Aircraft Inspector

Job Description:

AMA has an exciting opportunity to add a motivated and talented Aircraft Inspector to our onsite team supporting NASA's science, experiential and support aircraft / projects. The position requires an intermediate level understanding of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), aircraft specific technical manuals and organizational procedures to ensure the quality of aircraft maintenance activities of assigned aircraft. This position will ensure all maintenance actions and inspections are accomplished according to guiding directives, technical manuals and regulations for the aircraft, engine, or appliance being returned to service. Inspections may be performed on any system or procedure to ensure quality of the product. Additional support in back shops and environmental labs, as required.


This is a full-time on-site position at NASA Armstrong located in Edwards AFB, California. Salary range is $110K to $120K

Responsibilities:

• Inspect and verify aircraft and aircraft subsystem work per NASA, Air Force, Navy, FAA, and commercial requirements.

• Perform inspection on aircraft work assigned to any project, platform, or shop as required. Inspections are accomplished prior to the aircraft, engine, experimental hardware or appliance being returned to service and may be performed on any system or procedure to ensure quality of the product.
• Perform various surveillances on assigned aircraft/area of responsibility.
• Perform In-House Quality Assurance and Inspection on parts and components used for flight on multiple platforms.
• Ensure all work which requires an inspection is performed and subsequently captured in the NASA aircraft maintenance management system, on the appropriate quality record (if applicable), or other approved documentation format.
• Witness operational tests/checks on equipment in accordance with approved technical data.
• Monitor currency and filing of technical publications at aircraft.
• Record all inspections on the applicable quality records.
• Record measurement results (the record shall show the actual test results data) and evaluate test/ inspection results against accept/reject criteria.
• Record measurement instruments used to include identification number and due date.
• Provide weekly inspection/surveillance reports to Quality Assurance Branch Chief.
• Review records, paper or electronic, for accuracy.
• Apply intermediate technical and mechanical knowledge and skills to solve and provide technical guidance for unusually complex problems of aircraft, subsystems, parts, and equipment to specified operational conditions.
• Interface with project management, engineers, crew chiefs and aircraft crew.
• Review maintenance activities, aircraft and subsystem configuration, and completeness of record documentation to determine if the requirements for continued airworthiness are satisfied prior to the aircraft being returned to service.
• Review, approve, and perform inspections of quality procedures, processes, and change requests.
• Recommend changes in methods, procedures, processes, and other techniques employed to improve productivity without compromising safety or quality of assigned tasks.
• Perform special inspections/one-time inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Program and local policies, processes, and procedures.
• Collaborate with AFRC engineering staff in the development and application of Mandatory Inspection Points.
• Verify requirements for test environments, test configurations, and pass/fail criteria.
• Analyze technical adequacy of verification methods and criteria.
• Monitor qualification and acceptance tests to ensure compliance with verification requirements and test procedures, to ensure that test data are correct and complete.
• Prefer Military fighter aircraft type experience or knowledge of F-15 D/E and F-16.
• Prefer knowledge of machine and sheet metal shop fabrication and repair.
• Prefer knowledge of MIL-STD-810 for Environmental Test Specifications.
• Prefer knowledge of IPC J-STD-100 for Solder and Surface Mount Technology.
• Prefer knowledge of NASA STD. 8739.4 for Interconnecting Crimp, Cable, and Harness.
• Prefer knowledge of NASA-STD-8739.1 for Polymeric Applications on Electronic Assemblies.
• Prefer knowledge of fiber optic terminations and cable assemblies.

*This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities.

Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years' technical experience; or
• Additionally, at least 5 years performing engineering technician duties (design, analysis, or engineering) directly relevant to assigned tasks.

Training & Certifications:

• Preferred: FAA Airframe and Powerplant licensed technician or able to attain within one year of hire date.
• Preferred: FAA Inspector Authorization licensed technician or able to attain within one year of the hire date.
• Required to complete several workmanship and quality inspection certification training courses related to the position, as well as completion of online NASA Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) Technical Excellence Program (STEP) Level 1 training within one year of employment.

Knowledge, skills & abilities required:

• Must have a strong aviation understanding of FARs, Air Force, Navy, NASA, and commercial requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of aircraft systems and aircraft maintenance practices.
• Must be experienced in all levels of aircraft organizational servicing, repair, and overhaul.
• Must be experienced in use of configuration control of aircraft technical publications.
• Must be multi-task oriented, capable of prioritizing, and must be able to manage aircraft maintenance schedules to perform inspections.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Must be familiar with or willing to gain knowledge of NASA Armstrong maintenance procedures/ instructions and organizational structure as related to aircraft operations.
• Must be able to manage schedules.
• Must be able to work with a team of technicians and engineers to support best practices to accomplish specific mission requirements.
• Must have an understanding of mechanical and electrical drawings and schematics.
• Needs to have clear, concise, and accurate communication skills (both oral and written) particularly with other technicians and engineers.
• Needs to work well with, cooperate with, and support clients, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Able to work in a dynamic and multi-task environment by prioritizing and coordinating task/project schedules.

• Follow safe practices and rules contained in AMA's Corporate Health & Safety Plan and other rules and practices communicated on the job.
• Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk on the employee or others.
• This is stated below.
• This position is subject to drug testing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an AFRC inspection stamp.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Physical Requirements:

• Working at a computer or desk (considerations: sitting, eye strain, and hand strain).
• May involve long periods of sitting or standing.
• Capable of working in confined spaces.
• Typically, indoor conditions but heat may be a factor.
• Must be able to pass a NASA Physical Exam.

Equipment and Machines:

• Standard office equipment, machines, and computer workstation.
• Working at a computer or desk.
• Working with magnification devices daily as required for inspection of small parts.

Attendance:

• Must be able to work within the AFRC core hours of 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• Punctuality and regular attendance are necessary to meet deadlines.
• Apart from STD/LTD/FMLA and approved time off, attendance is considered essential.
• This position may be working weekends or third shift. Flexibility is required based upon workload.

Travel:

Travel is required 25 % of the time.

All applicants must be US citizens and if necessary, be able to qualify for clearance.

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.