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Analytical Mechanics Associates

Engineering, math, and IT problem-solving firm

Aircraft Inspector

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$110.2k - $130k/yr
Expert
Edwards AFB, CA, USA
In PersonOnsite at Edwards AFB; travel required 25% of the time.
Aerospace EngineeringAviation Operations & Aircraft Maintenance
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship Required

About the job

Requirements
  • At least 10 years of industry experience, including 5 years performing engineering technician duties (design, analysis, or engineering) directly relevant to assigned tasks.
  • Must have a strong aviation understanding of Federal Aviation Regulations, Air Force, Navy, NASA, and commercial requirements.
  • Must have 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 the use of and configuration control of aircraft technical publications.
  • Must be able to multitask and prioritize, including managing aircraft maintenance schedules to perform inspections.
  • Must be familiar with, or willing to gain knowledge of, NASA Armstrong maintenance procedures and instructions and organizational structure related to aircraft operations.
  • Must understand mechanical and electrical drawings and schematics.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and accurately, orally and in writing, particularly with other technicians and engineers.
  • Must be able to work with a team of technicians and engineers to support best practices and accomplish specific mission requirements.
  • Must be able to work in a dynamic, multitask environment by prioritizing work and coordinating task and project schedules.
  • Must follow safe practices and rules in AMA’s Corporate Health & Safety Plan and other rules and practices communicated on the job.
  • Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk on the employee or others.
  • Must complete workmanship and quality inspection certification training courses related to the position and NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Technical Excellence Program Level 1 training within one year of employment.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain an AFRC inspection stamp and security clearance.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must pass a NASA physical exam.
  • Must be able to work within AFRC core hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; punctuality and regular attendance are necessary, and attendance is essential except for specified leave and approved time off.
  • Must be flexible to work weekends or third shift based on workload.
  • Must be capable of working in confined spaces; work may involve long periods of sitting or standing, typically indoors, with heat potentially a factor.
  • Position is subject to drug testing.
Responsibilities
  • Inspect and verify aircraft and aircraft subsystem work according to NASA, Air Force, Navy, FAA, and commercial requirements.
  • Perform inspections on assigned aircraft work for any project, platform, or shop before aircraft, engines, experimental hardware, or appliances are returned to service; inspect any system or procedure to ensure product quality.
  • Perform surveillances on assigned aircraft or areas of responsibility.
  • Perform in-house quality assurance and inspections on parts and components used for flight on multiple platforms.
  • Ensure work requiring inspection is performed and recorded in the NASA aircraft maintenance management system, applicable quality record, or other approved documentation format.
  • Witness operational tests and checks on equipment in accordance with approved technical data.
  • Monitor the currency and filing of technical publications at aircraft.
  • Record all inspections on applicable quality records.
  • Record measurement results, including actual test-result data, and evaluate results against acceptance or rejection criteria.
  • Record measurement instruments used, including identification numbers and due dates.
  • Provide weekly inspection and surveillance reports to the Quality Assurance Branch Chief.
  • Review paper and electronic records for accuracy.
  • Apply intermediate technical and mechanical knowledge and skills to solve unusually complex aircraft, subsystem, parts, and equipment problems and provide technical guidance to meet specified operational conditions.
  • Interface with project management, engineers, crew chiefs, and aircraft crew.
  • Review maintenance activities, aircraft and subsystem configuration, and completeness of record documentation to determine whether continued airworthiness requirements are satisfied before aircraft return to service.
  • Review, approve, and perform inspections of quality procedures, processes, and change requests.
  • Recommend changes to methods, procedures, processes, and other techniques to improve productivity without compromising safety or quality of assigned tasks.
  • Perform special and one-time inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Program and local policies, processes, and procedures.
  • Collaborate with AFRC engineering staff to develop and apply Mandatory Inspection Points.
  • Verify requirements for test environments, test configurations, and pass/fail criteria.
  • Analyze the technical adequacy of verification methods and criteria.
  • Monitor qualification and acceptance tests to ensure compliance with verification requirements and test procedures and to ensure test data are correct and complete.
  • Use standard office equipment and a computer workstation, and use magnification devices daily as required to inspect small parts.
Desired Qualifications
  • Global Hawk aircraft type experience.
  • Knowledge of MIL-STD-810 for environmental test specifications.
  • Knowledge of IPC J-STD-100 for solder and surface mount technology.
  • Knowledge of NASA STD. 8739.4 for interconnecting crimp, cable, and harness.
  • Knowledge of NASA-STD-8739.1 for polymeric applications on electronic assemblies.
  • Knowledge of fiber optic terminations and cable assemblies.
  • FAA Airframe and Powerplant licensed technician credential, or ability to attain it within one year of hire.
  • FAA Inspector Authorization licensed technician credential, or ability to attain it within one year of hire.

About the company

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Analytical Mechanics Associates

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Analytical Mechanics Associates provides engineering, mathematics, and information technology services to government and commercial clients. It solves complex problems by combining engineering, science, and math with visualization to build models, simulations, and decision-support tools. It differentiates itself with a long track record since 1962 and a nationwide network of offices that mix a small-business feel with broad aerospace, defense, and energy expertise. Its goal is to deliver reliable, practical solutions and spark future discoveries through rigorous analysis and effective visualization.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Hampton, Virginia

Founded

1962

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • NASA awarded AMA multiple 2026 orders, including $4.6 million, $3.7 million, and $3.3 million.
  • The February 2026 CEO transition can tighten execution and win larger federal programs.
  • Headcount grew from 446 to 464 by 2026, while active hiring remained ongoing.

What critics are saying

  • NASA dominates revenue; recompetes worth $49 million return within 24 months.
  • STC appealed NASA's $104 million award, threatening future protest risk through 2026.
  • 464 employees and no diversified commercial base create existential dependence on federal spending cycles.

What makes Analytical Mechanics Associates unique

  • NASA-centric engineering niche spans aeromechanics, CFD, and wildfire resilience contracts in 2026.
  • Joseph Poist brings SAIC and NASA Goddard leadership, effective February 9, 2026.
  • AMA won AMCOM EXPRESS work, showing reach beyond NASA into Army aviation.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Company News

WashingtonExec
Feb 10th, 2026
AMA Taps Joseph Poist as CEO

AMA taps Joseph Poist as CEO. The board of directors of Analytical Mechanics Associates has named Joseph Poist CEO after a comprehensive search, citing confidence in his leadership judgment, operational discipline and ability to execute strategy across complex, mission-critical environments. "I am humbled by the board's confidence and excited to lead this organization," Poist said. "The opportunity ahead is significant. My focus will be on clarity of direction, disciplined execution and building an enterprise that delivers and grows consistently." Before joining AMA, Poist served as a vice president at SAIC, leading a large business group supporting complex government missions. Earlier in his career, he served as chief of staff at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, helping oversee a portfolio of over $5 billion in annual programs and a workforce of over 10,000 civil servants and contractors across multiple locations nationwide. During his 14-year career as a civil servant, he also held senior financial leadership roles, including associate deputy chief financial officer for resources, with responsibility for guiding government programs from inception through delivery. Poist succeeds John Abrams as CEO. The board thanked Abrams for his leadership and contributions to the company and wished him continued success.