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First Article Inspector Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Quality First Level Manager

Wichita, KS · On-site

$72K - $111K/yr

Working familiarity of First Article Inspections (FAI) * Functional experience in First Article Inspection (FAI), * Experience in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) * Familiar with multiple ...

Quality First Level Manager

Wichita, KS · On-site

$88K - $135K/yr

Working familiarity of First Article Inspections (FAI) * Functional experience in First Article Inspection (FAI), * Experience in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) * Familiar with multiple ...

Quality First Level Manager

Wichita, KS · On-site

$72K - $111K/yr

Working familiarity of First Article Inspections (FAI) * Functional experience in First Article Inspection (FAI), * Experience in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) * Familiar with multiple ...

Performs First Article Inspection fulfillment for dimensional characteristics utilizing Net Inspect software. * Ensures work orders are filled out completely and that all quantities are correct.

Performs First Article Inspection fulfillment for dimensional characteristics utilizing Net Inspect software. * Ensures work orders are filled out completely and that all quantities are correct.

Performs First Article Inspection fulfillment for dimensional characteristics utilizing Net Inspect software. * Ensures work orders are filled out completely and that all quantities are correct.

Performs First Article Inspection fulfillment for dimensional characteristics utilizing Net Inspect software. * Ensures work orders are filled out completely and that all quantities are correct.

Quality First Level Manager

Wichita, KS · On-site

$88K - $135K/yr

Working familiarity of First Article Inspections (FAI) * Functional experience in First Article Inspection (FAI), * Experience in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) * Familiar with multiple ...

Perform First Article, in-process, receiving and final inspection in support of Assembly production activities * Approve incoming materials and parts by confirming specifications; conducting visual ...

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First Article Inspector information

See Kansas salary details

$11

$24

$46

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in Kansas is $24.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $28.08 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 Kansas? The most popular types of First Article Inspector jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to First Article Inspector jobs in Kansas? For First Article Inspector jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Article Inspector jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for First Article Inspector jobs in Kansas are:
Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Kansas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,750 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Quality First Level Manager

Quality First Level Manager

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS • On-site

$72K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 hours ago


Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Overview
This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting Spirit's Commercial Business Units ("Spirit Commercial"). Spirit Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, one of Boeing's three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for decades. Spirit Commercial's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions.
Responsibilities
Position Responsibilities:
  • Leads and directs quality organizations or provides cross-functional quality integration leadership.
  • Establishes, oversees, and administers processes, policies, and best practices, and determines resource requirements, acquisition, improvement plans and quality measures.
  • Interfaces with other organizations, external suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies to define, evaluate and communicate accomplishment of project and program priorities through all phases in the product or service lifecycle.
  • Provides organizational vision and strategic plan, quality policies, processes, and procedures, as well as process improvements and prevention measures.
  • Communicates, educates, trains and coaches' customers, suppliers, and internal personnel regarding Quality policies, processes, and procedures.
  • Provides cross-functional leadership and Quality technical expertise.
  • Manage program quality requirements by aligning efforts to the customer requirements, overseeing product acceptance, ensuring program cadence, develop and maintain charts, communications, presentations.
  • Manage Quality Resources
  • Manage Root Cause and Corrective Actions

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
  • Knowledge of GD&T
  • Knowledge of CMM's and FARO arms
  • 5+ years' experience in a Quality discipline
  • 3+ years' leadership experience
  • Experience in Quality Management System (QMS) requirements
  • Experience in Aerospace or a Manufacturing environment
  • Functional Inspection experience
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively work multiple simultaneous assignments in a fast-paced, rapid change environment.
  • Support multiple functions such as Assembly, Fabrication, and Supply Chain
  • Root Cause and Correct Action (RCCA)
  • Project management
  • Computing - Microsoft Office applications.
  • SAP
  • High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • Bachelor's Degree preferred.
  • NADCAP Certification Experience
  • Excellent interpersonal skills for working cross functionally across teams.
  • Analytical, demonstrated ability to analyze requirements and prioritize accordingly.
  • Strong leadership ability
  • A focus on continuous process improvement
  • Exceptional time management skills
  • Working familiarity of First Article Inspections (FAI)
  • Functional experience in First Article Inspection (FAI),
  • Experience in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
  • Familiar with multiple inspection methodologies: inspection tools, machines, CMM etc.

Drug Free Workplace:
We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Pay & Benefits:
We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary Pay Range: $72,850 - $111,700
Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems' Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit.

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