Chief Inspector at The Blackhawk Group – Glendale, Arizona

About The Blackhawk Group

The Blackhawk Group stands at the forefront of innovation, modernization, and collaboration within the light turbine aircraft market. By uniting the collective strengths of its multiple business units and locations across the U.S., the company is redefining the standards of the light turbine market. Driven by deep expertise and a dedication to exceptional customer experiences, The Blackhawk Group provides unparalleled and proprietary solutions that address the unique needs of aircraft operators throughout every aspect of aircraft ownership. The mission is to be the premier service provider for light turbine-powered aircraft, delivering exceptional customer experiences with unique, data-driven solutions through an empowered and engaged team.

Established in December 2021, The Blackhawk Group has quickly become a premier provider of sales, services, and upgrades for the light turbine market with locations in Broomfield CO, Loveland CO, Camarillo CA, Waco TX, and Columbia MO. The platform includes market leaders such as Blackhawk Aerospace, known for engine, aircraft, and avionics upgrades for turbine-powered aircraft; AVEX Aviation, a leading provider of sales and maintenance for the Daher TBM; and Finnoff Aviation, recognized for engine, propeller, and other upgrades for the Pilatus PC-12. The company's commitment to performance improvement and unparalleled service is evident through its exclusive engine and STC upgrades, which enhance aircraft capabilities to unrivaled levels. By maintaining a singular focus on maximizing aircraft performance and value, The Blackhawk Group ensures its solutions meet industry desires for greater performance and utility while minimizing downtime.

What We Offer: The Blackhawk Group provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that propels your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. The Blackhawk Group’s benefits provide the flexibility to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family:

Medical, Dental, and Vision InsuranceSupplemental insuranceEmployer provided life insuranceImmediate PTO Accrual401k Matching8 Paid HolidaysTraining and DevelopmentTuition Reimbursement

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.

Apply today and become part of a team that’s taking the aviation industry to new heights!

Position Summary

The Chief Inspector is the senior quality and regulatory authority for the Part 145 Repair Station. This position oversees all inspection functions, ensures compliance with FAA regulations and the company’s Quality Management System (QMS), and provides leadership to the inspection staff. The Chief Inspector exercises independent judgment in interpreting regulatory requirements, making airworthiness determinations, overseeing RTS authorizations, and enforcing quality standards. The role also includes managing team performance, developing inspection procedures, coordinating audits, and working closely with the Accountable Manager acting as the primary liaison with the FAA.

Essential Functions

1. Regulatory Oversight & Airworthiness Authority

Serve as the Repair Station’s primary authority for inspections, compliance, and quality control under 14 CFR Parts 43, 65, 91, and 145.Ensure all maintenance activities conform to type design, approved technical data, and FAA requirements.Maintain effective oversight of airworthiness determinations made by inspectors; intervene directly when elevated decisions or escalations occur.Ensure proper execution of ADs, Service Bulletins, ICAs, and manufacturer instructions.Oversee the issuance and control of maintenance releases, logbook entries, and FAA 8130-3 tags.Ensure regulatory documents, manuals, and procedures are current and properly implemented.

2. Inspection Program Leadership

Direct all receiving, preliminary, in-process, hidden-damage, and final inspections performed within the Repair Station.Establish inspection standards, criteria, and methodologies to ensure consistency and compliance.Develop, maintain, and revise inspection procedures, checklists, forms, and technical data flows.Manage non-conformances, rework requirements, and corrective actions.Lead internal audits and participate in external, FAA, customer, and vendor audits.

3. Team Leadership & Performance Management

Lead, supervise, schedule, and develop the inspector workforce.Provide coaching, technical guidance, and performance feedback to inspectors.Evaluate inspector competency and ensure training (initial, recurrent, and specialized) is completed.Delegate inspection responsibilities while maintaining oversight of high-risk or complex determinations.Recruit, onboard, and assess new inspectors; determine training needs and qualification status.

4. Quality System & Procedure Management

Assist in Maintaining the Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), training program, capabilities list, and associated quality procedures.Oversee document control, calibration control, and records retention systems.Approve changes to inspection procedures, work instructions, and forms.Support continuous-improvement initiatives to enhance quality, safety, and efficiency.

5. Incident, Root-Cause & Corrective Action Management

Lead investigations into quality escapes, customer findings, and audit findings.Conduct root-cause analysis and ensure effective corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).Monitor trends and develop quality metrics to proactively address systemic issues.

6. FAA & Customer Interface

Assist the Accountable Manager acting as the primary contact for FAA oversight, audits, and correspondence.Coordinate with FAA PMI/PAI on manual revisions, capabilities changes, and compliance matters.Represent the Repair Station during customer audits and quality reviews.

7. Cross-Functional Support

Partner with DOM, Production Managers, Engineering, Supply Chain, and senior leadership to ensure alignment of quality and operational objectives.Provide regulatory guidance on technical projects, engineering data, materials, tooling, and maintenance practices.Support vendor and supplier evaluation programs.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· FAA Airframe & Powerplant Certificate required.

· Inspection Authorization (IA) required.

· Advanced training in Part 145 operations, quality systems, auditing, or human factors preferred.

· OEM or quality system training strongly preferred.

Work Experience

· 7+ years of aircraft maintenance or MRO experience.

· 3–5+ years of inspection or quality assurance experience in a Part 145 environment.

· Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, repair station procedures, and documentation standards.

· Demonstrated experience interpreting FAA regulations and managing inspection programs.

· Prior lead or informal supervisory experience desirable; ability to train and mentor others required.

Key Knowledge, Skills, Competencies

Advanced knowledge of aircraft airframe, engines, and avionics systems. Expert understanding of FAA regulations, quality-control principles, technical publications, and maintenance practices.Strong leadership and team-development skills, including coaching, performance management, and delegation.High level of independent judgment and decision-making authority.Excellent documentation accuracy, analytical skills, and audit rigor.Ability to interface effectively with regulators, auditors, customers, and internal stakeholders.Strong communication skills and ability to influence outcomes across departments.Commitment to integrity, impartiality, and safety.

Travel Requirements

· Travel Required: Minimal/None

· % of Travel Time: <10%