Chief Inspector presso The Blackhawk Group (AVEX, Blackhawk, Finnoff)

Job Title: Chief Inspector

Location: Columbia, Missouri

Pay Range: $88,000 – $132,000 (Based on Experience)

Relocation/Sign-On Bonus Potential

Blackhawk Aerospace Technologies (BAT) is an FAA Certified Part 145 Repair Station providing high-quality Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for a wide range of aircraft, including piston aircraft, turboprops, and mid-size business jets.

We are seeking an experienced Chief Inspector to lead inspection operations and ensure regulatory compliance, airworthiness, and operational excellence.

This position offers a competitive salary, potential relocation or sign-on bonus, and a robust benefits package.

Position Summary

The Chief Inspector is responsible for the planning, direction, and oversight of all inspection activities within the FAA Repair Station. This leadership role ensures that all maintenance, repairs, and alterations comply with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidance, and company policies. The Chief Inspector serves as the final authority on aircraft inspections, maintenance releases, and return-to-service documentation while acting as the primary liaison with the FAA.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all inspection, maintenance, repair, and alteration operations in accordance with FAR Part 145 and the Repair Station Manual.
• Exercise final inspection authority and sign all required FAA forms, logbook entries, and maintenance releases for return-to-service.
• Ensure compliance with all Airworthiness Directives (ADs), mandatory Service Bulletins (SBs), and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise, train, and mentor inspection and maintenance personnel; ensure completion of required annual training.
• Maintain current technical data, including maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and FAA publications.
• Conduct quality control audits to verify compliance with FARs, OEM instructions, and company procedures.
• Oversee the calibration and inspection of all precision tools and test equipment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the FAA and regulatory representatives.
• Implement corrective actions to resolve quality control issues and enhance compliance.
• Perform aircraft inspections and maintenance tasks as needed to support operations.

Required Qualifications

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate (Required)
• Inspection Authorization (IA) preferred but not required
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in aircraft inspection, maintenance, and quality control in a Part 145 Repair Station or equivalent environment
• Strong working knowledge of FAR Part 43, Part 91, 135 and 145 regulations
• Experience with aircraft technical publications, ADs, SBs, and OEM maintenance documentation
• Leadership and supervisory experience, with a proven ability to coach and mentor teams
• Proficiency in aircraft maintenance tracking programs, Quality Assurance (QA) processes, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to read and interpret technical data, regulatory requirements, and safety documentation
• Must pass all required pre-employment and random FAA/DOT drug and alcohol testing

Preferred Skills

• Experience liaising with the FAA, OEMs, and other regulatory agencies
• Knowledge of safety management systems (SMS) and FAA oversight processes
• Familiarity with a wide range of airframes including piston, turboprop, and business jet aircraft
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities with attention to detail

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $88,000 – $132,000 (DOE)
• Relocation assistance and/or sign-on bonus available
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance with optional supplemental plans
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Immediate Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual and eight paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing training opportunities
• A professional, growth-oriented work environment

About Blackhawk Aerospace Technologies

Blackhawk Aerospace Technologies is a trusted FAA Part 145 Repair Station based in Columbia, Missouri, dedicated to providing exceptional MRO services for a variety of aircraft. With a strong commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, BAT offers a dynamic and rewarding workplace for aviation professionals ready to advance their careers.

The Blackhawk Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with The Blackhawk Group is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.