Chief Inspector

The Chief Inspector in Sarasota, FL is responsible for ensuring full regulatory compliance of Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd. quality systems, including PMA, Pilatus POA, and FAA Repair Station operations. This role oversees inspection activities, technical data management, regulatory documentation, and the return-to-service process for production aircraft. The Chief Inspector also provides leadership, training, and direction to the Quality Assurance Inspector team to ensure adherence to standards, accuracy of records, and safe operation of facilities.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Ensure full FAA/EASA regulatory compliance for production aircraft, repair station activities, and supporting shops.
• Maintain the Repair Station Manual, Quality Control Manual, and all quality system manuals in current and compliant status.
• Prevent the use or installation of defective, unapproved, or un-airworthy parts.
• Submit FAA Malfunction and Defect Reports when required.
• Maintain current FAA specifications, Airworthiness Directives, and approved technical data.
• Oversee required inspections of incoming aircraft, parts, and materials, ensuring documentation accuracy and traceability.
• Maintain technical data and publication revision control for all manuals, service bulletins, approved data, and overhaul documents.
• Monitor materials, tooling, and equipment for serviceability, calibration status, and availability.
• Investigate rework or deficiencies and support corrective action.
• Lead internal and external audits for POA, FAA Repair Station, and PMA programs.
• Implement and track corrective actions to closure.
• Conduct periodic reviews of each quality system to ensure continuous compliance and improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of management, supervisory, and inspection personnel, including qualification and authority levels.
• Train, develop, and validate proficiency of QA inspectors; support repairman certification processes.
• Administer and update training program records and coordinate training requirements with leadership.
• Complete performance reviews, timecard approvals, and leave approvals for QA inspectors.
• Prepare work order packages in coordination with the Director of Service.
• Perform post-maintenance customer follow-up as required.
• Add or update canned squawks in Quantum.
• Notify leadership of changes to personnel rosters, employment summaries, or approved contract maintenance functions.
• Insert documentation revisions into quality manuals and training programs.
• Monitor hangar and shop areas for safety concerns and report issues to the Director Quality & Safety.
• Oversee proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials, including batteries, fluids, and tires.
• Ensure facilities, shop equipment, and tools are maintained in a safe and serviceable condition.
• Schedule and oversee DAR activities for aircraft and parts imports and exports, ensuring regulatory documentation is complete and accurate.

Skills/Qualifications

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)
• FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) or ability to meet the requirements of FAR 65.91
• Ideal candidate has minimum 3 years of experience as a Chief Inspector or similar role within an FAA-certified Repair Station
• Meets the requirements of FAR 145.155 (technical data) and 145.157 (supervisory/inspection personnel)
• Strong working knowledge of:
• FAR Parts 21, 23, 39, 43, 65, 91, and 145
• FAA, EASA, POA, PMA, and Repair Station quality systems
• Technical experience with Pilatus PC-12 / PC-24 preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency interpreting technical manuals, service bulletins, engineering data, and regulatory documentation
• Strong understanding of inspection processes, conformity, technical data control, and airworthiness standards
• Excellent organization, documentation accuracy, and attention to detail
• Ability to lead, train, and evaluate QA inspectors
• Strong communication skills and ability to interface with FAA, DARs, and internal and external stakeholders
• Able to manage multiple priorities, audits, corrective actions, and regulatory deadlines efficiently

What We Offer

• 11 paid holidays a year, plus 15 days of paid vacation time, and 6 days of paid sick/personal time to start with an increase to 20 days of paid vacation time after 5 years with Pilatus
• 90% of medical, dental, and vision premiums paid for single coverage and 80% for family coverage, averaging $9,600 annually
• Monthly health savings account (HSA) contributions totaling $2,250 for single coverage and $3,000 for family coverage annually
• 401(k) retirement plan matching up to 6%
• Life and long-term disability insurance premiums paid in full
• Tuition assistance available annually after the first year

The salary range is $97,600-$128,990 per year depending on experience. Pay rate to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application by February 27, 2026. Please note that this date may be adjusted at any time, early applications are encouraged.

With over 3,000 employees and about 200 apprentices at its headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, completion center in Broomfield, Colorado, and multiple service centers across Westminster, MD, Rock Hill, SC, Chamblee, GA and Sarasota, FL, the Pilatus family unites people from over 40 countries. We offer a secure, innovative, international, and sustainable work environment. Courage, vision, and outstanding performance have made us a strong company. Our culture is shaped by a high level of quality awareness, close customer relationships, and a high degree of employee commitment.

Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.