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First Article Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or ... Perform visual in-process inspections, go/no-go testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and ...

Inspector

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$28/hr

Familiarity with AS9102 (First Article Inspection reporting) and quality management systems. * Core Competencies: Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy. Ability to work in a fast ...

This position performs receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections to verify compliance with AS9100 standards, engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements. The ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or ... Perform visual in-process inspections, go/no-go testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or ... Perform visual in-process inspections, go/no-go testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or ... Perform visual in-process inspections, go/no-go testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and ...

First Article Assembler- Solder

San Diego, CA

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or ... Perform visual in-process inspections, go/no-go testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and ...

Be Seen First

This position is responsible for performing receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections of precision-machined components to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, customer ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or ... Perform visual in-process inspections, go/no-go testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or ... Perform visual in-process inspections, go/no-go testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or ... Perform visual in-process inspections, go/no-go testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or ... Perform visual in-process inspections, go/no-go testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or ... Perform visual in-process inspections, go/no-go testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and ...

CMM Quality Inspectors

San Jose, CA · On-site

$34 - $37/hr

You'll run existing CMM programs and inspect by hand for first article, in-process, and final inspection on complex, tight-tolerance parts bound for aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and medical ...

CMM Quality Inspectors

San Jose, CA · On-site

$34 - $37/hr

You'll run existing CMM programs and inspect by hand for first article, in-process, and final inspection on complex, tight-tolerance parts bound for aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and medical ...

CMM Quality Inspectors

San Jose, CA · On-site

$34 - $37/hr

You'll run existing CMM programs and inspect by hand for first article, in-process, and final inspection on complex, tight-tolerance parts bound for aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and medical ...

This position will be responsible for programming and operating CMM equipment, performing dimensional inspections, supporting first article inspections, and ensuring complex machined components meet ...

This position will be responsible for programming and operating CMM equipment, performing dimensional inspections, supporting first article inspections, and ensuring complex machined components meet ...

First Article Assembler- Solder

San Diego, CA

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or ... Perform visual inprocess inspections, go/nogo testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and ...

Showing results 21-40

First Article Inspector information

What is a first article inspector?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first article inspector?

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 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.

How to do a first article inspection?

A First Article Inspection (FAI) for a First Article Inspector involves thoroughly examining the initial produced part against engineering drawings and specifications, checking dimensions, materials, and workmanship. The inspector documents findings, compares measurements with tolerances, and verifies compliance before approving the part for production. Familiarity with inspection tools like calipers, gauges, and measurement software is essential, along with understanding quality standards such as AS9102 or ISO 9001.

What does a First Article Inspector do?

A First Article Inspector examines the initial production sample of a part or product to ensure it meets design specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements. They perform detailed inspections using measurement tools and document findings, often working closely with manufacturing and quality assurance teams to approve or reject the first article before full production begins.

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:

Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

First Article Assembler- Solder

Teledyne

San Diego, CA • On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Teledyne Technologies rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 161 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Be visionary
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability. These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.
We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.
Job Description
General Overview
Under limited supervision performs a wide variety of highly skilled, complex and non-repetitive electronic and electro-mechanical assembly operations of a semi-skilled or complex nature where documentation and guidance are limited. Can perform assembly operations where complete information is not readily available or follows assembly shop and production operation sheets, wire lists, samples, drawings, schematic and verbal instructions to perform a wide variety of complex assembly operations. Understands implications of work and makes recommendations for solutions. May train employees on basic assembly procedures within a given work area.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Perform wire preparation tasks including stripping, tinning, lead prep, and termination
  • Hand solder wires and cables to high density and/or low profile connectors while maintaining industry workmanship standards
  • Crimp, stake, fasten, and secure wires, connectors, terminals, and contacts using hand crimp tools and pneumatic crimp tools.
  • Perform complex wire and cable harness assembly operations, including:
    • Point-to-point wiring
    • Harness routing, lacing, and tie-down
    • Chassis and panel wiring
  • Assemble wire harnesses and cables per:
    • Electrical schematics
    • Wiring diagrams
    • Assembly drawings & BOMs
    • Work instructions
  • Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including:
    • Building initial units from new or revised drawings
    • Identifying drawing discrepancies or build issues
    • Providing feedback to engineering and manufacturing teams
  • Install and route components to meet electrical, mechanical, and workmanship requirements
  • Use hand tools and small power tools to assemble connectors, cables, and assembly components components
  • Perform visual in-process inspections, go/no-go testing, continuity testing, IR testing, and automated electrical testing
  • Troubleshoot wiring defects and perform rework or repair on rejected assemblies
  • Perform work under a microscope as required for soldering or inspection
  • Support additional processes such as:
    • Labeling and color-coding
    • Part trimming and finishing
    • Epoxy application, potting, encapsulation, and curing
  • Follow all safety procedures, including proper handling of chemicals and materials
  • Accurately complete production documentation, First Article records, and quality logs
  • Ensure quality checks are completed throughout the manufacturing process
  • Provide basic training or guidance to less experienced assemblers as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not supervise other employees.
Qualifications/Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience
  • Requires a high school education or equivalent. Trade school certification preferred.
  • Minimum of 5 years closely related custom/prototype assembly experience in an electromechanical environment. Preferred experience of hands-on wire & cable harness assembly experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with:
    • Wire stripping, tinning, crimping, and soldering
    • Cable & Harness Routing and Termination
  • Experience supporting First Article Assembly (FAI) builds
  • Ability to independently read and interpret:
    • Wiring diagrams and schematics
    • Assembly drawings and Bills of Material (BOMs)
  • Advanced Experience using:
    • Hand tools and crimp tools
    • Soldering equipment
    • Basic electrical test equipment (e.g., continuity testers, volt meters)
  • Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail
  • Experience performing inspection, rework, and repair
  • Ability to follow detailed work instructions and workmanship standards
  • Willingness and availability to work overtime, including weekends, as required
  • IPC/J standard soldering training and certification is highly preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of lean manufacturing and Kanban systems preferred.
  • Basic computer skills (Outlook, MS Excel, MS Word) needed to perform the required duties.
  • Must possess U.S. citizenship or be a "U.S. Person". (A U.S. Person is defined as a person who is a lawful permanent resident "Green Card holder" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101 (a)(20) or who is a "Protected Individual" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).)

Salary Range:
$50,600.00-$67,500.000
The anticipated salary range listed for this role is only an estimate. Actual compensation for successful candidates is carefully determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, location, education/training, work experience, key skills, and type of position.
Teledyne conducts background checks on qualified applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, education verification, employment history and verification, criminal convictions, Motor Vehicle Report (MVR & driving history), reference check, credit checks/credit history and drug testing. All qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.
Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

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