Aviation Search Group — Wichita, Kansas
Estimated salary for Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025): $82,440–$146,770 per year, median $107,230. The employer did not provide a pay range for this listing.
Take the Lead in Aviation Quality and Compliance We are seeking an experienced Quality Control Manager to oversee quality control and inspection operations supporting FAA Part 145 Repair Station and Mobile Repair Teams (MRT). This is an excellent opportunity for an aviation maintenance professional with strong leadership experience, an in-depth understanding of FAA regulations, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. In this role, you will lead inspection personnel, oversee quality control processes, support aircraft modification and maintenance projects, and ensure all work meets applicable FAA requirements, customer expectations, and company standards. Key Responsibilities • Lead daily Quality Control and inspection operations for FAA Part 145 Repair Station activities and Mobile Repair Teams.
• Ensure maintenance, repair, modification, and inspection activities comply with FAA regulations, company procedures, customer requirements, and industry standards.
• Oversee Required Inspection Items (RII) and ensure inspections are completed and documented appropriately.
• Manage, train, and monitor Designated and Authorized Inspectors.
• Oversee receiving inspection processes and ensure proper procedures are followed for identifying and reporting Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUPs).
• Develop, implement, and maintain Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) programs, standards, and requirements.
• Coordinate inspection staffing, scheduling, qualifications, and project coverage across multiple maintenance programs.
• Support Technical Implementation Plan (TIP) requirements and assign qualified inspectors to projects.
• Perform aircraft inspections as qualified and authorized.
• Conduct quality audits, document inspection findings, identify discrepancies, and support corrective action responses (CARs).
• Identify opportunities to improve inspection procedures, departmental efficiency, and overall quality performance.
• Collaborate with maintenance leadership, mechanics, inspectors, and customers to resolve technical and compliance issues.
• Mentor and develop inspection personnel while promoting a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Assist the Chief Inspector with recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, departmental budgeting, and resource planning.
• Support the Safety Management System (SMS) and ensure safety concerns are identified, documented, and addressed appropriately.
Required Qualifications • FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license.
• Minimum of 10 years of aviation maintenance experience, including at least five years in Quality Control or aircraft inspection leadership.
• Experience with transport-category aircraft maintenance, repair, and modifications in an MRO environment.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, aircraft systems, inspection methodologies, and maintenance documentation.
• Knowledge of NDT methods and standards; Level I or Level II authorization preferred.
• Understanding of Safety Management Systems (SMS), quality assurance practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading inspection teams and coordinating personnel across multiple projects or locations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver's license and valid passport with no travel restrictions.
• Ability to travel up to 50% and support maintenance activities at customer locations.
Preferred Qualifications • Four-year college degree.
• Formal leadership or management training.
• Experience supporting mobile maintenance teams, aircraft modification programs, and repair station work performed away from the primary facility.
Leadership Skills and Competencies • Strong frontline leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented approach to inspection quality and regulatory compliance.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Proactive, self-directed approach to improving processes and performance.
• Ability to build productive relationships with employees, customers, and regulatory representatives.
• Commitment to professionalism, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Work Environment and Schedule This position supports a dynamic aviation maintenance environment that may include aircraft hangars, ramp-side operations, and customer maintenance facilities. Travel is required to support MRO visits, repair station projects, and mobile team operations. Flexibility is essential, as maintenance activities may require non-traditional hours, short-notice availability, and support for operations running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Compensation and Benefits A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered, along with the opportunity to take on a key leadership role within a growing aviation services organization. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced aviation professionals in a collaborative, fast-paced environment that values quality, safety, professional development, and operational excellence. Ready to Make an Impact? If you are an experienced aviation Quality Control leader with an A&P license and a strong understanding of FAA Part 145 operations, we want to hear from you. Bring your technical expertise and leadership skills to a role where your work directly supports aircraft safety, regulatory compliance, and maintenance excellence.
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