Airworthiness Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Inspector / Auditor II is a fully qualified quality professional responsible for independently performing receiving, in-process, final, and return-to-service inspections while conducting internal audits and surveillance activities to ensure compliance with FAA regulations, approved technical data, customer requirements, and Company quality standards. This position serves as a technical resource to maintenance personnel, supports regulatory compliance initiatives, and assists with corrective action investigations and continuous improvement efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform receiving, preliminary, hidden damage, in-process, final, and return-to-service inspections in accordance with FAA regulations and Company procedures.
• Verify maintenance, preventive maintenance, repairs, alterations, and modifications are accomplished in accordance with approved technical data.
• Review maintenance records, work orders, task cards, inspection documents, and supporting records for accuracy and completeness.
• Conduct internal quality audits of maintenance operations, facilities, tooling, calibration systems, records, and procedures.
• Perform surveillance activities to verify compliance with FAA regulations, customer requirements, Company policies, and repair station procedures.
• Identify, document, and investigate discrepancies, nonconformities, and quality concerns.
• Initiate and support corrective action and preventive action activities.
• Participate in FAA, customer, and third-party audits.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with the Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), Safety Management System (SMS), and Company policies.
• Monitor compliance with training, tooling, calibration, and documentation requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Quality Inspector / Auditor I personnel and maintenance technicians.
• Maintain tool control and comply with Foreign Object Damage (FOD) prevention procedures.
• Maintain accurate inspection, audit, and quality records.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Certifications

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate required.
• Graduation from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) preferred.
• FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) preferred.
• Internal Auditor, AS9100, AS9110, or ISO 9001 Auditor training preferred.

Experience

• 3 - 7 years of aircraft maintenance, inspection, quality assurance, or auditing experience.
• Experience in a Part 145 Repair Station, Part 121, Part 135, military, or equivalent aviation environment required.
• Experience performing return-to-service inspections and maintenance record reviews preferred.
• Experience participating in internal, customer, or FAA audits preferred.
• Documented fleet specific formal training courses such as 40-hour General Familiarization courses or ATA 104 level 1, 2, 3, or 4 courses preferred.
• Documented fleet specific engine run and taxi training and qualifications preferred.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain airport driving privileges.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including overtime, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and independence while performing audit activities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of FAA Parts 43, 65, 91, 121, 125, 135, and 145 as applicable.
• Knowledge of aircraft systems, structures, powerplants, maintenance procedures, and inspection methods.
• Understanding of repair station quality systems, auditing principles, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of approved technical data, engineering documents, and maintenance record requirements.

Skills

• Perform independent receiving, in-process, final, and return-to-service inspections.
• Conduct internal audits and compliance surveillance activities.
• Read and interpret maintenance manuals, engineering drawings, regulatory requirements, and technical publications.
• Prepare audit reports, discrepancy reports, and corrective action documentation.
• Utilize precision measuring devices, inspection equipment, and maintenance tracking systems.
• Analyze maintenance records and identify compliance deficiencies.

Abilities

• Independently evaluate maintenance work for conformity and airworthiness.
• Identify quality trends and potential compliance concerns.
• Exercise sound judgment when making inspection and quality decisions.
• Prioritize multiple assignments while maintaining attention to detail.
• Communicate effectively with technicians, inspectors, management, customers, and regulatory representatives.
• Mentor less experienced quality personnel.

OTHER SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Intermediate computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience utilizing maintenance tracking systems, quality management systems, and electronic records.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all quality-related matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and climbing.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, aircraft interiors, and at elevated heights using ladders, maintenance stands, and platforms.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments.
• Ability to use inspection equipment, measuring devices, and computer systems.
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, fall protection equipment, and respirators as required.
• Sufficient visual acuity, depth perception, color recognition, and hearing (with or without correction) to safely perform inspection and audit responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, airport ramps, and outdoor operational environments. Employees are routinely exposed to aircraft noise, moving machinery, elevated work platforms, and varying weather conditions. The position may require exposure to fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids, solvents, cleaning agents, and other materials commonly associated with aircraft maintenance. Employees are expected to comply with all Company safety policies, FAA regulations, OSHA standards, and PPE requirements. Overtime, shift work, weekend work, and holiday work may be required to support operational needs.

AUDIT INDEPENDENCE

When assigned audit responsibilities, the Quality Inspector / Auditor II shall maintain objectivity and independence. Whenever practical, the employee shall not audit maintenance activities, records, or processes for which they were directly responsible or performed the work being audited.