Director of Quality

Base pay range

$/yr - $/yr

We are seeking an experienced and detail-driven Chief Inspector to lead the inspection, airworthiness determination, and quality control functions for our newly established FAA Part 145 repair station, focused on CFM
56 and V2500 engine accessories. This role serves as the senior regulatory authority within the repair station, ensuring that all inspection and maintenance activities comply with FAA, EASA, and OEM requirements.

As we continue to grow, a key strategic goal is to obtain EASA 145 certification under the BASA/MAG pathway. The Chief Inspector will play a central role in this effort—leading the development of the EASA Detailed Compliance Table (DCT), enhancing documentation and systems to meet EU regulatory deltas, and preparing the repair station for dual FAA/EASA release capability.

This position requires a builder mindset, capable of establishing and managing the entire inspection system, training program, forms, and compliance infrastructure in a startup environment, while ensuring readiness for FAA Safety Assurance System (SAS) surveillance and foreign authority audits using the FAA Data Collection Tools (DCTs).

• Serve as the final authority for determining airworthiness of articles prior to Return to Service (RTS)
• Ensure full compliance with 14 CFR Part 145, Part 43, and applicable CMMs, SBs, ADs, and ACs
• Maintain and update RSM, QCM, OpSpecs, and supplements in alignment with FAA SAS and DCT audit elements
• Interface with the FAA PMI and serve as the primary contact during SAS inspections, OpSpecs amendments, and capability list expansions
• Establish the framework and readiness for future Safety Management System (SMS) implementation

• Lead the development and ongoing maintenance of the EASA Detailed Compliance Table (DCT)
• Ensure all manuals and systems meet EASA Part 145.A.70 and Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG CHG
  8) expectations
• Drive efforts for EASA 145 certification acquisition, including FAA liaison, compliance mapping, and audit preparation
• Implement any EASA-specific requirements, such as certifying staff competency, subcontractor management, and dual-release RTS documentation
• Serve as audit lead for EASA or foreign authority inspections, ensuring objective evidence is available and properly cross-referenced

• Oversee all receiving, preliminary, in-process, and final inspections, including conformity checks and test validations
• Approve and audit inspector qualifications, OJT, and annual proficiency
• Maintain the calibration program in compliance with ANSI Z540.3 and FAA expectations
• Support nonconformance management, MRB reviews, and repair deviations in coordination with Engineering and Quality
• Ensure complete and audit-ready records, traceability, and documentation

• Develop and deploy all inspection protocols, ERP-based forms, and quality documentation
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure airworthiness data is embedded in shop travelers, routings, and test procedures
• Assist in test stand readiness, rotatory pool traceability, and first article inspections
• Align internal audit systems and inspection protocols with the structure of FAA Data Collection Tools (DCTs) and EASA audit standards

• Ability to apply for an FAA Repairman Certificate upon hire or prior designation as Chief Inspector under Part 145 preferred
• Human Factors, Hazmat, and FAA Drug & Alcohol Program compliance (or eligible to complete immediately)

• 5–10+ years in aviation MRO, with at least 3 years in an inspection system leadership role
• Demonstrated oversight of FAA Part 145 repair station functions, including RTS
• Active participation in FAA SAS audits using the Data Collection Tool (DCT)
• Knowledge of EASA Part 145, BASA/MAG certification, and experience maintaining the EASA Detailed Compliance Table (DCT)
• Familiarity with CFM
  56/V2500 accessory MRO (e.g., HMUs, actuators, fuel nozzles, oil pumps)
• Previous experience handling foreign authority audits, dual release protocols, or…