Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Quality Control Inspector

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Quality Control Inspector is an experienced aerospace quality professional responsible for verifying the manufacturing, assembly, overhaul, and maintenance quality of jet engines and critical engine components. This role performs detailed visual, dimensional and non‑destructive testing (NDT) inspections, documents findings to AS9100/FAA standards, creates and closes non‑conformance reports (NCRs), and collaborates with engineering, production and suppliers to ensure products meet safety, performance and regulatory requirements. Ideal candidates combine hands‑on metrology and inspection experience (CMM, borescope, UT/ET/PT), strong knowledge of GD&T and blueprints, and a continuous improvement mindset.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aerospace Assembly Technician / Engine Mechanic
Manufacturing or Quality Technician (with NDT exposure)
Metrology Technician / Machinist

Advancement To:

Senior Quality Inspector (Jet Engines)
Quality Engineer (Aerospace)
Supplier Quality Engineer / Audit Lead
Quality Manager or Director of Quality

Lateral Moves:

NDT Specialist / NDT Level II or III
Metrology / CMM Programmer
Maintenance/Overhaul Lead Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive visual inspections of jet engine components, assemblies, and subsystems using industry best practices and industry‑recognized acceptance criteria; identify cracks, corrosion, foreign object damage (FOD), wear, and assembly irregularities and document findings in inspection reports.
Perform borescope inspections inside engine cores, compressors, turbines, and combustion chambers, capturing high‑resolution images and video, interpreting results against service limits, and coordinating follow‑up corrective actions with maintenance and engineering teams.
Execute dimensional measurements using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, optical comparators and coordinate measuring machines (CMM) to verify conformance to engineering drawings and GD&T tolerances; program and run CMM routines where applicable.
Administer and perform non‑destructive testing (NDT) techniques including fluorescent penetrant (FPI/PT), magnetic particle (MPI), eddy current (ET), ultrasonic testing (UT) and radiographic evaluation, maintaining NDT certification and documenting results per procedure.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, bill of materials (BOMs), specifications and service bulletins; apply GD&T principles to make disposition decisions and provide clear, traceable acceptance or rejection rationale.
Generate, investigate, and resolve non‑conformance reports (NCRs) and defect reports: categorize severity, lead containment actions, coordinate root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), and verify effectiveness of corrective measures.
Ensure traceability of parts, materials, and processes by reviewing and maintaining inspection records, certificates of conformity, process route cards, and calibration status in the document control system or ERP (e.g., SAP).
Perform first article inspections (FAI) and first article reports in accordance with AS9102 requirements for new or changed production items, verifying form, fit and function prior to full acceptance.
Conduct in‑process inspections at critical operations and final inspection prior to shipment or service release; sign and stamp airworthiness release or inspection certifications as authorized by company procedures and regulatory requirements.
Execute statistical process control (SPC) and monitoring activities for critical dimensions and production runs; collect sample data, calculate trends, and escalate process drift to production and engineering.
Participate in root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone/Ishikawa) and lead cross‑functional correction teams to resolve recurring jet engine defects or supplier quality issues.
Perform supplier quality assurance activities including supplier audits, incoming inspection, dimensional sampling, and supplier corrective action verification to ensure purchased parts meet specification and quality plans.
Validate and maintain inspection fixtures, gauges, torque tools, NDT equipment and measuring instruments; coordinate and document calibration activities and ensure tools are within tolerance before use.
Review and approve repair and overhaul procedures for engine components; confirm repaired parts meet service limits and perform subsequent validation inspections before re‑release to service.
Support engine run inspections and post‑run tear down inspections to detect failures or anomalies related to performance testing; document findings and recommend repair or replacement strategies.
Maintain compliance with FAA, EASA and company quality systems (AS9100, NADCAP where applicable); prepare for and participate in internal and external audits, providing objective evidence and implementing audit recommendations.
Create clear, searchable inspection reports, NCRs, and technical documentation using company quality management systems and document control practices optimized for traceability and regulatory review.
Train and mentor junior inspectors and technicians on proper inspection techniques, safety, documentation practices and interpretation of engineering drawings to raise overall team capability.
Investigate and manage safety‑critical part dispositions, working with engineering and safety teams to prioritize corrective actions and minimize risk to flight safety and mission readiness.
Drive continuous improvement by identifying process inefficiencies, suggesting inspection automation, enhanced data capture, or improved work instructions to reduce inspection cycle time and increase defect detection rates.
Enforce contamination control and foreign object debris (FOD) prevention practices in the inspection area; ensure cleanliness protocols are observed for engine components and test cells.
Coordinate with configuration control and engineering change management to ensure inspection criteria and acceptance limits reflect the latest engineering revisions and service bulletins.
Assist in development and maintenance of inspection procedures, checklists, and work instructions aligned with regulatory and customer quality requirements.
Participate in emergency troubleshooting during in‑service failures, supporting rapid containment, salvage, and fleet disposition decisions with clear documentation and recommendations.

