NDT Repair Station Director of Quality​/Chief Inspector

San Antonio, United States | Posted on 01/17/2026

Patriot Aerotech
, strengthened by the acquisition of
AWI NDT, LLC
, delivers integrated aerospace andnon-destructive testing solutions with unmatched speed,precision, and reliability. With over
15 years of proven NDT performance
and decades of technical expertise, our certified teams—led by
ASNT Level III professionals
—provide inspection, welding,and consulting services that keep critical projects on schedule.

Supported by a nationwide and global footprint,
24/7 rapid response
, and industry-leading
mobile and aviation-enabled inspection capabilities
,Patriot Aerotech and AWI set a new standard for safety, quality,and customer confidence.

Patriot Aerotech is seeking an experienced Director of Quality / Chief Inspector to lead and oversee the Quality Management System (QMS) for its FAA Part 145 Repair Station specializing in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) services, aviation welding, and aerospace fabrication
. Based in San Antonio, Texas
, this leadership role is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, operational integrity, and continuous improvement across all inspection, repair, and fabrication activities. The Director of Quality / Chief Inspector serves as the primary authority for airworthiness determinations and acts as the principal liaison with the FAA and customers regarding quality and regulatory matters.

Serve as the Chief Inspector as defined under 14 CFR Part 145

Ensure full compliance with FAA regulations
, Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), and Operations Specifications

Act as the primary point of contact with the FAA
, including FSDO/MIDO interactions, audits, and surveillance activities

Maintain and update company manuals, procedures, and training programs to meet regulatory and customer requirements

Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Quality Management System in accordance with FAA, customer, and industry standards

Oversee internal audits, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and root cause analysis

Ensure effective control of nonconforming product, inspection status, and records retention

Establish and monitor quality metrics to drive performance and compliance

Provide final airworthiness determinations and approval for return to service (RTS)

Ensure proper inspection, testing, and certification of NDT, welding, and fabrication activities

Verify personnel qualifications, certifications, and recurrent training for inspectors, NDT personnel, and welders

Ensure compliance with applicable standards including NAS 410 / SNT-TC-1A
, AWS aerospace standards, and approved data

Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, NDT, Welding, and Fabrication teams to ensure quality is embedded throughout operations

Support contract review and customer quality requirements for commercial, military, and government programs

Oversee supplier quality, subcontractor approvals, and vendor audits

Provide guidance and mentorship to quality and inspection personnel

Ensure accurate and complete documentation of inspections, repairs, and certifications

Maintain traceability of materials, processes, and tooling

Ensure records meet FAA retention requirements and customer contractual obligations

FAA A&P Certificate

NDT Level III certification (one or more methods)

AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

Experience supporting military, government, or DoD aviation programs

Familiarity with AS9110 / AS9100 quality systems

Ability to work in hangar, shop, and office environments

Ability to access aircraft, elevated platforms, and fabrication areas as required

Ability to travel occasionally for audits, training, or customer support

Minimum 6years of aviation maintenance or repair station experience
, including 2+ years in a quality or inspection leadership role

Thorough working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 145 and FAA regulatory requirements

Experience in NDT services
, aviation welding, and aerospace fabrication environments

Prior experience serving as Chief Inspector or equivalent authority at an FAA Repair Station

Strong understanding of NAS 410 / ASNT
, AWS aerospace welding standards, and approved repair data

Proven experience managing FAA audits, corrective actions, and regulatory compliance

Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Executive-level leadership role within a growing Part 145 Repair Station

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience

Opportunity to shape and strengthen the quality culture of a specialized aviation services organization

Professional, compliance-driven, and mission-focused work environment