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

• Oversight of regulatory compliance for aircraft maintenance, inspection activities, and supporting operations in accordance with FAA and EASA regulations
• Leadership of the quality system including inspection processes, technical data control, and airworthiness determinations
• Oversight of Safety Management System implementation including hazard reporting, risk assessment, and safety investigations
• Management of inspection activities for aircraft, components, and materials including return-to-service approvals
• Coordination of internal and external regulatory audits including FAA oversight activities
• Oversight of corrective action processes and quality findings to ensure timely resolution and continuous improvement
• Maintenance and control of quality system documentation including Repair Station Manual and Quality Control Manual
• Oversight of technical data management including Airworthiness Directives, service bulletins, and approved engineering documentation
• Leadership and development of Quality Assurance inspectors including training, qualification verification, and performance oversight
• Monitoring of facility safety practices, tooling condition, and compliance with environmental and hazardous material handling requirements

Skills/Qualifications

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification
• FAA Inspection Authorization or eligibility to obtain authorization
• Ideal candidate has minimum 3 years experience in a Chief Inspector or senior quality leadership role within an FAA certified repair station
• Extensive knowledge of FAA regulations including Parts 21, 23, 39, 43, 65, 91, and 145
• Experience managing aviation quality systems, regulatory compliance programs, and inspection oversight
• Experience supporting or implementing Safety Management System programs including hazard reporting and risk mitigation
• Proficiency using electronic maintenance tracking systems and standard PC applications
• Professional communication skills required
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Leadership capability for training and supervising inspection personnel

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 spanet data.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application as soon as possible. Please note that this announcement may close 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.