For almost 30 years, SQA Services has been a premier leader in the provision of managed supplier quality services for audits, assessments, remote surveillance assessments, corrective actions, remediation, inspections, and engineering to manufacturers within all industries. We deliver services by deploying associates who are located throughout the United States and in 90+ countries around the world to your supplier sites. Our associates are expert quality assurance professionals with broad experience and local knowledge who can represent our clients on-demand and on-site faster than our competitors.
The Aircraft Final Inspection Specialist is responsible for performing comprehensive end-of-line inspections on completed helicopters prior to customer delivery. This role ensures the aircraft conforms to engineering requirements, customer specifications, regulatory standards, and overall workmanship expectations. Inspections include verification of structural, mechanical, electrical, cosmetic, operational, and documentation-related attributes across the fully assembled aircraft.
The ideal candidate possesses strong aerospace inspection experience, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to evaluate overall aircraft quality and readiness for delivery.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform detailed final inspections of completed helicopters prior to customer acceptance and delivery.
- Verify aircraft configuration compliance against engineering drawings, specifications, build records, work instructions, and customer requirements.
- Inspect a broad range of aircraft attributes including structural integrity, workmanship, mechanical system installations, electrical system installations, routing, interior and exterior cosmetic condition, flight deck/cabin configuration, safety items, placarding, hardware installation, torque marking, fluid line routing, security, bonding/grounding verification, paint and, finish quality
- Foreign Object Debris (FOD) compliance
- Conduct visual, dimensional, and functional inspections utilizing approved inspection methods and tools.
- Verify completion and accuracy of manufacturing, inspection, and certification documentation.
- Review open discrepancies, nonconformances, and rework actions to ensure proper closure prior to delivery.
- Coordinate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Flight Operations, and Customer Representatives to resolve issues identified during inspection activities.
- Participate in customer walk-throughs, acceptance inspections, and delivery readiness reviews.
- Document inspection findings clearly and accurately in applicable quality systems and reports.
- Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, AS9100 requirements, company procedures, and customer quality standards.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to aircraft quality and delivery performance.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of aerospace inspection experience, preferably involving rotorcraft or final aircraft assembly.
- Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing and inspection practices.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, blueprints, and inspection criteria.
- Familiarity with FAA regulations, AS9100 standards, and aerospace quality systems.
- Experience inspecting complex aircraft systems and assemblies.
- Strong understanding of aircraft workmanship standards and cosmetic acceptance criteria.
- Proficiency using standard inspection tools and measurement equipment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Proficient computer skills for documentation and reporting purposes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous helicopter manufacturing or maintenance inspection experience.
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License preferred.
- Experience supporting aircraft delivery or customer acceptance inspections.
- Knowledge of rotorcraft systems and operations.
- Prior experience in aerospace Quality Assurance or Supplier Quality environments.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to walk, climb, bend, kneel, and work in and around aircraft for extended periods.
- Ability to access confined areas within aircraft.
- Ability to lift up to 35 pounds as needed.
- Ability to work in manufacturing, hangar, and flight-line environments.
SQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data and/or defense articles. As such, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered for this role.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. 
