Managing Director - Quality Control (Chief Inspector)

At United, we have some of the best aircraft in the world. Our Technical Operations team is full of aircraft maintenance technicians, engineers, planners, ground equipment and facilities professionals, and supply chain teams that help make sure they’re well taken care of and ready to get our customers to their desired destinations. If you’re ready to work on our planes, join our Tech Ops experts and help keep our fleet in tip-top shape.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

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. This role serves as the designated FAR Part 119 Chief Inspector and is responsible for maintaining effective inspection systems, ensuring compliance with applicable FAA regulations and company standards, and promoting a strong safety and quality culture across the organization.

• Lead the Quality Control inspection and nondestructive testing (NDT) programs to ensure aircraft, engines, and components are inspected, maintained, and returned to service in an airworthy condition in accordance with all applicable regulatory, company, and industry 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 in accordance with 14 CFR Part 119 and assume final authority on all matters concerning aircraft, engine, and component airworthiness.
• Partner with Director of Maintenance and Director of Safety and interface with 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 (CAMP), participate in Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) activities as a board member, and utilize inspection program 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 necessary to perform assigned functions.
• Promote a culture of accountability, technical excellence, safety, and regulatory discipline within the inspection organization.
• Operate the organization efficiently and effectively by ensuring that inspectors with the right qualifications are available to support Maintenance at the right time.
• Provide oversight and on-site surveillance of essential maintenance providers and other external suppliers to verify compliance with regulatory requirements, company procedures, and airworthiness standards.
• Develop and maintain the Required Inspection Item (RII) program to ensure maintenance activities affecting airworthiness receive appropriate independent inspection and oversight.

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• B.S. degree in Engineering, Aviation Management or related field, or comparable experience.
• Hold a mechanic certificate with both airframe and powerplant ratings, and have held these ratings for at least three years.
• 10+ years of aircraft maintenance/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.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification.
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position.

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Advanced degree.

Location

• Chicago, IL

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.