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First Article Inspection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PDS Tech Commercial

First Article Inspector

Tucson, AZ

$25/hr

What You'll Do You'll be at the center of First Article Inspection activities, working across quality, engineering, production, suppliers, and customers to ensure every requirement is documented and ...

pds

First Article Inspector

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$25/hr

What You'll Do You'll be at the center of First Article Inspection activities, working across quality, engineering, production, suppliers, and customers to ensure every requirement is documented and ...

B&B Manufacturing Co., Inc.

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First Article Inspector III

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

Job Summary B&B Manufacturing Co. is seeking an experienced First Article Inspection (FAI) / CMM Programmer to perform advanced inspections, develop and implement complex inspection methods, and ...

Freudenberg

First Article Inspector

Baldwin Park, CA

$28/hr

Complete first article inspection reports * Program vision systems and inspection equipment (such as CMM) for multiple cavity inspection * Capable of verifying and assuring all documentation is ...

B&B Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Be Seen First

First Article Inspector III

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

Job Summary B&B Manufacturing Co. is seeking an experienced First Article Inspection (FAI) / CMM Programmer to perform advanced inspections, develop and implement complex inspection methods, and ...

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First Article Inspection information

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How much do first article inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspection in the United States is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is first article inspection?

First Article Inspection (FAI) is a quality control process used in manufacturing to verify that a new or modified production process produces parts that meet all specified requirements. During FAI, the first item produced is thoroughly examined and measured against design specifications, drawings, and other requirements. This inspection helps identify problems early in the production process, ensuring that future items will consistently meet quality standards. FAI is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first article inspector?

To thrive as a First Article Inspector, you need a solid understanding of quality assurance processes, blueprint reading, and precision measurement techniques, often supported by experience in manufacturing or a related certification like ASQ. Proficiency with inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, coordinate measuring machines (CMM), and familiarity with documentation systems like FAI forms and quality management software is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are critical soft skills for accurately documenting and reporting inspection results. These competencies ensure that products meet required specifications, minimize defects, and maintain compliance with customer and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced during the first article inspection process and how can they be managed?

One common challenge in First Article Inspection is ensuring all documentation and parts meet the exact specifications outlined by engineering drawings and customer requirements. Miscommunication between production, quality, and engineering teams can lead to delays or non-conformances. To manage these issues, it’s vital to establish clear checklists, maintain open communication channels, and utilize standardized FAI forms. Familiarity with industry standards like AS9102 and working closely with cross-functional teams can greatly streamline the process and minimize errors.

What is the difference between First Article Inspection vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectFirst Article InspectionQuality Control Inspector
PurposeVerify that a new product meets design specifications before full productionMonitor and inspect ongoing production to ensure quality standards are maintained
TimingPerformed on the initial production run or prototypeConducted throughout the manufacturing process
FocusDesign conformance and compliance with specificationsProduct quality, defect detection, and process adherence
CredentialsKnowledge of engineering drawings, standards, and inspection methodsUnderstanding of quality standards, inspection techniques, and industry regulations

First Article Inspection focuses on verifying that a new product or component meets all design and quality specifications before mass production begins. In contrast, a Quality Control Inspector continuously monitors ongoing production to identify defects and ensure consistent quality. Both roles are essential in manufacturing but serve different stages of the quality assurance process.

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First Article Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article Inspection job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,417 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

First Article Inspection/Quality Engineer

Quest Global

Windsor Locks, CT • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Quest Global rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

243rd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

First Article Inspection/Quality Engineer

Windsor Locks, CT, USA

What You Will Do:

  • Prepare the First Article Inspection utilizing software such as DISCUS to balloon the drawing and compile the AS9102C package to release manufacturing to record the actuals associated with this process, gathering all the necessary information required to include in the FAIR package.
  • Deliver the First Article Inspection package to manufacturing to record and verify what’s called out on the engineering drawing. 
  • Compile the actuals and populate them using ballooning software to compile the AS9102C (Forms 1,2, and 3) and create the First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs).
  • Import the First Article Inspection Package to Net Inspect
  • Notify manufacturing and quality of the recorded non-conformances, ensuring that the necessary actions have been taken to prevent recurrence.
  • Compile FAI metrics to present to the leadership team the status and open actions to drive closure.
  • May require inspection of parts during manufacturing using inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, verniers, Go-No Go gauges, radius gauges, comparators, etc., and techniques based on tolerance or work instructions that reference a specific inspection tool.

What You Will Bring:

  • Associate’s degree in manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or the absence of a degree from technical school, or apprenticeship, 2-4 years 
  • Experience in First Article Inspection compile package use of electronic ballooning software per AS9102 requirements.
  • Experience in DISCUS, Net Inspect, and Microsoft Office 
  • Proficient with GD&T
  • Thorough knowledge and experience of AS9100 and EN/AS9102C 
  • Ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels of the organization.

Company Description

Who We Are:
Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor industries.
We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the impossible possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers. As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we’re eager to hear from you.

The achievers and courageous challenge-crushers we seek, have the following characteristics and skills:

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