Structural Aviation Quality Assurance Subject Matter Expert (SME)– Part-Time
Summary
Part-time aviation quality assurance expert reviews aircraft modifications and maintenance for FAA/MILSPEC compliance, requiring a DoD Secret clearance and 10+ years of aerospace experience.
SMX is seeking an experienced Structural Aviation Quality Assurance Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide technical expertise, quality review, advisory support, and strategic guidance across aircraft modification, integration, maintenance, and operational efforts. This is a part-time position (average of 10 hours per week) supporting program execution, technical reviews, and customer/subcontractor engagements.
This position requires an active DoD Secret security clearance at the Secret level which requires US citizenship for work on DoD contracts.
Application Deadline: July 27, 2026
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide expert-level guidance on aviation systems, aircraft modification, and integration activities
- Perform independent technical assessments and feasibility analyses of new airframe designs and layouts to include examining structural/electrical/plumbing assemblies, sub-assemblies, bench assemblies, and functional installations for workmanship, conformance to drawings, and adherence to specifications
- Verify alignment, attachments, and rigging of components such as wings, fuselage sections, empennage, flight controls (elevators, flaps, ailerons, stabilizers), and power plant connections in accordance with engineering drawings and FAA or MILSPEC airworthiness directives
- Inspect and approve the hookup and installation of functional units (electrical, hydraulic, plumbing, armament, rigging) and conduct operational tests and checkouts
- Review sealing operations for integral wing tanks, final washing, priming, painting, and internal trimming to ensure compliance with engineering prints and process specs
- As required, conduct or support audits of maintenance processes, vendor compliance, and quality management systems to ensure adherence to safety and regulatory standards Advise on aircraft maintenance practices, airworthiness, and regulatory compliance
- Prepare and maintain inspection records, reject non-conforming items, and document dispositions
- Assist in troubleshooting complex technical issues related to aircraft systems and modifications
- Deliver monthly technical risk assessments, and mitigation planning for aircraft in modification and any risk to final airworthiness designation
- Participate in program reviews, design reviews, and milestone assessments
Required Skills/Experience
- Minimum 10+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, or aircraft modification programs
- Clearance required: DoD Secret
- Current inspection certifications as required by company or regulatory policy (e.g., FAA, EASA)
- Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection equipment may be required
- Active DoD Secret or higher security clearance is preferred. Inactive DoD secret will be considered
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment
- Strong knowledge of aircraft structural systems, materials, and assembly processes
- Demonstrated expertise in aircraft systems integration, avionics, and/or airframe modifications
- Strong knowledge of FAA, DoD, or other applicable aviation regulatory frameworks
- Experience supporting government aviation programs (e.g., DoD, DHS, or international programs)
- Proven ability to review and develop technical documentation and SOWs
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Desired Skills/Experience
- Experience with King Air (B350) or similar aircraft platforms
- Background in ISR, special mission aircraft, or modification programs
- Prior experience as a technical advisor or SME on large-scale aviation programs
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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).