Chief Inspector II at Sierra Nevada Corporation — Hagerstown, MD

If you are a seasoned aviation safety and compliance leader looking for a new challenge, we have an opportunity for you! The Chief Inspector is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality control and regulatory compliance within a complex Part 145 repair station performing civil and non-civil aircraft maintenance, alterations, and government contract modifications. This role ensures all operations comply with applicable FAA and/or military regulations, safety policies, and manufacturer requirements. The Chief Inspector supports the certification of aircraft airworthiness and coordinates all inspection activities related to scheduled maintenance, modifications, or component changes. This position oversees the inspection team, manages documentation and records, resolves discrepancies, and liaises with regulatory authorities and customers to ensure all work meets stringent standards for safety, quality, and performance. The Chief Inspector plays a critical role in promoting a safety culture and continuous improvement within the organization.

The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn-key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains – air, land, sea, space and cyber.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation and management of inspection standards, methods, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), and other applicable regulations.
• Support the certification of aircraft airworthiness by signing off on inspections and aircraft releases.
• Coordinate inspections related to scheduled maintenance, aircraft modifications, or component changes.
• Verify that approved equipment and materials are used and that high standards of workmanship are maintained.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure adherence to inspection protocols.
• Maintain detailed records of inspections and certifications.
• Assist in conducting internal audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Quality Control: Develop, implement, and monitor quality control processes to ensure all work meets internal and external quality standards.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience can be considered as a substitute for the required educational qualifications. In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 9 years of related experience is required.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and aviation inspection practices.
• Ability to understand and interpret moderately complex technical schematics, diagrams, blueprints, manuals and/or publications.
• Advanced understanding of troubleshooting techniques.
• Active, current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification and Inspection Authorization (IA) Designation.
• Advanced experience and knowledge of aircraft, aircraft systems, equipment, and parts.
• Thorough understanding and experience with the practical application of audit and inspection processes and procedures.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience with EASA regulations and DCMA guidelines.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Previous management or lead experience; the ability to recruit employees; assign, direct, and evaluate their work; and oversee the development and maintenance of staff competence.
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense, or US Military.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly.
• Capability to stand and be on your feet for much of the work shift.
• Hand/finger dexterity for performing inspections.
• Ability to work in potentially hazardous environments, including exposure to loud noises in aircraft hangars.

At Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. SNC has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Learn more about SNC

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $98,633.53 - $135,621.11. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination.  Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.