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Chief Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Chief Inspector position will be based in Hawthorne, CA. The incumbent of this role is responsible for administering the inspection function of Advanced Air's Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance ...

Chief Inspector

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

The Chief Inspector position will be based in Hawthorne, CA. The incumbent of this role is responsible for administering the inspection function of Advanced Air's Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance ...

Chief Inspector

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

The Chief Inspector position will be based in Hawthorne, CA. The incumbent of this role is responsible for administering the inspection function of Advanced Air's Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance ...

The Chief Inspector has the authority and responsibility for coordinating, accomplishing, and supervising all inspection functions. This position will be involved directing and orienting Inspectors ...

The Chief Inspector has the authority and responsibility for coordinating, accomplishing, and supervising all inspection functions. This position will be involved directing and orienting Inspectors ...

Training and Oversight - Work with the Chief Inspector to identify current and future training needs for Inspectors, Mechanics, Technicians, and support staff under the Repair Station. Recruit, train ...

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Chief Inspector information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$80.4K

$127.3K

How much do chief inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief inspector in California is $80,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,200.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief inspector?

In the United States, chief inspectors work in a variety of industries, such as aviation, gas, and construction. These professionals supervise the activities of employees who inspect assembly machinery and equipment for quality control. As a chief inspector, your job duties include overseeing workers and staff assignments, reviewing inspection results for major discrepancies, and examining raw materials to ensure they are free from defects and meet production specifications. This job title may also refer to United Kingdom high-ranking law enforcement position.

What does a chief inspector do?

A Chief Inspector is a senior supervisory position, typically within police forces or regulatory agencies, responsible for overseeing teams of inspectors and ensuring that laws, regulations, or standards are enforced correctly. Their duties include managing investigations, coordinating operations, mentoring junior staff, and reporting to higher management. Chief Inspectors often handle complex cases, ensure compliance with protocols, and may be involved in strategic planning and policy development. They play a crucial role in maintaining organizational integrity and public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Inspector, you need strong investigative skills, leadership abilities, and a thorough understanding of relevant laws and regulations, usually supported by years of policing experience and formal supervisory qualifications. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic analysis tools, and law enforcement databases is typically required. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills help Chief Inspectors effectively lead teams and manage high-pressure situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring thorough investigations, maintaining public safety, and effectively overseeing complex operations.

What are some typical challenges a chief inspector faces when managing large teams across multiple projects?

Chief Inspectors often oversee several inspection teams working on different sites or projects simultaneously, which can present challenges such as coordinating schedules, maintaining consistent quality standards, and ensuring clear communication. They must be adept at prioritizing tasks, resolving conflicts, and adapting to unexpected issues that arise in the field. Successful Chief Inspectors use strong leadership skills and leverage digital tools to monitor progress, provide feedback, and support team members, all while ensuring compliance with regulations and company policies.

What is the difference between Chief Inspector vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectChief InspectorQuality Control Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like ASQ CQI, relevant experienceOften requires quality assurance certifications or training
Work EnvironmentOversees inspection teams, manages quality standards in manufacturing or constructionPerforms inspections, tests products or processes on the production line
Employer & IndustryUsed in manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and industrial sectorsCommon in manufacturing, automotive, electronics, and production industries

The main difference is that a Chief Inspector supervises inspection teams and manages quality standards, while a Quality Control Inspector performs hands-on inspections and tests to ensure product quality. The Chief Inspector has broader responsibilities and often requires more experience and certifications.

What is the average salary for a chief inspector?

The average salary for a chief inspector in the United States typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on industry, experience, and location. Senior roles with specialized skills or in high-cost areas may earn higher compensation, and certifications can influence salary levels.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Inspector jobs in California?

For Chief Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chief Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,400 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

$115K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description

Who we are:

Advanced Air, LLC is an innovative, service-oriented aviation company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. We were founded in 2005 by our President, Levi Stockton, as an FAA approved, Part 135, On-Demand Air Carrier focused on superlative aircraft management and on demand charter.


Today, Advanced Air maintains a fleet of over 20 aircraft, operated in both scheduled and on-demand service, and a diversified portfolio of flying services in turboprop aircraft, business jets and regional passenger jets. Serving more than 12 communities in the southwestern United States, Advanced Air has a deep commitment to operational excellence and metered, sustainable growth. 


