Lead Maintenance Inspector - 1532

About the Role

As a Lead Maintenance Inspector at West Star Aviation you will manage the performance of operational quality‑control tasks and ensure adherence to the policies and procedures in the West Star Aviation (WSA) Repair Station & Quality Control Manual, customer maintenance programs, and Federal Aviation Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Review technician assignments and sign‑offs to ensure adherence to roster authorizations and repair station authorizations.
• Perform front‑line spot checks of technician maintenance activity to ensure compliance with AMM, RSQCM, and customer GMM guidelines, including engine run/taxi qualification, squawk completion, operational checks, and tech proficiency verification.
• Verify that customer MEL “M” procedures have been complied with and that MEL verification procedures (MQB 2018‑02 Rev 1) are followed.
• Conduct aircraft final walk‑around and release, focusing on areas disturbed during maintenance, and notify the customer via email of release from West Star custody.
• Ensure use of current technical data (manufacturers’ manuals, service bulletins, part specifications, etc.).
• Enforce policies and procedures outlined in the WSA RSQCM, including proper tagging, inspection, and identification of parts and components.
• Oversee distributed customer requests, confirming proper tech support, corridor corrective actions, MX Net status and updates, and Ramp App usage.
• Perform authorized functions on the Repair Station roster, rejecting non‑compliant items, incomplete work, or work that does not meet quality standards.
• Hold aircraft release by extending the RTS line when unsatisfactory conditions are identified.
• Effectively communicate in English (spoken, written, read).
• Supervise team members in daily operations, direct work flow of multiple projects, and complete work orders and FAA paperwork.
• Perform any other job‑related duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

Education and Licenses

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license or Repairman Certificate (required).
• Valid driver’s license approved for airline travel and/or a valid passport (ideal but not mandatory).
• Aircraft‑specific factory training (preferred).

Experience

• Extensive experience in maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations under Part 43.
• Proficiency with various inspection equipment and visual inspection aids appropriate for the inspected articles.

Key Attributes

• Self‑motivated team player able to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with strict deadlines.
• Reliability: attend scheduled work, including overtime and weekend assignments; notify supervisor in advance of any absences; maintain reliable transportation.
• Adherence to FAA guidelines, company and safety rules, and customer‑oriented work habits.
• Ability to direct multiple projects, supervise team members, and complete required documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Lift at least 70 lb.
• Routine walking, bending, squatting, or sitting; repetitive motion with arms and hands.
• Work in confined spaces.
• Sit or stand for prolonged periods while performing repairs.
• Work on elevated platforms (up to 40 ft) using fall‑protection gear.

Mental Requirements

• Understanding and implementation of regulations and guidelines.
• Troubleshoot or evaluate system operation.
• Professional interaction with others.
• Ability to input and retrieve information from computers; experience with Apple and Microsoft products (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Travel to locations in all weather conditions to perform repairs.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.

Working Conditions

• Majority of work performed in a hangar environment, which may be very hot or very cold.
• Outdoor work during aircraft runs.
• Varied positions in and around the aircraft.

Equipment Used

• Personal hand tools supplied by the mechanic.
• Pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical equipment.
• Jacks, stands, lifts, and other support devices.
• Tugs, power carts, and other engine‑powered equipment.
• Personal computer and work order prints.

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage effective on day one.
• 401(k) match.
• Time‑off accruals starting immediately.
• Weekly pay days.
• Additional benefits supporting a work‑life balance.

Company Overview

West Star Aviation has over 78 years of industry experience and is a leading independent Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing more than 3,000 professionals, the company operates full‑service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, MO; and Statesville, NC, with satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, and Chicago. West Star offers comprehensive maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services and operates the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the United States, delivering prompt mobile repair services nationwide.