Lead Inspector

CAE • Mesa, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for performing routine and supplemental inspections of aircraft, components, and maintenance actions. The Lead Inspector will verify that maintenance work is completed in accordance with FAA regulations, OEM manuals, and company policies. They will also review and sign off maintenance documentation, logbooks, and task cards as authorized. Additionally, this position involves conducting quality audits, identifying discrepancies, ensuring corrective actions are implemented, and maintaining accurate and compliant inspection records. The Lead Inspector will also support internal investigations related to quality or maintenance concerns and deliver training to maintenance personnel on proper procedures, documentation standards, regulatory requirements, and safety practices. This includes assisting in developing training materials, SOPs, and technical guides, evaluating technician performance, and conducting recurrent training sessions. The role ensures maintenance activities remain compliant with FAA, company manuals, and quality management systems, and participates in internal and external audits. Continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, and operational processes are also a key part of this role.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate.
• 3–5 years of aircraft maintenance experience.
• Strong working knowledge of FAA regulations, aircraft maintenance manuals, and quality practices.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong documentation and record‑keeping skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• High level of professionalism and integrity.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

Nice To Haves

• Prior inspection or quality control experience.
• Experience serving as a trainer, mentor, or technical instructor.
• Experience in aviation training or instructional environments.
• Strong understanding of maintenance best practices and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and supplemental inspections of aircraft, components, and maintenance actions.
• Verify maintenance work is completed in accordance with FAA regulations, OEM manuals, and company policies.
• Review and sign off maintenance documentation, logbooks, and task cards as authorized.
• Conduct quality audits, identify discrepancies, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Maintain accurate and compliant inspection records.
• Support internal investigations related to quality or maintenance concerns.
• Deliver training to maintenance personnel on proper procedures, documentation standards, regulatory requirements, and safety practices.
• Assist in developing training materials, SOPs, and technical guides.
• Evaluate technician performance during training and provide feedback for improvement.
• Conduct recurrent training sessions to ensure compliance with evolving aviation and company standards.
• Support onboarding/training for new maintenance hires.
• Ensure maintenance activities remain compliant with FAA, company manuals, and quality management systems.
• Participate in internal and external audits (FAA, corporate, safety).
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, and operational processes.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) plans
• 401(k) and employee stock purchase programs with CAE match
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, parental leave, and holidays
• Company‑paid life insurance, AD&D, short‑term disability, and caregiver support
• Voluntary benefits including legal coverage, long‑term care, dependent life insurance, pet insurance, and FSA programs
• Additional programs supporting work‑life balance and personal and professional well‑being

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees