Job Description
About the Company Airbus Helicopters is looking for a Quality Inspector to join the Quality Assurance team in Columbus, Mississippi. From building to servicing the next generation of aerospace, the team focuses on quality, productivity and efficiency, ensuring the highest quality of care and safety is built into each aircraft it assembles and maintains. On the eastern border of Mississippi you will find Columbus, home to the Airbus helicopter manufacturing and assembly lines and Centre of Excellence for the entire North America region. It is here that the UH-72A Lakota helicopters are produced for the U.S. Army, in addition to the H-125 aircraft for civil and commercial customers. Role Overview The Quality Inspector A is responsible for ensuring compliance with Airbus Helicopters Inc. policies and procedures and with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and/or European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations as applicable. The role performs preliminary, hidden damage, in-process and final inspections; performs receiving inspections approving or rejecting incoming materials through established receiving inspection processes while recording quality inspection results; works with inspection tools, aids and devices to determine tolerances and specification limits; and performs detailed inspections of parts, materials, paint, backshop activities, functional tests, operational tests and dimensional inspections of aircraft, systems and components to determine airworthiness. Key Responsibilities Inspection (60%) Perform required technical inspections to receive or reject incoming material, airframes and aircraft components, and to detect and report suspected unapproved parts. Perform in-process inspections for components in the electrical backshop, manufacturing, composites, MRO and paint shop to judge serviceability or rejection of manufactured parts, electrical components and paint. Perform detailed inspections of manufactured components, such as dimensional checks and acoustic tap testing; inspect aircraft aluminium, titanium or steel structures for cracks, corrosion, damage and improper assembly. Determine proper shimming and joining of structures with rivets or other hardware in accordance with design drawings, engineering disposition and other approved data. Detect hidden damage during inspections of airframe structures, components and sub-assemblies that could occur during shipping, receiving or manufacturing. Verify build of aircraft system wiring harnesses, connectors and electrical terminations as per design drawings. Physically and systematically quarantine non-conforming components and assemblies identified during inspections. Monitor the use of measuring and test equipment to ensure it is well maintained and current relative to its calibration cycle. Perform stock inspections and purges when notified of possible non-conforming or suspected unapproved material, and evaluate and disposition sales returns. Select product samples and check them using appropriate methods (measuring dimensions, testing functionality, comparing to specifications) to validate conformity to approved drawings and manuals. Accomplish in-process and final quality inspections for conformity, maintenance, repair, modification, rework and overhaul of aircraft components and sub-assemblies. Perform conformity inspections for Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) development projects, Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) parts, and structural and electrical components. Inspect multiple airframe components to determine proper fit, form and function. Validate disposition of parts or repaired parts routed to the shop floor, from the warehouse, internal shops and suppliers, for conformity and serviceability in accordance with approved data. Qualify dynamic component parts applying visual inspection and precision measurement methods. Observe and validate instrument connections, functional or operational tests and adjustments of aircraft radios, navigational systems, flight control systems and instruments to ensure they meet required specifications. Ensure compliance with all applicable calendar / hourly inspections, life limited or cycle limited components, airworthiness directives and alert service bulletins. Verify testing for emergency locator transmitters (ELT), transponders, altimeters, airspeed indicators and air data computers in accordance with Title 14 CFR Parts 91, 135 and 43. Documentation (30%) Ensure proper tagging, identification and airworthiness of parts released to Airframe, Engines and Accessories. Compare quantity, part number and serial number of items received with procurement data, purchase orders and other specifications to ensure accuracy and completeness. Create, distribute, track in SAP and disposition the monthly Shelf Life Expiration Date (SLED) report as directed. Create QNs / NCs for non-conforming material detected and coordinate with Quality Engineers on non-conformity resolution. Ensure all materials have required documentation (for example 8130-3, EASA Form, Certificate of Conformance). Process goods receipts during receiving of material. Document applicable maintenance actions for airframe, engine, accessories and components in accordance with FAA and EASA approved regulations and company procedures. Research airworthiness directives, service bulletins and alert service bulletins for applicability to aircraft and/or components. Read and validate engineering drawings, reports and test specifications. Properly identify and document items in the quality quarantine cage. Document and prepare airframe, engine, accessories or components for return to service after production, maintenance, overhaul, repair, inspection, test or modification. Compose and prepare required delivery documentation relating to qualifying the airworthiness or return to service of aircraft, engines, parts, components and systems. Quality department support and continuous improvement (10%) Apply Airbus core values to create an environment for success, set the example, uphold the standard and welcome challenges while maintaining integrity, commitment, confidence, teamwork, customer focus, respect and reliability. Perform routine process audits to ensure necessary training, tooling and technical data are available for task completion. Review quality procedures, processes, documents and forms used during daily activities for accuracy and completeness. Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and FAA & EASA regulations. Support company events, departmental meetings, special projects and team meetings. Demonstrate creativity by proposing innovations using lean methodologies to ensure top company objectives (TCOs) are met. Other duties as assigned at management discretion. Requirements Education (required): High School Diploma or equivalent. Ability to interpret technical and regulatory documentation. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with all levels of personnel. Familiar with inspection tools, aids and devices used in determining tolerances and specification limits. Experience and flexibility to work in multiple areas. Must read, write, speak and understand the English language. Citizenship: US Person under the ITAR definition (U.S. citizen, green card holder or person covered under the existing ITAR licence). Physical: on-site 100% unless on business travel; able to carry and lift documents, tools, drawings and electronic equipment up to 30 lbs / 14 kg daily; able to push and pull small office furniture, equipment and tools; able to sit, stand, squat, kneel and walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces; adequate vision, hearing and speech for the tasks described; able to travel independently and at short notice 15% or less yearly. PPE required: includes but is not limited to safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators/masks and/or protective gloves as required by the site and/or customer site. Licences & Qualifications Required: meet the requirements of 14CFR Part 65.101 and be able to obtain a repairmen certificate within 3 months of employment. Required: current / valid FAA Airframe and Power Plant License. Preferred: FAA Inspection Authorization (IA). Preferred: FCC 2nd Class License. Preferred: Non Destructive Inspection (NDI) Certificate. Experience Required: 4 years of quality inspection on aircraft components and systems, OR 6 years as an aviation maintenance technician (AMT) on aircraft components and systems. What We Offer Financial rewards: competitive base salary, incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Work/life balance: paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave programme. Health & welfare: comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and other supplemental benefit coverages. Individual development: upskilling and development opportunities through the global Leadership University, including unlimited access to over 10,000 e-learning courses, certifications, accelerated development programmes and both national and international mobility. Additional Information Requisition reference: JR10440618 Company: Airbus Helicopters, Inc. Employment type: US - Direct Hire Time type: Full time Remote type: On-site Experience level: Professional Job family: Quality Inspection Location (requisition): Columbus, MS Posted: 2026-09-14 How to apply: apply online now. A full job description will be provided to candidates who progress to interview stage, or to any candidate on request. Airbus provides reasonable accommodations as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities; applicants who require assistance can contact USCareers@airbus.com. As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified, and only applicants with current work authorisation will be considered. This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment, and welcomes all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus will never ask for any type of monetary exchange as part of a recruitment process.
Requirements
- Perform required technical inspections to receive or reject incoming material, airframes and aircraft components, and to detect and report suspected unapproved parts.
- Perform in-process inspections for components in the electrical backshop, manufacturing, composites, MRO and paint shop to judge serviceability or rejection of manufactured parts, electrical components and paint.
- Perform detailed inspections of manufactured components, such as dimensional checks and acoustic tap testing; inspect aircraft aluminium, titanium or steel structures for cracks, corrosion, damage and improper assembly.
- Determine proper shimming and joining of structures with rivets or other hardware in accordance with design drawings, engineering disposition and other approved data.
- Detect hidden damage during inspections of airframe structures, components and sub-assemblies that could occur during shipping, receiving or manufacturing.
- Verify build of aircraft system wiring harnesses, connectors and electrical terminations as per design drawings.
- Physically and systematically quarantine non-conforming components and assemblies identified during inspections.
- Monitor the use of measuring and test equipment to ensure it is well maintained and current relative to its calibration cycle.
- Perform stock inspections and purges when notified of possible non-conforming or suspected unapproved material, and evaluate and disposition sales returns.
- Select product samples and check them using appropriate methods (measuring dimensions, testing functionality, comparing to specifications) to validate conformity to approved drawings and manuals.
- Accomplish in-process and final quality inspections for conformity, maintenance, repair, modification, rework and overhaul of aircraft components and sub-assemblies.
- Perform conformity inspections for Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) development projects, Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) parts, and structural and electrical components.
- Inspect multiple airframe components to determine proper fit, form and function.
- Validate disposition of parts or repaired parts routed to the shop floor, from the warehouse, internal shops and suppliers, for conformity and serviceability in accordance with approved data.
- Qualify dynamic component parts applying visual inspection and precision measurement methods.
- Observe and validate instrument connections, functional or operational tests and adjustments of aircraft radios, navigational systems, flight control systems and instruments to ensure they meet required specifications.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable calendar / hourly inspections, life limited or cycle limited components, airworthiness directives and alert service bulletins.
- Verify testing for emergency locator transmitters (ELT), transponders, altimeters, airspeed indicators and air data computers in accordance with Title 14 CFR Parts 91, 135 and 43.
- Ensure proper tagging, identification and airworthiness of parts released to Airframe, Engines and Accessories.
- Compare quantity, part number and serial number of items received with procurement data, purchase orders and other specifications to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Create, distribute, track in SAP and disposition the monthly Shelf Life Expiration Date (SLED) report as directed.
- Create QNs / NCs for non-conforming material detected and coordinate with Quality Engineers on non-conformity resolution.
- Ensure all materials have required documentation (for example 8130-3, EASA Form, Certificate of Conformance).
- Process goods receipts during receiving of material.
- Document applicable maintenance actions for airframe, engine, accessories and components in accordance with FAA and EASA approved regulations and company procedures.
Benefits
- Financial rewards: competitive base salary, incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
- Work/life balance: paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave programme.
- Health & welfare: comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and other supplemental benefit coverages.