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First Article Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Motive Companies

First Article Inspectors

Carson, CA

$38 - $48/hr

First Article Inspector Would you like to elevate aerospace manufacturing through smarter, data-driven quality systems giving you the opportunity to make a direct, measurable impact on mission ...

Motive Companies

First Article Inspectors

Carson, CA

$38 - $48/hr

First Article Inspector Would you like to elevate aerospace manufacturing through smarter, data-driven quality systems giving you the opportunity to make a direct, measurable impact on mission ...

Kilgore Machine Co., Inc.

Be Seen First

Quality Inspector / Aerospace Machine Shop

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Perform First Article Inspections (FAI) , in-process inspections, and final inspections in a job shop environment * Inspect precision aerospace components using a variety of precision measuring ...

Joby Aviation

Mechanical Inspector

San Carlos, CA

$30 - $41/hr

Conduct first article inspection and generate first article inspection reports in compliance with SAE AS9102 (as required). * High-school diploma or GED plus three (3) years of on-the-job experience ...

Joby Aviation

Mechanical Inspector

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$30 - $41/hr

Conduct first article inspection and generate first article inspection reports in compliance with SAE AS9102 (as required). Required * High-school diploma or GED plus three (3) years of on-the-job ...

Joby Aviation

Mechanical Inspector

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$30 - $41/hr

Conduct first article inspection and generate first article inspection reports in compliance with SAE AS9102 (as required). Required * High-school diploma or GED plus three (3) years of on-the-job ...

Marquee Staffing - OC

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Aerospace Quality Inspector FAI

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

If you have experience with First Article Inspection for aerospace component production, please apply! This role is responsible for verifying purchased components, in-process assemblies, and final ...

New

CCS INC

Quality Inspector

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Experience with machined components in all phases of inspection, including receiving, first article, and final inspection. * 1 year of hands-on experience operating CMM equipment. * Proven experience ...

CCS INC

Quality Inspector

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Experience with machined components in all phases of inspection, including receiving, first article, and final inspection. * 1 year of hands-on experience operating CMM equipment. * Proven experience ...

CCS INC

Quality Inspector

Anaheim, CA

$20 - $28/hr

Experience with machined components in all phases of inspection, including receiving, first article, and final inspection. * 1 year of hands-on experience operating CMM equipment. * Proven experience ...

CCS INC

Technical Inspector

Anaheim, CA

$22 - $27/hr

Experience with machined components in all phases of inspection, including receiving, first article, and final inspection. * 1 year of hands-on experience operating CMM equipment. * Proven experience ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Quality Inspector 1

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$13.78 - $16.92/hr

You will work onsite with the QA team, support auditors and internal audits, and contribute to first article inspections and corrective actions. Your work ensures product conformity for aviation ...

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All JobsFirst Article Inspector JobsFirst Article Inspector Jobs in California

First Article Inspector information

See California salary details

$12

$26

$51

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in California is $27.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

Senior quality inspectors, such as those overseeing manufacturing or aerospace inspections, tend to earn higher salaries due to their experience and specialized skills. Inspectors with certifications like ASQ or ISO, and those working in high-demand industries, often have higher earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the First Article Inspector position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Article Inspector, you need a solid background in quality control, blueprint reading, and measurement techniques, often supplemented by experience in manufacturing or aerospace industries. Familiarity with tools like calipers, micrometers, CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), and quality management systems such as AS9102 or ISO 9001 is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you excel in reporting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure that initial production samples meet stringent specifications and support ongoing process improvements.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A First Article Inspector typically earns less than $10,000 per month, as this role usually pays between $3,000 and $6,000 monthly. High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree include specialized sales, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like certain construction or electrical work, often requiring experience, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees.

What does a first article inspector do?

A first article inspector reviews and verifies the initial production sample of a part or product to ensure it meets design specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements. They perform detailed inspections, document findings, and may use measurement tools or inspection software as part of their quality control process.

What is a First Article Inspector job?

