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Lead Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Quality Lead Inspector plays a key role in ensuring aircraft maintenance and inspection activities meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. Working directly with the Quality Manager ...

Inspector

Redding, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Key Responsibilities The Lead Inspector is responsible for recording all functions on applicable paperwork in accordance with the specific requirements. Responsible for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT ...

... or Lead Inspector. What Makes This Role Different * Field insight that protects quality: Your documentation helps identify issues early, support timely decisions, and reduce rework, delays, or ...

... or Lead Inspector. What Makes This Role Different * Field insight that protects quality: Your documentation helps identify issues early, support timely decisions, and reduce rework, delays, or ...

Quality Control Inspector Lead Location: Fontana, CA, 92337 In the Quality Control Inspector Lead role, you will be responsible for supporting the Quality Control Manager and management team with the ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Inspector information

See California salary details

$13

$30

$59

How much do lead inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead inspector in California is $30.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $39.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead inspector do?

A lead inspector examines homes or buildings for the presence of lead paint or other material with a lead base. In this career, you may work in residential homes, public facilities, or commercial buildings. Most facilities that serve children, such as schools, need to have their buildings checked for lead content. You walk through the building, inspecting every wall and surface for the possibility of lead and test the paint to determine the severity of the hazard. After each inspection, you document your findings for your client or company.

What are some common challenges faced by a lead inspector, and how are they typically addressed?

Lead Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight project deadlines, coordinating with multiple teams, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. To address these, they rely on strong organizational skills, clear communication, and up-to-date knowledge of industry standards. Building strong relationships with team members and stakeholders also helps streamline inspection processes and resolve issues efficiently, ensuring projects remain on track and compliant.

How much do lead inspectors make?

Lead inspectors typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry or region. In some areas, experienced lead inspectors with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially if working in construction, safety, or quality assurance environments.

What is a lead inspector?

Lead Inspectors are professionals responsible for identifying the presence of lead-based paint and other lead hazards in homes, schools, and other buildings. They conduct visual assessments, collect samples of dust, paint, and soil, and use specialized equipment to detect lead contamination. Their work is crucial for ensuring that environments meet safety standards and protect occupants, especially children, from the harmful effects of lead exposure. Lead Inspectors often work with property owners, contractors, and government agencies to recommend and oversee remediation efforts.

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

AspectLead InspectorQuality Control Inspector
CertificationsOften requires certifications like ASQ CQI, API, or specific industry standardsMay require basic certifications, but less frequently
Work EnvironmentSupervises inspection teams, coordinates inspections, and ensures compliancePerforms inspections, checks products or processes, and reports issues
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and oil & gas industriesCommon across manufacturing, automotive, and production sectors

The main difference between a Lead Inspector and a Quality Control Inspector is that the Lead Inspector oversees inspection teams and manages inspection processes, while the Quality Control Inspector primarily conducts inspections and reports on product quality. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in ensuring compliance and quality standards within various industries.

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

To thrive as a Lead Inspector, you need strong attention to detail, knowledge of industry regulations, and relevant experience or certifications in inspection practices. Familiarity with inspection tools, quality management systems, and reporting software is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams and resolve issues efficiently. These skills are crucial to ensure compliance, maintain safety standards, and drive continuous improvement within inspection processes.
What cities in California are hiring for Lead Inspector jobs? Cities in California with the most Lead Inspector job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Inspector jobs in CA? For Lead Inspector jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lead Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,402 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Quality Inspector

ACI Jet

San Luis Obispo, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Quality Lead Inspector plays a key role in ensuring aircraft maintenance and inspection activities meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. Working directly with the Quality Manager, this position oversees quality control processes at ACI Jet's San Luis Obispo (KSBP) facility and in the field. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to maintaining safety, precision, and regulatory compliance across all maintenance operations. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with ACI Jet employees, vendors, and clients to uphold the company's reputation for excellence. Flexible availability is essential, including nights and weekends, to support aircraft operations as needed. Reports To: Quality Manager Essential Duties and Responsibilities Duties include the following (other duties may be assigned as required by management) Monitor and enforce adherence to the Repair Station and Quality Control Manual. Verify that all articles submitted for repair fall within the Repair Station's authorizations. Review completed work order packets for regulatory compliance and accuracy. Conduct in-process inspections and make airworthiness determinations per FARs, ADs, SBs, and maintenance manuals. Perform and document final maintenance task inspections and aircraft return-to-service authorizations. Maintain and process employee training records. Support the Quality Manager with external vendor audits and internal training material development. Participate in MRO Safety Committee meetings. Assist with oversight of the MRO Calibration Program. Support Pre-Purchase Evaluations and Logbook Audit Research Reports. Review and approve inspector timecards, time off requests, and conduct monthly one‐on‐one meetings. Oversee the Engine Run & Taxi Program for MRO operations. Provide technical software support for the Quality Department. Assign inspectors to upcoming maintenance projects and ensure staffing coverage. Technical Publications Source and maintain all necessary maintenance data. Ensure maintenance data is current and properly utilized. Support the Quality Manager with maintenance data subscription renewals. Tooling Oversight Ensure all required specialized tools are available, serviceable, and used correctly. Maintain accountability for tool calibration and calibration compliance. Culture and Teamwork Promote a culture of safety, quality, and collaboration across all departments. Actively participate in and support the company's Safety and Quality Management System (SQMS). Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required Passion for aviation and commitment to excellence. One to five years of inspection experience at a Part 145 Repair Station or equivalent. Hands‐on experience in troubleshooting, tooling, ground support equipment, and aircraft maintenance documentation. Valid Driver's License. Strong time management, problem‐solving, and organizational skills. High attention to detail and a focus on safety and quality. Professional appearance and demeanor. Computer proficiency: MS Office, Aviation Maintenance Software, Google Workspace. Ability to lift 50 pounds, climb, kneel, and stand for extended periods of time. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Preferred Type Experience Citation CE-560, XL, XLS, CE-525, 525A, 525B, CE-680 and CE-750 Bombardier Global Models, Challenger 300/350, and 600‐Series Acceptable Type Experience All Gulfstream aircraft All Cessna Citation aircraft All Bombardier aircraft Other This position is a DOT Safety Sensitive position, which will require placement in a random drug test pool Available hours must be flexible for on‐call work, including nights and weekends ACI Jet is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on any protected characteristic, including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified applicants with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship; contact HR for details. #J-18808-Ljbffr