Aircraft Auditor/Inspector

Job Description:

AMA has an exciting opportunity to add a motivated and talented Aircraft Auditor/Inspector to our onsite team supporting NASA’s science, experimental and support aircraft/project.  Both our customer NASA and AMA are very process oriented and have been certified by independent auditor to achieve an AS9100 Certification. 

In order to maintain that certification, formal internal audits on all our processes is required.  This position is primarily that of an Auditor who is a member of an audit team that performs regular internal audits on both NASA and AMA processes. Secondary to audit responsibilities, this position also applies 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 position will be located at Edwards AFB in California and US citizenship is required.

Aircraft Auditor / Inspector Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead auditor on NASA and AMA audits on processes per the AS9100 standard.
• 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 process / aircraft audits and surveillances.
• Generate written reports of audit results, non-conformity findings, opportunities for improvement, and positive practices.
• Perform analysis and administration of Root Cause, Containment, and Corrective Actions Plans.
• Assist with on-site audits by customers from outside organizations.
• 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 the AFRC 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 condition.
• Interface with project management, engineers, crew chiefs and aircraft crew.
• Review maintenance activities, aircraft and subsystem configuration and completeness of record documentation to determine 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 the 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, and to ensure that test data are correct and complete. 

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

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of 20 years technical experience; OR
• AS degree and 18 years of experience; OR
• 16 years with BS in non-engineering discipline.
• Additionally, at least 10 of those 20 years performing engineering technician duties (design, analysis, or engineering) directly relevant to assigned tasks.

Training & Certifications:

• Required to hold an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license.
• Preferred: Hold an FAA Inspector Authorization (IA) certificate or able to attain within one year from 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:

• Two to five years of internal auditing experience required.
• Have Audit Knowledge/Experience as a AS9100 Lead Auditor.
• Have Knowledge of the Microsoft Power Platform; to include: Power-BI, Power Automate, PowerApps, SharePoint, including SharePoint Lists and Libraries for Databases.
• 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 and configuration control of aircraft technical publications.
• Must be multi-task oriented and capable of prioritizing.
• Must be able to manage aircraft maintenance schedules to perform inspections.
• Must be detailed oriented.
• Must be familiar with or willing to gain knowledge of NASA Armstrong maintenance procedures/ instructions, and organizational structure as related 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 the ability to understand mechanical and electrical drawings and schematics.
• Must have clear, concise, and accurate communication skills (both oral and written) particularly with communications with other technicians and engineers.
• Must work well with, co-operate, and support clients, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Able to work in a dynamic and multi-task work environment by prioritizing work and coordinating task/project schedules.
• Able to follow safe practices and rules contained in AMA’s Corporate Health & Safety Plan and other such rules and practices communicated on the job.  
• Preferred: knowledge of machine and sheet metal shop fabrication and repair.
• Preferred: knowledge of MIL-STD-810 for Environmental Test Specifications
• Preferred: knowledge of IPC J-STD-100 for Solder and Surface Mount Technology
• Preferred: knowledge of NASA STD. 8739.4 for Interconnecting Crimp, Cable, and Harness
• Preferred: knowledge of NASA-STD-8739.1 for Polymeric Applications on Electronic Assemblies
• Preferred: knowledge of fiber optic terminations and cable assemblies
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an AFRC inspection stamp.

Equipment and Machines: 

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

General work requirements:

• This is a 32 hr/wk position with core hours between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm.
  • Punctuality and regular attendance are necessary to attend customer meetings.
  • Apart from STD/LTD/FMLA & approved time off, regular attendance is essential.
  • This position may entail weekend or second-shift work. Flexibility is required based upon workload.

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 www.ama-inc.com/careers 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.