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First Article Inspector Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

First Article Inspector The First Article Inspector is responsible for performing First Article Inspections (FAI) and preparing complete documentation in accordance with AS9102 standards for both ...

Quality Control Inspector - Level III Summary The Level III Inspector is responsible for performing complex first article, in-process, and final inspections to ensure that precision machined ...

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Quality Inspector

Ivyland, PA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Prepare and complete all inspection documentation, including First Article Inspection (FAI) reports * Collaborate with Production and Management teams to ensure timely communication of quality issues ...

Quality Inspector

Dover, PA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

... first article inspections, nonconformance reporting, root cause analysis, corrective action and continuous improvement -Experience in industrial quality control inspection experience preferably in a ...

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Quality Inspector

Ivyland, PA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Prepare and complete all inspection documentation, including First Article Inspection (FAI) reports * Collaborate with Production and Management teams to ensure timely communication of quality issues ...

Quality Inspector

Warminster, PA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Prepare and complete all inspection documentation, including First Article Inspection (FAI) reports * Collaborate with Production and Management teams to ensure timely communication of quality issues ...

Quality Inspector

Erie, PA · On-site

$16/hr

Conduct first article, in-process, and final inspections to maintain production quality. * Candidate will visually inspect approximately 800 parts per hour. * Use of precision measuring devices to ...

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First Article Inspector information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$12

$27

$52

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in Pennsylvania is $27.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $31.59 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 Pennsylvania?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,041 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

First Article Inspector

Meadville, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Title: First Article Inspector

Department: Quality

Reports to: Quality Manager


Summary

Responsible for assuring the First Article Inspections are completed on-time and are producing desired results according to customer specified requirements and customer provided drawings. Responsible for assembling PPAP packages.

Relationships: Please see PTR's Organizational Chart included in you new hire paperwork for specific relationships. 

Authority: This individual has authority over no other employee but may ask others within their department to help them with tasks. Please see PTR's organizational chart for more detailed information. 

Essential Functions:

  • Provide technical and process support to engineering, manufacturing, sales and purchasing groups.
  • First Article Inspection of plastic components.
  • Creation of reports from First Article Inspection according to customer specific requirements.
  • Operation and/or programming of CMM equipment ( Hexagon Measuring Machine; PC DMIS Software). 
  • Annual validations of all production parts according to Customer Specific requirements.
  • Assist with corrective and preventive actions.
  • Hands on interaction with manufacturing process control activities.
  • Assist in creating and revising controlled forms.
  • Assist with the measurements of in-process critical dimensions.
  • PPAP package preparation
  • Other duties as assigned by Quality Manager.
  • Arriving at work on time for every scheduled shift.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work area at all times

** other projects and responsibilities may be added at the company's discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 1 year of metrology experience or equivalent
  • Ability to interpret part drawings and tolerances.
  • Knowledge and use of Various inspection tools such as micrometers and calipers
  • Some knowledge of ISO or IAFT 16949
  • PPAP knwledge
  • Knowledge of SPC and calibration systems
  • Plastic Mold Injection industry and testing experience desirable
  • Knowledge of PC DMIS Software.
  • Detail oriented.
  • Must be able to work independently; some decision makin skills may be required
  • PC Skilss (MS Office suite- word, excel, ect.)