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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Component Inspector

💰 $ - $

AerospaceQuality AssuranceInspection

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Component Inspector is an aerospace quality professional responsible for performing detailed inspections, testing and documentation on aircraft components and subassemblies to ensure airworthiness, regulatory compliance, and conformance to engineering specifications. This role focuses on visual, dimensional, and non‑destructive testing (NDT) methods, accurate record-keeping, and close collaboration with maintenance, manufacturing, and quality teams to support safe, reliable jet operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • A&P Technician / Aircraft Maintenance Technician
  • Manufacturing Machinist or Toolmaker with aerospace experience
  • Quality Control / Inspector (production or sub-contract)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Jet Component Inspector / Lead Inspector
  • Quality Engineer (aerospace)
  • Inspection Supervisor or Quality Assurance Manager
  • NDT Supervisor or NDT Level III

Lateral Moves:

  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician
  • Maintenance Planner / Production Coordinator
  • Calibration Technician or Metrology Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct thorough visual and dimensional inspections of aircraft components, including housings, bearings, shafts, actuators, turbine parts, and avionics housings, to verify conformity to engineering drawings and specifications using precision tools and fixtures.
  • Perform non‑destructive testing (NDT) such as eddy current, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, fluorescent penetrant, and radiographic inspections to detect cracks, porosity, delamination, and other discontinuities in metallic and composite parts.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, process specifications, material certifications, and technical data packages to determine proper inspection criteria and acceptance standards.
  • Measure critical dimensions and tolerances using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, optical comparators, CMMs, and other metrology equipment, documenting measurements in inspection reports or ERP systems.
  • Verify and trace material lot numbers, heat numbers, and certification paperwork against supplier documentation and incoming inspection records to maintain full traceability for FAA/EASA audits.
  • Create, review, and maintain accurate inspection reports, discrepancy tags (e.g., FAA Form 8130-3 when applicable), non‑conformance reports (NCRs), and disposition documents, ensuring timely data entry into quality and maintenance management systems.
  • Identify and segregate nonconforming components, recommend appropriate dispositions (repair, rework, scrap, concession), and coordinate with engineering and repair shops for corrective action and disposition approvals.
  • Calibrate, verify, and maintain inspection tools and gauges according to calibration schedules and procedures, escalating out-of-tolerance or inoperative measuring devices to metrology or calibration teams.
  • Execute functional testing and serviceability checks on mechanical components and assemblies per maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and OEM work instructions to validate performance and safety margins.
  • Perform bond and fastener inspections, torque verification, and thread repair assessments, ensuring correct fastener types, torque values, and locking methods are used per engineering requirements.
  • Utilize CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) programs and report generation for complex part geometries and provide measurement data for engineering tolerance analysis and process improvement.
  • Inspect, clean, and protect components using approved cleaning agents, corrosion inhibitors, and packaging methods to prevent contamination and preserve parts for storage or shipment.
  • Support incoming inspection activities for vendor-supplied parts, verifying quality certificates, dimensional conformance, and performing sample inspections as part of supplier quality control.
  • Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action processes (CAPA) when repeat discrepancies are found; work with manufacturing and engineering teams to implement process changes that reduce scrap and rework.
  • Follow and enforce safety procedures, PPE requirements, and hazardous material handling protocols to protect personnel and maintain compliance with workplace safety standards.
  • Conduct first article inspections (FAI) and final inspections for new production runs, ensuring full compliance with AS9102 or equivalent FAI checklists and supporting documentation requirements.
  • Support audits and regulatory inspections by providing inspection data, traceability records, tooling calibration certificates, and process documentation to internal and external auditors.
  • Interpret service bulletins, airworthiness directives (ADs), and engineering change orders (ECOs) and implement inspection/repair steps accordingly to ensure continued airworthiness.
  • Train and mentor junior inspectors and technicians on inspection techniques, measurement best practices, blueprint reading, and company quality procedures to improve team capability and consistency.
  • Utilize inspection software, digital forms, and ERP or MRO systems (e.g., SAP, IFS, AMOS) to input findings, attach supporting evidence (photos, reports), and track inspection status and part lifecycle.
  • Conduct sampling inspections per statistical sampling plans, generate acceptance test reports, and escalate trends or quality risks to the quality manager for mitigation.
  • Maintain organized inspection stations and documentation to facilitate efficient workflow, quick retrieval of records, and readiness for regulatory or customer audits.
  • Collaborate with production planners and supply chain to prioritize inspection workflows for mission-critical or AOG components to meet delivery and operational deadlines.
  • Inspect repaired or overhauled components to ensure repair work meets engineering standards and return-to-service criteria, coordinating with repair vendors for rework validation when necessary.

