1

First Article Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

2nd Shift Quality Inspector III

Torrance, CA

$26 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform 1st Article inspection using appropriate drawings or specifications to verify part acceptability * Must be familiar with First Article requirements per AS9102 * Evaluate MRB (Material Review ...

Inspector Senior

Irvine, CA

$27 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

You will impact product quality and production flow by supporting first article and final inspections, working closely with manufacturing, quality, and customer representatives. This is an onsite ...

C-Shift Quality Inspector III

Torrance, CA

$26 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform 1st Article inspection using appropriate drawings or specifications to verify part acceptability * Must be familiar with First Article requirements per AS9102 * Evaluate MRB (Material Review ...

CNC Machinist II - 1st Shift

Valencia, CA

$26.78 - $40.14/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CNC setup experience, first article inspection experience, ability to edit CNC programs, CNC programming experience, aerospace or tight-tolerance machining background, experience with Okuma/Haas ...

Be Seen First

Quality Control Inspector - Aerospace

Valencia, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Complete First Article Inspections (FAIs) and maintain accurate inspection reports and quality documentation. * Identify nonconforming materials or products and communicate required corrective ...

CNC Machinist II - 1st Shift

Valencia, CA · On-site

$26.78 - $40.14/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CNC setup experience, first article inspection experience, ability to edit CNC programs, CNC programming experience, aerospace or tight-tolerance machining background, experience with Okuma/Haas ...

Be Seen First

Quality Inspector - Swing Shift

San Jose, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Perform inspections at all stages: incoming, in-process, and final, ensuring compliance with quality standards. * Assist with First Article Inspections (FAI) and document findings accurately.

Perform visual and dimensional inspections for receiving, in process, final and first article inspections on aviation parts from details to top assemblies. Must be able to understand visual and ...

Inspector Senior

Irvine, CA

$30.40 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Perform First Article Inspections (FAI) and envelope inspections * Maintain accurate acceptance and rejection records and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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 95% Full Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

2nd Shift Quality Inspector III

Howmet Aerospace

Torrance, CA

$26 - $36/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Howmet Aerospace rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 161 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a 2nd Shift Quality Inspector III for our Torrance, CA location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California.  We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we’re the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.

General Summary:

Personnel are directly involved in the inspection of product in the in-process and final inspection areas. The incumbent will use precision inspection tools and equipment, manufacturing drawings (blueprints), and procedures/instructions in their activities to ensure acceptance of product to specifications and requirements. Incumbent must know and perform all other inspections including; MRB inspection, receiving inspection, and final inspection.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Must be able to read and interpret work instructions, routers, blueprints, drawings and specifications

  • Prepare inspection documentation as required by work instructions 

  • Ability to create, update, and populate inspection reports that correlate to associated drawings

  • Must be able to communicate with multiple departments including Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, etc.

  • Train new employees in inspection positions as required 

  • Perform Dimensional Inspection of all characteristics of manufactured products

  • Perform 1st Article inspection using appropriate drawings or specifications to verify part acceptability

  • Must be familiar with First Article requirements per AS9102

  • Evaluate MRB (Material Review Board) disposition for accuracy and acceptability 

  • Active involvement in process improvement initiatives, for example audit preparation, 5S, and Continuous Improvement

  • Comply with all safety policies, procedure, and practices. Report all unsafe activities to supervisor and/or Human Resources

  • Participate in proactive team effort to achieve departmental and company goals

  • Perform other duties as assigned

  • Routine duties are performed with minimal supervision

  • Prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously


Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum 3+ suggested years of total quality experience in manufacturing or relevant aerospace industry experience

  • Employee must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant’s ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Be familiar with First Article requirements per AS9102, AS9100
  • Understanding of Federal Aviation Administration requirements and impacts

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location.  The salary range for this position is $26-36/hr.


What Howmet Aerospace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Howmet Aerospace logo

About Howmet Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's sales for 2021 approximated $5 billion. The Company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company's differentiated technologies promote more fuel efficiency for aircraft and commercial transportation. Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1888