Chief Inspector

Join our team as Chief Inspector and play a critical leadership role in maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. We're seeking an experienced aviation professional with Part 145 expertise, strong FAA knowledge, and a passion for leading people and improving processes. If you're ready to help shape the future of our maintenance operation, apply today. Position Summary The Chief Inspector is the senior quality and regulatory authority for the Part 145 Repair Station. This position oversees all inspection functions, ensures compliance with FAA regulations and the company's Quality Management System (QMS), and provides leadership to the inspection staff. The Chief Inspector exercises independent judgment in interpreting regulatory requirements, making airworthiness determinations, overseeing RTS authorizations, and enforcing quality standards. The role also includes managing team performance, developing inspection procedures, coordinating audits, and serving as the primary liaison with the FAA. Essential Functions Regulatory Oversight Airworthiness Authority Serve as the Repair Station's primary authority for inspections, compliance, and quality control under 14 CFR Parts 43, 65, 91, and 145. Ensure all maintenance activities conform to type design, approved technical data, and FAA requirements. Maintain effective oversight of airworthiness determinations made by inspectors; intervene directly when elevated decisions or escalations occur. Ensure proper execution of ADs, Service Bulletins, ICAs, and manufacturer instructions. Oversee the issuance and control of maintenance releases, logbook entries, and FAA 8130-3 tags. Ensure regulatory documents, manuals, and procedures are current and properly implemented. Inspection Program Leadership Direct all receiving, preliminary, in-process, hidden-damage, and final inspections performed within the Repair Station. Establish inspection standards, criteria, and methodologies to ensure consistency and compliance. Develop, maintain, and revise inspection procedures, checklists, forms, and technical data flows. Manage non-conformances, rework requirements, and corrective actions. Lead internal audits and participate in external, FAA, customer, and vendor audits. Team Leadership Performance Management Lead, supervise, schedule, and develop the inspector workforce. Provide coaching, technical guidance, and performance feedback to inspectors. Evaluate inspector competency and ensure training (initial, recurrent, and specialized) is completed. Delegate inspection responsibilities while maintaining oversight of high-risk or complex determinations. Recruit, onboard, and assess new inspectors; determine training needs and qualification status. Quality System Procedure Management Maintain the Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), training program, capabilities list, and associated quality procedures. Oversee document control, calibration control, and records retention systems. Approve changes to inspection procedures, work instructions, and forms. Support continuous-improvement initiatives to enhance quality, safety, and efficiency. Incident, Root-Cause Corrective Action Management Lead investigations into quality escapes, customer findings, and audit findings. Conduct root-cause analysis and ensure effective corrective/preventive actions (CAPA). Monitor trends and develop quality metrics to proactively address systemic issues. FAA Customer Interface Serve as the primary contact for FAA oversight, audits, and correspondence. Coordinate with FAA PMI/PAI on manual revisions, capabilities changes, and compliance matters. Represent the Repair Station during customer audits and quality reviews. Cross-Functional Support Partner with DOM, Production Managers, Engineering, Supply Chain, and senior leadership to ensure alignment of quality and operational objectives. Provide regulatory guidance on technical projects, engineering data, materials, tooling, and maintenance practices. Support vendor and supplier evaluation programs. Qualifications Education Certifications High school diploma or equivalent required. FAA Airframe Powerplant Certificate required. Inspection Authorization (IA) preferred. Advanced training in Part 145 operations, quality systems, auditing, or human factors preferred. OEM or quality system training strongly preferred. Work Experience 7+ years of aircraft maintenance or MRO experience. 3–5+ years of inspection or quality assurance experience in a Part 145 environment. Experience with turboprop Aircraft (TBM, King Air, PC-12, or similar). Pratt Whitney PT6 engine experience (preferred) Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, repair station procedures, and documentation standards. Demonstrated experience interpreting FAA regulations and managing inspection programs. Prior lead or informal supervisory experience desirable; ability to train and mentor others required. Key Knowledge, Skills, Competencies Advanced knowledge of aircraft airframe, engines, and avionics systems. Expert understanding of FAA regulations, quality-control principles, technical publications, and maintenance practices. Strong leadership and team-development skills, including coaching, performance management, and delegation. High level of independent judgment and decision-making authority. Excellent documentation accuracy, analytical skills, and audit rigor. Ability to interface effectively with regulators, auditors, customers, and internal stakeholders. Strong communication skills and ability to influence outcomes across departments. Commitment to integrity, impartiality, and safety. Travel Requirements Travel Required: Minimal/None % of Travel Time: 10% Why Join Us? At The Blackhawk Group, you'll be part of a fast-growing company that empowers employees and values continuous improvement. We provide in-depth training throughout the year, including annual OEM training. You'll contribute to an exciting team focused on delivering exceptional service to the aviation industry, helping aircraft operators maximize performance and efficiency. What We Offer The Blackhawk Group provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that propels your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. The Blackhawk Group's benefits provide the flexibility to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Supplemental insurance Employer provided life insurance Immediate PTO Accrual 401k Matching 8 Paid Holidays Training and Development Tuition Reimbursement The Blackhawk Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with The Blackhawk Group is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. The Blackhawk Group is conducting this search exclusively through our internal Talent Acquisition team. We are not accepting unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies, executive search firms, or third-party recruiters for this position. Any unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles submitted without a current, fully executed agreement specific to this role will be considered the property of The Blackhawk Group. No placement fees, commissions, or other compensation will be paid for candidates submitted through unsolicited referrals, including candidates who subsequently apply directly through our careers site or any other application channel.