Managing Director - Quality Control (Chief Inspector)

United Airlines•Chicago, IL

5d•$231,610 - $301,554•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Inspector provides executive-level leadership and oversight for aircraft inspection, quality control, and nondestructive testing programs to ensure the continued airworthiness, safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of aircraft maintenance operations. The role serves as the designated FAR Part 119 Chief Inspector and is responsible for maintaining effective inspection systems, complying with applicable FAA regulations and company standards, and promoting a strong safety and quality culture across the organization. The position leads Quality Control inspection and NDT programs; coordinates with operational teams to resolve quality, airworthiness, and regulatory issues; and has final authority on matters concerning aircraft, engine, and component airworthiness. It partners with the Director of Maintenance and Director of Safety and interfaces with the FAA Certificate Management Office. The role also supports the Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program, participates in Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System activities, oversees personnel qualifications and training, and provides surveillance of maintenance providers and suppliers.

Requirements

B.S. degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, or a related field, or comparable experience.
Mechanic certificate with both airframe and powerplant ratings, held for at least three years.
10+ years of aircraft maintenance or inspection experience, including at least five years in a senior management role.
Extensive knowledge of FARs, aircraft equipment design and operational characteristics, aircraft maintenance materials and processes, including NDT processes.
Proven leadership experience managing technical personnel, cross-functional teams, and regulatory compliance activities.
Ability to interpret technical documentation, maintenance manuals, regulatory guidance, and company policies.
Legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
Successful completion of an interview.
Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.

Responsibilities

Lead Quality Control inspection and nondestructive testing programs to ensure aircraft, engines, and components are inspected, maintained, and returned to service in an airworthy condition and in compliance with applicable requirements.
Coordinate with Maintenance, Engineering, Safety, Compliance, and other operational teams to resolve quality, airworthiness, and regulatory issues.
Serve as the FAA-designated Chief Inspector under 14 CFR Part 119 and assume final authority on aircraft, engine, and component airworthiness matters.
Partner with the Director of Maintenance and Director of Safety and interface with the FAA Certificate Management Office.
Establish and continuously improve inspection policies, procedures, authorizations, and oversight processes to ensure compliance with FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, the General Maintenance Manual, and accepted industry standards.
Provide inspection program support to the Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program, participate as a board member in Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System activities, and use inspection findings to monitor performance, identify risks, and drive systemic corrective actions.
Determine qualification, training, certification, and competency requirements for Quality Control, inspection, and NDT personnel and ensure personnel maintain the knowledge, skills, and authorizations needed for their assigned functions.
Promote accountability, technical excellence, safety, and regulatory discipline within the inspection organization.
Operate the organization efficiently and effectively by ensuring inspectors with the right qualifications are available to support Maintenance when needed.
Provide oversight and on-site surveillance of essential maintenance providers and external suppliers to verify compliance with regulatory requirements, company procedures, and airworthiness standards.
Develop and maintain the Required Inspection Item program to ensure maintenance activities affecting airworthiness receive appropriate independent inspection and oversight.