Secondary Functions

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by recommending inspection process enhancements, tooling upgrades, and automation opportunities to increase throughput and reduce variability.
  • Assist procurement and supplier quality teams with supplier performance reviews, corrective action requests (CARs), and incoming quality agreements for critical components.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings with engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance to provide inspection insights and ensure component design for maintainability and inspectability.
  • Maintain stock of inspection consumables and coordinate reordering of gauges, calibration supplies, and PPE to avoid downtimes.
  • Provide technical input for work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and inspection checklists to ensure clarity and regulatory compliance.
  • Support environmental, health, and safety (EHS) compliance efforts by reporting hazards, participating in safety reviews, and applying safe handling procedures for hazardous materials.
  • Assist in the development and review of supplier quality plans and inspection criteria for new or revised component procurement.
  • Provide on-call inspection support for urgent repairs or AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations to expedite component turnaround times.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in non‑destructive testing (NDT) methods: eddy current (ECT), ultrasonic testing (UT/PAUT), magnetic particle (MT), fluorescent penetrant (PT), and radiography familiarity.
  • Strong blueprint reading and interpretation skills, including GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) comprehension.
  • Experienced with precision metrology tools: micrometers, calipers, height gauges, dial indicators, bore gauges, optical comparator, and CMM operation.
  • Knowledge of aerospace quality systems and standards: AS9100, NADCAP, FAA/EASA regulations, and AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements.
  • Familiarity with MRO and ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, AMOS, IFS, or equivalent for record-keeping and part tracking.
  • Ability to produce and review inspection documentation: non‑conformance reports (NCR), material traceability records, FAA Form 8130-3 (where applicable), and FAI packages.
  • Competency in torque verification, fastener inspection, and thread repair techniques (thread inserts, heli-coils) for mechanical assemblies.
  • Proficient with inspection software and digital imaging tools for capturing and annotating defects and integrating evidence into reports.
  • Understanding of metallurgical and composite material behavior, corrosion types, and appropriate cleaning/preservation methods.
  • Experience performing dimensional analysis and tolerance stack-up evaluations and reporting measurement uncertainty.
  • Working knowledge of tooling calibration processes and managing gauge control programs.
  • Ability to interpret service bulletins, engineering change orders (ECOs), and airworthiness directives and implement required inspections or repairs.
  • Basic soldering and brazing inspection familiarity for certain component types (where applicable).
  • Competence in performing functional and bench tests on components and assemblies following OEM procedures.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and methodical approach to inspection tasks.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear defect reporting and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Analytical problem-solving aptitude, especially for root cause identification and corrective actions.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to handle multiple inspection workflows under tight deadlines.
  • Integrity and accountability in maintaining traceability and accurate documentation for regulatory compliance.
  • Team-oriented attitude with the ability to mentor and train junior staff.
  • Adaptability to new inspection technologies and evolving regulatory requirements.
  • Customer-focused mindset for interacting with internal stakeholders and external customers or vendors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with relevant technical coursework (metrology, machine shop, aviation maintenance), or equivalent vocational certificate.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field.
  • FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate or equivalent civil aviation maintenance license (highly desirable).
  • NDT certifications (ASNT Level II or comparable) or company-approved NDT qualifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical Technology
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Manufacturing Technology / Metrology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2 to 7 years of hands-on inspection experience in aerospace, aviation maintenance, or precision manufacturing environments.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years specifically inspecting jet engine components, flight-critical parts, or aerospace hardware.
  • Experience with aerospace quality systems (AS9100, NADCAP), familiarity with FAA/EASA documentation requirements, and prior involvement in audits.
  • Demonstrated experience with multiple NDT methods and in using digital inspection tools and CMMs.
  • Proven track record of managing inspection documentation, first-article inspections, and performing root cause analysis and corrective actions.
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