Our successful growth is driven by our adherence to our core values of safety, integrity, teamwork, transparency, fulfillment and respect. We are in this business for the long run and take a disciplined, thoughtful approach to growth opportunities.


About the Role and about You:

The Chief Inspector position will be based in Hawthorne, CA. The incumbent of this role is responsible for administering the inspection function of Advanced Air's Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP), ensuring all required inspections of the Part 135 and 121 fleet, including Required Inspection Items (RII), are performed in accordance with FAA-approved programs and company manuals. 


You are a detail-oriented aviation maintenance professional with strong knowledge of Part 135 and 121 inspection programs and RII procedures, and a proven ability to lead an inspection team while upholding the highest safety and quality standards. 


What you will do:

  • Serve as the Chief Inspector as defined in 14 CFR Part 119.65, with overall responsibility for the inspection function
  • Administer and maintain the Required Inspection Items (RII) program in accordance with the FAA-approved maintenance program
  • Ensure all inspections, including RII, are performed by properly trained and authorized inspection personnel
  • Develop, revise, and maintain inspection procedures within the General Maintenance Manual (GMM) and Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP)
  • Manage, Review, and Approve maintenance records, inspection reports, and airworthiness releases prior to aircraft return to service
  • Coordinate with the Director of Maintenance on the training, qualification, and authorization of inspection personnel
  • Oversee vendor and contract maintenance, support aircraft acquisitions and acceptance and support aircraft sales
  • Conduct quality audits of maintenance and inspection functions to ensure compliance with FAA regulations and company procedures
  • Investigate and resolve discrepancies, non-conformities, and repeat findings identified through inspections or audits
  • Serve as a liaison with the FAA on inspection program matters
  • Maintain accurate and complete inspection and airworthiness records in compliance with 14 CFR Part 119.65 recordkeeping requirements
  • Direct the Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS), monitoring performance and driving improvements in the airworthiness and maintenance standards.
  • Participate in the company's Safety Management System (SMS) and support a positive safety culture
  • Review contract maintenance provider inspection programs for compliance with company and FAA requirements
  • Ensure proper documentation and disposition of life-limited parts, airworthiness directives (ADs), and service bulletins


Requirements

What we are looking for:

  • Must hold a valid FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate; Inspection Authorization (IA) preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years of aviation maintenance experience, including significant experience in an inspection or quality control role
  • Prior experience as a Chief Inspector, Quality Control Manager, or RII Inspector under Part 121 or Part 135 preferred
  • Thorough knowledge of 14 CFR Parts 43, 65, and 121, and RII program requirements
  • Experience with maintenance tracking and recordkeeping software
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational, and communication skills
  • Ability to work a variable schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as operational needs require
  • Must satisfy FAA and company drug and alcohol testing requirements
  • Must have authorization to work in the U.S.
  • Must have valid CA Driver's license and clean driving record
  • Experience with Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word and Excel
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to push/pull/lift 50 lbs. for extended periods of time
  • Ability to work efficiently under time constraints
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent


Special Requirements: Must satisfy the qualification requirements for Chief Inspector under 14 CFR Part 119.65. Subject to pre-employment, random, and post-accident FAA drug and alcohol testing under 14 CFR Part 120.


Why you should work with us:

We can tell you all about how great we are, but you probably want to know what is in it for you, so we have compiled a list of our standout benefits:

  • Competitive salary 
  • 401k plan with dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 4% 
  • 100% Company Paid Health Insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision and $15,000 in life insurance (Full-Time Employees)
  • Easy to use Flight/Travel Benefits; current contracts include Delta, Alaska, and Southwest


FYI:

We believe a diversity of perspectives and experiences is what makes a strong team. The stronger our team, the closer we are to our mission. So come join us! We are looking for people of all genders, races, ethnicities, orientations, abilities and disabilities to come sit at our tables and fly our planes.


Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently stooping, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting (minimum 50 lbs.) and operating machinery with repetitive motions. 


The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment includes working outdoors and in all weather conditions. May incur exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch or level significant enough to cause marked distraction or possible hearing loss while performing operations on the airfield ramp. Exposure to fumes, dust, loud noise, and outdoor weather conditions.


Selection Guidelines:

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interviews and reference check; job related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.