NDT Repair Station Director of QualityChief Inspector

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-Destructive Testing (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