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First Article Inspector Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Support First Article Inspections as needed * Conduct/support Root Cause Analyses and continuous improvement initiatives with the other disciplines * Participate and approve bid/project engineering ...

Support First Article Inspections as needed * Support Root Cause Analyses and continuous improvement initiatives with the other disciplines * Participate and approve project engineering milestones

Develop and improve manufacturing processes, work instructions, inspection plans, test procedures, training materials, and controlled documentation. * Lead prototype, pilot build, first article, and ...

Develop and improve manufacturing processes, work instructions, inspection plans, test procedures, training materials, and controlled documentation. * Lead prototype, pilot build, first article, and ...

Perform critical quality inspection using a variety of inspection methods including first article/piece inspection, final inspection and conduct dimensional inspections using appropriate measuring ...

Perform critical quality inspection using a variety of inspection methods including first article/piece inspection, final inspection and conduct dimensional inspections using appropriate measuring ...

Perform critical quality inspection using a variety of inspection methods including first article/piece inspection, final inspection and conduct dimensional inspections using appropriate measuring ...

... inspection, and scalability * Establish manufacturing requirements early in the product development ... Lead first-article builds, production trials, and manufacturing acceptance activities * Define raw ...

Quality Engineer

Waterloo, ON · Hybrid

CA$60K - CA$75K/yr

Our first product, the V-One PCB printer, integrates drilling through-holes, printing conductive ... Conduct physical incoming material, in-process, and final article inspections to verify strict ...

Quality Engineer

Waterloo, ON · On-site

CA$60K - CA$75K/yr

Our first product, the V-One PCB printer, integrates drilling through-holes, printing conductive ... Conduct physical incoming material, in-process, and final article inspections to verify strict ...

Showing results 41-57

First Article Inspector information

See Ontario salary details

$12

$22

$28

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in Ontario is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 popular job titles related to First Article Inspector jobs in Ontario?

For First Article Inspector jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Article Inspector jobs in Ontario look for?

The top searched job categories for First Article Inspector jobs in Ontario are:

Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,276 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Specialist, Supplier Quality Engineering, Mechanical

Dundas, ON • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform supplier qualification, management, and audits to assess supplier capabilities and ensure compliance with quality standards.

  • Verify product specifications, conduct acceptance testing, and align product verification/test processes between supplier and internal factory.

  • Drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities related to supplier quality issues.


Job description

Specialist, Supplier Quality Engineering, Mechanical (L3)

Reference #42366

Waterdown, ON

About the Role

The Supplier Quality Engineering Specialist role is responsible for ensuring that external suppliers consistently deliver products and services to consistently meet Wescam's supplier quality requirements. This role partners closely with engineering, supply chain, program management, operations and suppliers to drive quality performance, mitigate risk, and ensure product compliance throughout the lifecycle.   Lead continuous improvement activities, including the review of supplier capabilities and perform supplier audits to drive measurable improvements against defined quality metrics.

Primary Responsibilities 

  • Supplier qualification and management
    • Understanding the requirements, work with Engineering and the Buyer to assess the technical capability and roadmap of the supplier
    • Perform supplier audits for risk and capabilities
    • Identify gaps and opportunities for supplier development using ZDP (zero defect plan) and QIP (quality improvement plan)
  •  Determine and assign capable, qualified supplier(s) to parts on Teamcenter and ERP, ensuring alignment with technical requirements, quality standards, and organizational sourcing strategies.
  • Specifications/document/product compliance and alignment
    • Verify compliance to all product specifications, acceptance testing
    • Align product verification/test between supplier and the internal factory
  • Look for and analyze trends for issues
    • Analyze SINs (Supplier Initiated Non Conformances) & NCRs (Non Conformances) to ensure that trends are identified and resolved
    • Ensure link to the shop floor, supply chain, CSG (Customer Service Group) and EFFA (Early Field Failure Analysis)
    • Drive (RCCA) Root Cause Corrective Actions, SCARs (supplier Corrective Action Review) and NCRs to closure
    • Report trends at applicable reviews and execute plans to action
    • Create project plans to close out issues
  • Perform FAI (First Article Inspection) per AS9102 requirements and part inspections at source and at incoming
  • Participate in the Quality Alert, Corrective Action Board & containment processes
  • Responsible for defining and communicating material handling and traceability requirements from the supply chain through to internal storage at Wescam ensuring proper preservation, identification, and handling of all sourced materials.
  • Actively participate in all internal and external technical reviews with crossfunctional teams to ensure specification compliance, design for manufacturability, testability, and costeffectiveness of sourced parts and assemblies.
  • Perform supplier process assessments at the source
    • Ensure the suppliers build & test processes are robust and repeatable
    • Ensure that the product can be produced in the most economic, efficient and effective way
    • Utilize techniques such as PFMEA, 8D RCCA , Fishbone, 5 why analysis
    • Perform additional responsibilities related to supplier quality and crossfunctional support as assigned by the Manager to meet departmental and organizational objectives.

Desired Skills and Knowledge

  • Strong critical thinking and analytical skills and ability to analyze supplier or vendor data along with internal metrics.
  • Highly technical mindset and thorough knowledge of technical elements of manufacturing and engineering with the ability to identify process variability, as well as making informed judgement and recommendation within the supply chain.
  • Quality assurance skills with the ability to inspect products and identify gaps in manufacturing processes.
  • Ability to lead projects to improve supplier quality.
  • Continuous improvement mindset
  • Excellent technical communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Dynamic, resourceful and known for sense of initiative (leadership, innovative, problem solver).
  • Extensive experience with Precision-machined components, Castings, forgings, Mechanical assemblies, and structural components. Proven ability to rapidly acquire a high level of competence in new technical areas.
  • Knowledge of AS9100, AS9102, NADCAP requirements and GD&T per ASME Y14.5 - 2009 (or newer)
  • Lead 8D root cause, project or quality improvement plans, APQP, PPAP
  • Green Belt Certification or equivalent industry lean experience an asset, but not required
  • ASQ CQE or CSQP is an asset
  • P.Eng. designation an asset, but not a requirement
  • Experience with supplier audits
  • Practical knowledge of project management is an asset, but not a requirement
  • Eligibility to obtain CGP clearance
  • Experience in Aerospace, Defense, Automotive or highly regulated manufacturing environments combined with supporting design/manufacturing of mechanical components and/ or assembly.

Education and Experiences 

  • Requires proficient knowledge of job area.
  • May have practical knowledge of project management.
  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience.
  • In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.

*This posting is for a current vacancy.  In the province of Ontario, Canada, the pay range for this position will be $80,000 to $100,000

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