ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Article Inspection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Techoundsllc

Quality Inspector - Aerospace

Burbank, CA

$33 - $40/hr

First Article Inspection (FAI) _____ What You'll Do * Evaluate products and processes against engineering drawings, process specs, and approved reference sources * Perform internal audits; develop ...

Apply Early

Ancra International LLC

Mechanical Inspector

Azusa, CA · On-site

$25.75 - $34/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Inspection and Verification Perform receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections of materials, components, assemblies, and finished products.

The Heico Companies, LLC.

Mechanical Inspector

Azusa, CA · On-site

$25.75 - $34/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Inspection and Verification * Perform receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections of materials, components, assemblies, and finished products.

Ancra Aircraft

Mechanical Inspector

Azusa, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Inspection and Verification * Perform receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections of materials, components, assemblies, and finished products.

PrideStaff (Carlsbad, CA)

QC Inspector

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Follow SOPs and inspection plans to complete inspections of parts - Initiate Nonconforming Material Reports or First Article Inspection Reports Inform management and personnel of quality problems ...

New

Apply Early

Astranis

Production Quality Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$84K - $109K/yr

Perform and support quality functions such as nonconformance resolution, first article inspection, root cause analysis, corrective actions, containments, statistical process control, etc.

Johnson Service Group

Be Seen First

Quality Inspector

Moorpark, CA · On-site

$24 - $34/hr

Experience with First Article Inspection strongly preferred * Strong understanding of inspection documentation and quality procedures * High attention to detail and ability to follow strict ...

Apply Early

Luran Incorporated

Be Seen First

Inspection Technician

Valencia, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

... FAI (First Article Inspection) reports and updating logs. Inspect parts using CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) Arm · Conduct material hardness testing. · Calibrate / maintain measurement ...

Providien Thermoforming

Quality Technician II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

The Quality Technician II plays an active role in supporting daily production operations, driving measurable improvement in quality performance trends, and leading the First Article Inspection (FAI ...

Apply Early

Banks Power

Quality Inspector

Azusa, CA

Generate First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) * Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities such as PPAP, control plans, and dimensional inspections * Support Engineering in ...

Banks Power

Quality Inspector

Azusa, CA

Generate First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) * Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities such as PPAP, control plans, and dimensional inspections * Support Engineering in ...

Banks Power

Quality Inspector

Azusa, CA

Generate First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) * Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities such as PPAP, control plans, and dimensional inspections * Support Engineering in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Article Inspection JobsFirst Article Inspection Jobs in California

First Article Inspection information

See California salary details

$12

$20

$31

How much do first article inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspection in California is $20.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are some common challenges faced during the First Article Inspection (FAI) 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 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, and why are they important?

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 popular job titles related to First Article Inspection jobs in California? For First Article Inspection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Article Inspection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for First Article Inspection jobs in California are:
First Article Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article Inspection job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,862 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Quality Inspector - Aerospace

Techoundsllc

Burbank, CA

$33 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Company: Leading global aerospace and defense manufacturer
Type: Full-Time Direct Hire Full Benefits
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Pay Rate: $33.00 – $40.00/hr
_______________________________________________
Overview
This is a hands-on quality role with a strong emphasis on in-process inspection, SPC, and process auditing. The right candidate brings either mechanical or electronics inspection experience and is comfortable both on the floor and in the documentation. AS9145 and IPC-A-610 familiarity is a plus.
_______________________________________________
Key Focus Areas
  • In-process inspection
  • SPC control and data gathering
  • Process auditing and documentation
  • Supporting AS9145 implementation initiative
  • First Article Inspection (FAI)
_______________________________________________
What You'll Do
  • Evaluate products and processes against engineering drawings, process specs, and approved reference sources
  • Perform internal audits; develop checklists from process specs, work instructions, and industry/military standards
  • Observe work in process and verify compliance to operational guidelines, heat treat logs, and contractual requirements
  • Identify defects and assess assemblies for fit, dimensions, cleanliness, finishes, wire routing, and more
  • Sort, report, and trend defect data; prepare NCRs or Corrective Actions as needed
  • Assist in preparation, review, and approval of First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs)
  • Obtain certification and perform customer DQR source inspection and FAA DMIR activities
  • Train and mentor manufacturing operators and delegated inspectors on inspection and process measurement skills
  • Debrief management on acceptable and unacceptable activities; provide actionable recommendations
  • Receive CMM programming training and serve as backup for inspection duties
_______________________________________________
Requirements
  • Mechanical OR electronics inspection experience (either qualifies)
  • In-process inspection experience
  • Hands-on familiarity with process auditing, SPC, and quality documentation
  • High school diploma or equivalent
_______________________________________________
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience as a quality inspector, technician, supervisor, or senior production operator
  • Familiarity with IPC-A-610 requirements
  • AS9145 knowledge or exposure
  • Associate's, BA, or BS degree
_______________________________________________
Benefits
  • Medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance effective the first day of the month following hire
  • 15 days PTO (accrual begins day one) + 12 paid holidays
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Education reimbursement after 90 days