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First Article Inspection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Article and Mechanical Inspector

Rochester, NY · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Recent experience to include inspection of: Mechanical/Structural assemblies, machined parts, sheet metal parts, castings and forgings. * Must have recent experience performing First Article ...

New

First Article and Mechanical Inspector

Rochester, NY · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Recent experience to include inspection of: Mechanical/Structural assemblies, machined parts, sheet metal parts, castings and forgings. * Must have recent experience performing First Article ...

New

Quality Engineer

Fairfield, NJ · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

The primary responsibility of this Quality Engineer position is generating first article inspection reports. This role also supports customer, supplier, and internal audits while maintaining ...

Be Seen First

Complete and review AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports, including Forms 1, 2, and 3 * Create, review, and verify ballooned drawings and characteristic accountability reports * Read and interpret ...

New

Quality Inspector

Reisterstown, MD · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Complete AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports * Develop inspection plans and reports * Review certifications and manufacturing documentation * Maintain traceability for materials and special ...

AS9102 First Article Inspection experience. * Working knowledge of GD&T. * Experience with SAP or other MES systems. * Aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing experience.

Quality Inspector

Reisterstown, MD · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Complete AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports * Develop inspection plans and reports * Review certifications and manufacturing documentation * Maintain traceability for materials and special ...

Use calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, comparators, and other inspection tools. * Perform First Article Inspections (FAIR) and prepare inspection reports. * Create and ...

New

Quality engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$28 - $37/hr

The ideal candidate will perform visual and dimensional inspections , First Article Inspections (FAI) , investigate quality issues, support continuous improvement, and work closely with Production ...

Showing results 41-60

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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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 and Mechanical Inspector

Verify Inc.

Rochester, NY • On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Overview

Mechanical Inspector Job Description:

The Mechanical Inspector will travel to various supplier facilities to perform visual inspections on manufactured parts, assemblies, and / or sub-assemblies. Parts are inspected to engineering drawings, customer purchase order(s), industry standards, and specifications. The inspector will be required to report inspection result(s) information via web application.

Requirements:

A minimum of 5 years of current Mechanical inspection experience within the last 10 years (Recent Experience).

  • Recent experience to include inspection of: Mechanical/Structural assemblies, machined parts, sheet metal parts, castings and forgings.
  • Must have recent experience performing First Article Inspections (FAI) to the AS9102 Standard. 
  • Recent Experience must be Aerospace industry related
  • A working understanding of:
    • Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA)
    • Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) per ANSI Y 14.5
    • Blueprint reading, specifications and Purchase Orders.
  • Expertise in the use of general inspection hand tools (i.e., calipers, go-no go gauges, thread gauges, pin gauges, height gauges, micrometers, etc.).
  • Candidate should be computer savvy and own a laptop and cell phone for this assignment.
  • Comfortable working as an independent contractor (1099)
Employment Type: FULL_TIME