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First Article Inspection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cole Instrument Corp

Be Seen First

Quality Control Receiving Inspector

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

SKILLS / ABILITIES: · Well-developed skills in measurement, process inspection, calibration, first article inspection and metrology. · Able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing ...

Laborup

CMM Programmer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

You'll write and validate CMM programs for first article, in-process, and final inspection on complex, tight-tolerance parts bound for aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and medical customers.

New

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.

Intellectt INC

Quality Inspector

San Ramon, CA · On-site

Knowledge of First Article Inspection (FAI) processes. * Experience participating in GR&R studies. * Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and manufacturing quality standards. * Previous ...

Astranis

Production Quality Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$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.

Rubbercraft

QC Inspector III (1st Shift)

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$29 - $35/hr

Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection preferred * Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office; ERP experience (e.g., Great Plains) is a plus * Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a ...

Synectics Inc

Quality Control Manager

Santee, CA

$70K - $90K/yr

Responsible for performing hands-on quality inspections on precision aerospace components throughout in-process, final, and first article inspection (FAI). * Responsible for conducting advanced ...

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 ...

Motive Companies

Inspector

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Create first article inspection (FAI) use AS9102 form, detailed parts manufactured by us, assemblies and sub-assemblies and final deliverable units. Able to perform complex parts inspection use CMM ...

Motive Companies

Inspector

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Create first article inspection (FAI) use AS9102 form, detailed parts manufactured by us, assemblies and sub-assemblies and final deliverable units. Able to perform complex parts inspection use CMM ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 24, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,862 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Quality Control Receiving Inspector

Quality Control Receiving Inspector

Cole Instrument Corp

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

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Job description

Cole Instrument Corp. is seeking a team player, self-motivated, solution oriented Quality Control Receiving Inspector for our QC department. Must have good communication skills and experience inspecting first articles. This is a full-time position.


PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: Supporting the Quality Assurance department by ensuring all activities result in the highest quality products delivered to the customer and that all machine shop, molding and sub-assembly components meet or exceed all specifications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

· Inspect first article, in-process and final machine shop parts, Sub-assembly components and Molding parts.

· Inspect outside processing materials.

· Inspect and test rotary switches.

· Any other duties as required by the Supervisor/Manager.

SKILLS / ABILITIES:

· Well-developed skills in measurement, process inspection, calibration, first article inspection and metrology.

· Able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, including communication with people with a limited command of the English language.

· Strong attention to detail.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of one year of experience required.

EDUCATION/TRAINING: High School or equivalent required. Some college preferred. Knowledge with ISO Procedure Regulations preferred

Shift: 6:00 AM- 2:30PM

Job Type: Full-time


Education:


  • High school or equivalent (Required)


Ability to Commute:


  • Santa Ana, CA 92704 (Required)


Work Location: In person

Company Description

Cole Instrument is a manufacturing company that focuses on commercial, military, and aerospace applications.