NDT Repair Station Director of Quality/Chief Inspector

Patriot Aerotech

San Antonio, TX

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

A & P Certificate, AS 9100, Aerospace and Defense, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Auditing, Aviation Industry, Code of Federal Regulations, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Contract Requirements, Contract Review, Corrective Action, Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) Systems, Cross-Functional, Customer Retention/Renewal, Customer Support/Service, Customer Training, Documentation, Embedded Systems, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Government, Industry Standards, Internal Audit, Leadership, Machine Tool, Maintain Compliance, Maintenance Services, Mentoring, Military, Nondestructive Testing (NDT), Organizational Skills, People Management, Performance Metrics, Quality Control, Quality Management, Quality Metrics, Quality Monitoring, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Root Cause Analysis, Surveillance, Testing, Traceability, Training Program, United States Department of Defense (DoD), Vendor/Supplier Evaluation, Welding, Willing to Travel

LOCATION

San Antonio, TX

POSTED

3 days ago

Job Description
Position Summary

Patriot Aerotech is seeking an experienced Director of Quality / Chief Inspector to lead and oversee the Quality Management System (QMS) for its FAA Part 145 Repair Station specializing in Non-DestructiveTesting (NDT) services, aviation welding, and aerospace fabrication. Based in San Antonio, Texas, this leadership role is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, operational integrity, and continuous improvement across all inspection, repair, and fabrication activities. The Director of Quality / Chief Inspector serves as the primary authority for airworthiness determinations and acts as the principal liaison with the FAA and customers regarding quality and regulatory matters.

Key Responsibilities
Regulatory & Compliance Leadership

Serve as the Chief Inspector as defined under 14 CFR Part 145
Ensure full compliance with FAA regulations, Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), and Operations Specifications
Act as the primary point of contact with the FAA, including FSDO/MIDO interactions, audits, and surveillance activities
Maintain and update company manuals, procedures, and training programs to meet regulatory and customer requirements

Quality Management System (QMS)

Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Quality Management System in accordance with FAA, customer, and industry standards
Oversee internal audits, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and root cause analysis
Ensure effective control of nonconforming product, inspection status, and records retention
Establish and monitor quality metrics to drive performance and compliance

Inspection & Airworthiness Authority

Provide final airworthiness determinations and approval for return to service (RTS)
Ensure proper inspection, testing, and certification of NDT, welding, and fabrication activities
Verify personnel qualifications, certifications, and recurrent training for inspectors, NDT personnel, and welders
Ensure compliance with applicable standards including NAS 410 / SNT-TC-1A, AWS aerospace standards, and approved data

Operational & Cross-Functional Leadership

Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, NDT, Welding, and Fabrication teams to ensure quality is embedded throughout operations
Support contract review and customer quality requirements for commercial, military, and government programs
Oversee supplier quality, subcontractor approvals, and vendor audits
Provide guidance and mentorship to quality and inspection personnel

Documentation & Records

Ensure accurate and complete documentation of inspections, repairs, and certifications
Maintain traceability of materials, processes, and tooling
Ensure records meet FAA retention requirements and customer contractual obligations

Preferred Qualifications

FAA A&P Certificate
NDT Level III certification (one or more methods)
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Experience supporting military, government, or DoD aviation programs
Familiarity with AS9110 / AS9100 quality systems

Physical & Work Requirements

Ability to work in hangar, shop, and office environments
Ability to access aircraft, elevated platforms, and fabrication areas as required
Ability to travel occasionally for audits, training, or customer support

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Minimum 6 years of aviation maintenance or repair station experience, including 2+ years in a quality or inspection leadership role
Thorough working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 145 and FAA regulatory requirements
Experience in NDT services, aviation welding, and aerospace fabrication environments
Prior experience serving as Chief Inspector or equivalent authority at an FAA Repair Station
Strong understanding of NAS 410 / ASNT, AWS aerospace welding standards, and approved repair data
Proven experience managing FAA audits, corrective actions, and regulatory compliance
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Benefits
What Patriot Aerotech Offers

Executive-level leadership role within a growing Part 145 Repair Station
Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
Opportunity to shape and strengthen the quality culture of a specialized aviation services organization
Professional, compliance-driven, and mission-focused work environment

NDT Repair Station Director of Quality/Chief Inspector

Patriot Aerotech

San Antonio, TX

About the Company

Patriot Aerotech

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