maintenance requirements
Strong technical knowledge of turbine aircraft
Ability to interpret technical manuals, maintenance data, and engineering documentation
Experience with computerized maintenance tracking systems
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities

Nice To Haves

Previous Part 145 Repair Station leadership experience
Part 135 maintenance experience
Inspection Authorization (IA)
Experience with Challenger, Citation, Gulfstream, or Bombardier aircraft
Safety Management System (SMS) training
Root Cause Analysis training
Lean or Continuous Improvement experience
CAMP, Corridor, and ERP/MRO software experience

Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, coach, and develop Quality Assurance Inspectors, including assigning daily inspection priorities and supporting performance and development plans.
Ensure compliance with FAA Part 145, Part 43, Part 91, and applicable Part 135 requirements , as well as the RSM, QCM, FAA-approved procedures, company policies, and OEM technical data.
Oversee required inspections, buy-back inspections, hidden damage and conformity inspections, airworthiness determinations, and return-to-service documentation.
Ensure maintenance activities are performed using current and approved technical data and that inspection resources align with production schedules.
Lead internal and process audits, corrective and preventive actions, root-cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Monitor quality trends, including first-pass quality, deficiencies, rework, inspection findings, and repeat discrepancies, and develop corrective action plans.
Ensure the accuracy and completeness of maintenance records, FAA forms, aircraft logbooks, inspection documentation, airworthiness records, and digital maintenance tracking systems.
Support the Safety Management System through safety investigations, hazard assessments, risk identification, just-culture reporting, human factors awareness, and corrective actions.
Partner with Production, Maintenance Planning, Maintenance Control, Engineering, Supply Chain, Avionics, Interior/Paint, and Mobile Repair Teams to support safe and efficient aircraft delivery.
Support FAA interactions, regulatory audits, OEM representatives, third-party auditors, and internal stakeholders while representing the organization professionally.