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First Article Inspection Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Sr Engineer Tucson

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

Working knowledge of First Article Inspection process (FAI) a plus Quality exp a plus Bachelor's Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or prior relevant experience. #CJ

AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) * Product, process, FAA, direct ship, and special process audits * Demonstrated ability to lead teams, prioritize work, and perform with minimal ...

AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) * Product, process, FAA, direct ship, and special process audits * Demonstrated ability to lead teams, prioritize work, and perform with minimal ...

Demonstrate the ability to accurately complete AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) Reports in accordance with industry standards. * Perform detailed final inspections on finished products to verify ...

Demonstrate the ability to accurately complete AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) Reports in accordance with industry standards. * Perform detailed final inspections on finished products to verify ...

Product Quality Engineer II (Onsite)

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Additionally, you will review first article inspection reports and process capability data from suppliers before approving materials to ship to Axon. What You'll Do Location: Onsite at our Scottsdale ...

Demonstrate the ability to accurately complete AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) Reports in accordance with industry standards. * Perform detailed final inspections on finished products to verify ...

Provides training and tutoring to other engineering personnel, suppliers, and contract personnel in First-Article Inspection, Six Sigma techniques, Manufacturing Process Control, variation reduction ...

Oversee First Article Inspections in accordance with AS9102, including inspection activities, product traceability, calibration, and quality record retention. * Ensure products conform to engineering ...

Oversee First Article Inspections in accordance with AS9102, including inspection activities, product traceability, calibration, and quality record retention. * Ensure products conform to engineering ...

Showing results 41-60

First Article Inspection information

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.

Infographic showing various First Article Inspection job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

AZ Mechanical Inspector III - 1st shift

FM Industries

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 hours ago


FM Industries rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Location: 2635 E. Magnolia Street, Phoenix, AZ

Schedule: 1st shift - Monday-Thursday, 5:00am-3:00pm

DESCRIPTION:

The Mechanical Inspector III is responsible for performing precision mechanical inspection of machined parts and incoming materials to verify compliance with specifications. Ensure conformance requirements through the use of calibrated measuring equipment and visual inspection. Interpret customer drawings and specifications, reference company work instructions, and process travelers. Must be able to work off-shift, weekends, and holidays when business demands require it.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Basic blueprint reading and shop math (Trigonometry).
  • Inspect first-off parts from manufacturing work centers.
  • Collect measurement data for use in First Article Inspection (FAI) reports.
  • Collect and provide data required for the critical part of Final Inspection Reports (FIRs).
  • Complete customer-required parts to print data forms and send them with parts.
  • Perform roving in-process inspection of parts being run in Manufacturing.
  • Inspect in-house and outsource in-process production run parts.
  • Review routers to ensure that upstream operations have been completed and signed off.
  • Complete Discrepant Material Report (DMR) forms for rejected parts.
  • Inspect incoming purchased parts for compliance with specifications.
  • Inspect outgoing material for packaging and conformance to requirements.
  • Perform surface plate and comparator setups.
  • Fill out and file required reports, logs, databases, forms, and documents.
  • Report safety or process control concerns to the Inspection Team Leader or Plant Quality Manager.
  • Basic CMM alignment & manual CMM measurements.
  • Comply with applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, Company policy and accepted safe work practices.
  • Perform additional related duties as assigned.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS:

  • ASQ Certified Quality Inspector Certification preferred.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

  • High school diploma, GED equivalent, or Technical School.
  • Must be reliable and have excellent attendance.
  • 5-7 years of related work experience preferably in a machining, automotive or aerospace business.
  • Thorough knowledge of GD&T preferred.
  • CMM operation experience preferred.
  • Ability to correctly use and interpret basic measuring tools, including weight gauge, micrometer, caliper scale (linear), gauge blocks, thread gauges, and comparative standards.
  • Visual inspection experience.
  • CMM Programming preferred.
  • Ability to interact with fellow employees and customers in a professional manner.
  • Ability to understand and follow instructions.
  • Independent; can work with limited supervision and direction.
  • NPI or R&D experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS WHILE PERFORMING THE JOB:

  • Standing for extended periods of time, walking, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, or bending to the floor; use hands to finger, handle or feel parts and materials; reach with hands and arms and overhead; and talk and/or hear instructions and equipment sounds.
  • Occasionally sitting.
  • Lifting and/or moving items up to 40 pounds.
  • Close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Ability to differentiate shades and color to identify coating defects.
  • Near acuity or accommodation required for reading instrumentation and documentation, dial and digital gauges, blueprints, and precision measuring instruments used in the inspection of coating operations.
  • Able to hear and understand spoken directions.
  • Ability to handle delicate parts.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT OF THE JOB:

  • Regularly exposed to moving equipment, mechanical parts, ovens, and risk of burns.
  • Occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock.
  • High noise levels from operating machines.
  • Physical hazards while working near moving equipment and mechanical parts.
  • Possible breathing of fumes, odors, dust, and mist.
  • The employee will be required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure to hazardous materials commonly used in a manufacturing environment (i.e., safety glasses and shoes, gloves, ear plugs/covers, mask, cleanroom suit).

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