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First Article Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Motive Companies

First Article Inspectors

Carson, CA

$38 - $48/hr

First Article Inspector Would you like to elevate aerospace manufacturing through smarter, data-driven quality systems giving you the opportunity to make a direct, measurable impact on mission ...

Motive Companies

First Article Inspectors

Carson, CA · On-site

$38 - $48/hr

First Article Inspector Would you like to elevate aerospace manufacturing through smarter, data-driven quality systems giving you the opportunity to make a direct, measurable impact on mission ...

CMI Group

First Article Inspector

Phoenix, AZ

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing First Article Inspector - Night Shift 20% Night Shift Differential Pay Location: South Phoenix - 3617 E La Salle St, Phoenix, AZ 85040 Shift: Night Shift Due to the ...

amphenol

First Article Inspector

Allen, TX · On-site

... First Article Inspection assemblies that are contractually required. • Read and interpret customer contractual requirements as it defines AS9102 FAI verification. • Inspects and verifies fiber ...

Amphenol

First Article Inspector

Allen, TX · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

... First Article Inspection assemblies that are contractually required. • Read and interpret customer contractual requirements as it defines AS9102 FAI verification. • Inspects and verifies fiber ...

SmartTalent

First Article Cable Assembler

Auburn, WA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

SmartTalent Staffing is hiring a 1st Article Cable Assembler for a well-established manufacturer in Auburn, WA. This role is ideal for someone who doesn't just assemble complex wire harnesses but can ...

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First Article information

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$18

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$78

How much do first article jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article in the United States is $48.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.22 and $55.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a First Article Inspector?

First Article Inspectors are responsible for verifying that the first item produced in a manufacturing run meets all required specifications and standards. Each day, you can expect to review engineering drawings, conduct precise measurements using specialized tools, and document inspection results in detailed reports. You may also coordinate with engineers, machinists, and production managers to resolve any discrepancies and provide feedback for process improvements. This role is vital for maintaining quality assurance and establishing a benchmark for the rest of the production run.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the First Article position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Article Inspector, you need a strong background in quality control, blueprint reading, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by experience in a similar production or inspection environment. Familiarity with measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, CMM machines, and quality management systems (QMS) like ISO 9001 is essential. Excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help inspectors collaborate with production teams and document results accurately. These skills are critical to ensure that initial production samples meet all specifications, preventing costly errors in mass production.

What is a First Article job?

A First Article job refers to the initial production run of a part or assembly used to verify that manufacturing processes meet design specifications. It typically involves a First Article Inspection (FAI), where dimensions, materials, and other critical features are reviewed against engineering requirements. This process ensures that the production setup is correct before full-scale manufacturing begins. First Article jobs are common in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, where precision and compliance are crucial.

More about First Article jobs
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First Article jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,970 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
First Article Inspectors

First Article Inspectors

Motive Companies

Carson, CA

$38 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

First Article Inspector
 Would you like to elevate aerospace manufacturing through smarter, data-driven quality systems giving you the opportunity to make a direct, measurable impact on mission-critical components?
As our First Article Inspector, can you imagine ensuring every first run of aerospace components meets the highest level of precision, compliance, and documentation before it ever reaches production?
Would you like to be part of a team where your expertise in AS9102 and detail-driven inspections directly impacts quality, traceability, and audit readiness across critical aerospace programs?
 This is where your experience isn't just valued, it's relied upon.
If you're ready to own First Article Inspections at a high level and work in an environment where precision and accountability matter,

 'APPLY' TODAY!

Navigate Your Next Mission:
We are a well-established aerospace manufacturing operation known for delivering precision components that meet strict industry and customer standards. With a strong AS9100 foundation and a commitment to continuous improvement, this is a place where experienced inspectors play a critical role in ensuring quality from the very first build.
* Competitive Pay: $38-$48/hour (DOE)
 * Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and paid holidays
 * High-Impact Role: Direct ownership of FAI packages and compliance to aerospace standards

Your Part in the Flight Plan:
* Perform complete First Article Inspections in accordance with AS9102 and customer requirements
 * Review engineering drawings, specifications, and purchase orders for full compliance
 * Validate dimensional and functional requirements using precision measuring tools
 * Generate/maintain complete FAI packages (ballooned drawings, certs, and traceability
 * Identify, document, coordinate nonconformances
 * Support internal and customer audits with accurate records and objective evidence
 * Partner with Engineering and Production to ensure first-article readiness
 * Maintain documentation in compliance with AS9100 and internal quality procedures
Pre-Flight Checklist:
* 15+ years of aerospace First Article Inspection experience REQUIRED
 * Strong knowledge of AS9102, AS9100, and aerospace quality systems
 * Expert ability to read complex blueprints, GD&T, and engineering specifications
 * Proven experience building and reviewing full FAI packages (ballooning, traceability, documentation)
 * Strong understanding of machining, sheet metal, and assembly processes
Preferred:
 * Experience with CMM operation or program interpretation
 * Familiarity with FAIR software or electronic QMS/ERP systems
 * Experience supporting customer audits and source inspections (Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed, Northrop, Raytheon, Space customers)
Your Launch Window is Open:
If you take pride in precision, understand the importance of getting it right the first time, and bring deep experience in aerospace First Article Inspection, we want to hear from you.
Key Words: First Article Inspector, FAI, AS9102, AS9100, Aerospace Inspection, GD&T, Blueprint Reading, Ballooning, Traceability, Nonconformance (NCR), Quality Documentation, CMM, FAIR, Manufacturing Inspection, Aerospace Quality
Education:Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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