A First Article Inspector is responsible for verifying the initial production run of a manufactured part to ensure it meets design specifications, engineering drawings, and quality standards. They perform detailed inspections using precision measuring tools and document results in reports like First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR). This role is critical in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical manufacturing, where compliance with strict quality requirements is essential. By identifying defects early, First Article Inspectors help prevent costly production errors and ensure consistency in manufacturing processes.

What are the typical challenges faced by First Article Inspectors, and how can they overcome them?

First Article Inspectors often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex engineering drawings, adapting to evolving quality standards, and working under tight production schedules. Success in this role depends on keen problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to communicating discrepancies to engineering and production teams. Continual learning—such as staying current on industry standards and embracing new inspection technologies—helps inspectors remain effective. Being detail-oriented and thorough also minimizes rework, ensuring products meet client and regulatory requirements from the outset.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

First Article Inspectors typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily rates are more common in specialized fields like high-level consulting, executive roles, or certain freelance professions. Most jobs paying this amount require extensive experience, advanced skills, or working in high-stakes industries such as finance, law, or executive management.
What are the most commonly searched types of First Article Inspector jobs in California? The most popular types of First Article Inspector jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to First Article Inspector jobs in California? For First Article Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Article Inspector jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for First Article Inspector jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for First Article Inspector jobs? Cities in California with the most First Article Inspector job openings:
First Article Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,159 per year, or $27 per hour.
First Article Inspectors

First Article Inspectors

Motive Companies

Carson, CA

$38 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

First Article Inspector
 Would you like to elevate aerospace manufacturing through smarter, data-driven quality systems giving you the opportunity to make a direct, measurable impact on mission-critical components?
As our First Article Inspector, can you imagine ensuring every first run of aerospace components meets the highest level of precision, compliance, and documentation before it ever reaches production?
Would you like to be part of a team where your expertise in AS9102 and detail-driven inspections directly impacts quality, traceability, and audit readiness across critical aerospace programs?
 This is where your experience isn't just valued, it's relied upon.
If you're ready to own First Article Inspections at a high level and work in an environment where precision and accountability matter,

 'APPLY' TODAY!

Navigate Your Next Mission:
We are a well-established aerospace manufacturing operation known for delivering precision components that meet strict industry and customer standards. With a strong AS9100 foundation and a commitment to continuous improvement, this is a place where experienced inspectors play a critical role in ensuring quality from the very first build.
* Competitive Pay: $38-$48/hour (DOE)
 * Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and paid holidays
 * High-Impact Role: Direct ownership of FAI packages and compliance to aerospace standards

Your Part in the Flight Plan:
* Perform complete First Article Inspections in accordance with AS9102 and customer requirements
 * Review engineering drawings, specifications, and purchase orders for full compliance
 * Validate dimensional and functional requirements using precision measuring tools
 * Generate/maintain complete FAI packages (ballooned drawings, certs, and traceability
 * Identify, document, coordinate nonconformances
 * Support internal and customer audits with accurate records and objective evidence
 * Partner with Engineering and Production to ensure first-article readiness
 * Maintain documentation in compliance with AS9100 and internal quality procedures
Pre-Flight Checklist:
* 15+ years of aerospace First Article Inspection experience REQUIRED
 * Strong knowledge of AS9102, AS9100, and aerospace quality systems
 * Expert ability to read complex blueprints, GD&T, and engineering specifications
 * Proven experience building and reviewing full FAI packages (ballooning, traceability, documentation)
 * Strong understanding of machining, sheet metal, and assembly processes
Preferred:
 * Experience with CMM operation or program interpretation
 * Familiarity with FAIR software or electronic QMS/ERP systems
 * Experience supporting customer audits and source inspections (Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed, Northrop, Raytheon, Space customers)
Your Launch Window is Open:
If you take pride in precision, understand the importance of getting it right the first time, and bring deep experience in aerospace First Article Inspection, we want to hear from you.
Key Words: First Article Inspector, FAI, AS9102, AS9100, Aerospace Inspection, GD&T, Blueprint Reading, Ballooning, Traceability, Nonconformance (NCR), Quality Documentation, CMM, FAIR, Manufacturing Inspection, Aerospace Quality
Education:Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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