Secondary Functions

Support supplier development initiatives by providing feedback on inspection findings and supporting supplier corrective action plans.
Participate in production and quality review meetings to inform leadership of trends, capacity risks, and quality improvement opportunities.
Assist with inventory control and segregation of rejected stock to prevent inadvertent use of nonconforming parts.
Contribute to lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives in inspection and staging areas to improve flow and reduce handling damage.
Support customer inspections and acceptance events, serving as the company subject‑matter expert for jet engine quality verifications.
Help maintain and update the inspection database and digital records to improve data analytics and reporting.
Provide input to training programs and qualification matrices to ensure staffing aligns with certification requirements and workload.
Aid in the preparation of regulatory submissions or technical packages when requested by compliance or engineering teams.
Collaborate with maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) teams to optimize turnaround time while maintaining strict quality standards.
Support ad‑hoc engineering validation tasks and contribute inspection insight during prototype or engineering modification testing.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Aerospace inspection standards and regulations (AS9100, FAA 14 CFR Part 145 familiarity) — strong working knowledge and practical application.
Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques: fluorescent penetrant (PT/FPI), magnetic particle inspection (MPI), eddy current (ET), ultrasonic testing (UT), borescope/boroscope inspection, and basic radiographic awareness.
Metrology and inspection tools: coordinate measuring machine (CMM) operation and programming, micrometers, calipers, height gauges, optical comparators, surface finish instruments and dial indicators.
Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), blueprint reading and engineering drawing interpretation for complex engine geometries.
First Article Inspection (FAI) processes (AS9102) and producing compliant FAI packages.
Statistical process control (SPC) and basic data analysis for process monitoring and trend identification.
Non‑conformance report (NCR) generation, corrective action tracking, and CAPA implementation workflows.
Experience with ERP/MRP and quality systems (SAP, Oracle, IQMS, or similar) and electronic quality management systems (eQMS).
Calibration program knowledge and experience with maintaining calibration records for gauges and measuring equipment.
Technical report writing, inspection documentation and the ability to prepare clear, auditable records and disposition statements.
Knowledge of engine run inspection criteria and post‑run tear down inspection techniques.
Familiarity with supplier quality assurance processes, incoming inspection plans, and supplier audits.
Basic mechanical assembly and torque/fastener verification knowledge specific to jet engines (torque wrenches, fastener control).
Basic knowledge of material properties and metallurgy as they relate to fracture, corrosion and heat treatment impacts on engine parts.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to inspection and documentation.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear technical reporting and cross‑functional collaboration.
Analytical problem solving and root cause analysis skills under time constraints.
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively and work under production deadlines.
Team orientation with the ability to mentor and transfer knowledge to junior staff.
High integrity and adherence to safety, regulatory and quality standards.
Adaptability to changing technical requirements and continuous learning mindset.
Customer‑focused attitude and ability to present inspection findings diplomatically during customer interactions.
Resilience and composure when handling high‑consequence defects and emergency troubleshooting.
Initiative to identify process improvements and propose practical solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required; completion of trade school or technical certification in inspection, NDT or machine metrology preferred.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Metrology, or a related technical discipline.
Certifications such as ASNT Level II (or equivalent) in relevant NDT methods, Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or IPC where applicable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing Technology
Metrology / Precision Measurement
Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT)
Quality Assurance / Quality Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–8 years of practical inspection experience in aerospace, aviation maintenance, jet engine MRO, or precision manufacturing environments.

Preferred:

5+ years of direct jet engine or turbine component inspection experience.
Demonstrated experience with AS9100 quality systems and FAA/EASA regulatory requirements.
Prior hands‑on use of CMM, borescope inspections, and multiple NDT methods.
Experience creating FAIs, leading NCR investigations, and supporting supplier quality or audit activities.

If you need a job posting or interview guide optimized for this role, I can generate a ready‑to‑post job ad, candidate screening checklist, or competency‑based interview questions tailored to Jet Quality Control Inspector.