Senior Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System Investigator

Guided by our purpose, core values, and leadership principles, we are creating an airline people love. Our corporate teams set the strategies and operational plans to ensure the success of our company. Whether we use our expertise in accounting, human resources, finance, planning, legal, marketing, or any of our operational divisions, our shared passion for travel and our guests is what motivates us to achieve excellence each day.

About the role

The Senior Quality Assurance / Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) Investigator functions as a subject matter expert within the Quality Systems organization. As an individual contributor, this role exercises considerable judgment to make decisions in conducting complex investigations, performing systemic analysis, and validating corrective actions across Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) operations and maintenance providers. This position is responsible for surveillance, investigation, root cause analysis, risk assessment, corrective action validation, and follow-up activities necessary to ensure the performance and effectiveness of the company’s maintenance program in accordance with 14 CFR Part 121/135 requirements.

Responsibilities

• As a subject matter expert, partners with the Manager, Quality Assurance / CASS Governance to design, implement, and continuously improve CASS surveillance and investigation programs.
• With minimal direction from leadership, exercises considerable judgment to conduct complex investigations and system-level reviews to assess maintenance program performance, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop clear, evidence-based investigation reports, executive summaries, and trend analyses for CASS review boards and senior leadership.
• Apply structured root cause analysis and data-driven trend identification to uncover systemic issues, emerging risks, and program deficiencies.
• Collaborates with operational leaders and maintenance providers to develop sustainable corrective action plans that address root causes and incorporate appropriate controls and performance measures.
• Monitors and verifies implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions through structured follow-up activities and closed-loop validation.
• Applies risk assessment principles consistent with Safety Management System methodologies to classify findings and prioritize surveillance and follow-up activities.
• Ensures maintenance program elements are executed in accordance with company manuals and regulatory standards and that aircraft released to service meet airworthiness requirements.
• Provides subject matter expertise during regulatory interactions, FAA reviews, and external oversight activities.
• Mentors and supports peer investigators in investigative methodology, systemic analysis, and CASS execution principles and leads departmental initiatives and cross-functional projects that strengthen compliance, quality systems, and maintenance program effectiveness.

Requirements

• Four years of airline maintenance, quality systems, regulatory compliance, or investigative experience within a Part 121 or Part 135 environment.
• Bachelor’s degree or an additional two years of relevant training/experience in lieu of this degree.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple formal investigations and performing Root Cause Analysis at a systems level.
• Thorough understanding of Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) requirements and maintenance program elements under 14 CFR Part 121 or 135.
• Strong understanding of airline safety standards, regulatory compliance frameworks, and M&E operational processes.
• Experience applying Safety Management System (SMS) principles, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk mitigation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level reporting capability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Frequent travel required, including international travel.
• Valid passport at time of employment.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 18.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate or equivalent technical credentials.
• Formal training in Root Cause Analysis, risk assessment, or human factors.

Leadership Expectations

• Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be caring and kind, and deliver performance.
• Create a culture where all employees feel safe and they belong.

Pay

Salary Range: $90,750 – $149,800 / year

• Honolulu GEO 1: $90,750 - $136,150
• Seattle GEO 2: $99,850 - $149,800

Pay will be based on multiple factors, including and not limited to location, relevant experience/level and skillset while balancing internal equity relative to other Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon employees.

Benefits

• Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air
• Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
• Generous 401k match program
• Annual bonus plans
• Generous holiday and paid time off

Additional Requirements

Employees working at an airport or maintenance hangar will be required to obtain a SIDA badge provided by the airport authority and maintain good standing in order to keep their SIDA badge. If an employee does not qualify for a SIDA badge or has their SIDA badge pulled from them, the employee will be terminated.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Type: Full-Time Regular