Inspection Technology Leader

Job Title: Inspection Technology Leader
Location: CT, MA or NY
Company: Pursuit Aerospace
Department: Manufacturing Support

About Us:

As a global manufacturer of complex aircraft engine components, Pursuit Aerospace is founded on a commitment to relentless, continuous, operational improvement and extraordinary customer service. We pride ourselves on competitive cost structure, exceptional on-time delivery, and industry-leading quality.

The Pursuit family of companies has cultivated long-term relationships with our customers around the world through respect, teamwork, technology, and trust. We are driven to develop industry leading process innovations and manufacturing techniques on behalf of our customers. Our exceptional quality is driven by a deep investment in and the daily practice of continually improving our people, processes, and products.

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Inspection Technology Leader to join our team at Pursuit Aerospace, a leading aerospace manufacturer specializing in the machining and fabrication of structural parts and airfoils for major gas turbine OEMs such as General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, and other industry leaders. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the latest inspection technologies to ensure the highest quality standards for our critical aerospace components.

This is a strategic leadership role that involves working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to maintain and improve inspection processes, ensuring compliance with rigorous aerospace industry standards and customer specifications.

Location & Travel : Ideally candidates would be located within commuting distance to one of our manufacturing sites in CT, MA or NY. Candidates within commuting distance to one of our other US sites in AZ, FL, IL, and OH will be considered. This position requires travel ~50% of the time. Candidates must be willing to visit any Pursuit site to address critical inspection needs as they arise. Some remote work will be allowed at Manager's discretion. Candidates will be expected to work at a Pursuit site most of the time.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy: Lead the development and implementation of cutting-edge inspection technologies across all production lines and manufacturing processes. Act as the technical expert and primary point of contact for inspection-related technology decisions and strategies.
• Inspection Process Optimization: Oversee the design and optimization of inspection workflows and techniques for structural parts and airfoils, utilizing advanced technologies such as 3D scanning, laser measurement, and digital imaging.
• Team Management: Provide leadership, training, and mentoring to Quality Engineers and Inspectors. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and ensure manufacturing sites are equipped with the necessary tools and expertise.
• Collaboration: Work closely with manufacturing engineering, production, and quality assurance teams to identify inspection requirements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that inspection processes align with customer and regulatory standards (e.g., AS9100, NADCAP).
• Technology Implementation: Stay up-to-date on industry advancements and new technologies related to inspection systems. Lead the integration of new technologies into existing processes and systems to increase efficiency, reduce scrap, and enhance precision.
• Customer & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure inspection methods and results meet or exceed customer specifications and aerospace regulatory requirements. Prepare detailed inspection reports and documentation for customers as needed.
• Root Cause Analysis: Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions when inspection failures occur. Work with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and implement preventive actions.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion continuous improvement initiatives to optimize inspection capabilities, reduce cycle times, and improve the overall quality of the products.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze inspection data to identify trends, performance metrics, and areas for improvement. Provide regular reports and insights to senior leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science AND 8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing - OR - in lieu of degree, 12+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing
• 5+ years in a leadership role focused on inspection technologies.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.
• Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, ASQ certifications) preferred.
• PCDMIS Level 3 training preferred
• Experience with PCDMIS laser scanning, NADCAP M&I, and/or A2LA ISO 17020
• Proven experience with inspection systems and technologies used in the aerospace industry (e.g., CMM, laser scanning, mechanical and optical inspection).
• Strong knowledge of aerospace standards, including AS9100 and AS13100. Knowledge of OEM quality standards a plus.
• Experience with machining and fabrication of structural parts and airfoils, particularly for gas turbines.
• Expertise in modern inspection methods, including 3D scanning, optical, 3D structured light and other advanced metrology techniques.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM, CMM and other inspection software such as PC-DMIS, Calypso, and Polyworks.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills, including experience with statistical process control (SPC) and other quality tools.
• Proficiency in Gage R&R and MSA studies.
• Expertise in several vision systems such as MicroView, Keyence, and Zeiss.
• Strong understand of GD&T

Physical Requirements:

• Requires mobility in a manufacturing plant environment while using Personal Protective Equipment.
• Must be able to frequently sit, stand and walk.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 15 pounds.
• Must be able to have prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Compensation & Benefits:

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role is $150,000- $190,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience, education, and geographic location.

Pursuit Aerospace also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements, among other things.

Pursuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.