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First Article Inspector Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Exact

Quality Engineer Technician

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Manages non-conforming material through the MRB process, performs First Article Inspections, and supports production with troubleshooting and containment of quality issues. Maintains calibration of ...

Allen Control Systems

Quality Inspector

Austin, TX · On-site

Conduct first article inspections (FAI) and support supplier quality audits to ensure incoming materials meet specifications. * Maintain inspection equipment through routine calibration and ...

Allen Control Systems

Quality Inspector

Austin, TX · On-site

Conduct first article inspections (FAI) and support supplier quality audits to ensure incoming materials meet specifications. * Maintain inspection equipment through routine calibration and ...

Verify

Electronics Inspector

San Antonio, TX

$27 - $32/hr

Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge is required. * Ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years experience performing ...

Verify

Electronics Inspector

San Antonio, TX

$27 - $32/hr

Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge is required. * Ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years experience performing ...

LGS Technologies

QA Inspector

Lancaster, TX · On-site

Knowledge and hands-on experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) reports * Familiarity with aerospace industry requirements and quality expectations * Lead or supervisory experience in a ...

Verify Inc.

Electronics Inspector

San Antonio, TX

$27 - $32/hr

Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge is required. * Ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years experience performing ...

VIP Staffing

CNC - Operators & Machinists

Arlington, TX · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Perform in-process inspections to verify part accuracy. * Provide first article for QC review and approval. * Accurately record quantities produced and maintain traceability procedures. * Perform ...

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First Article Inspector information

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How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in Texas is $25.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is QC inspection a good career?

A First Article Inspector role involves evaluating initial product samples to ensure quality standards are met, often requiring attention to detail and knowledge of inspection tools. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement, especially with certifications like ASQ CQI, and is valued in manufacturing and production environments.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

Senior inspectors such as quality control managers, aerospace inspectors, or specialized industrial inspectors tend to earn the highest salaries. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and expertise in specific industries or tools, which contribute to higher compensation.

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 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.

How much do SpaceX quality inspector make?

First Article Inspectors at SpaceX typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience and location. The role involves inspecting parts and assemblies, often requiring knowledge of quality standards and inspection tools. Salaries can vary based on certifications and the complexity of the projects.

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 are the most commonly searched types of First Article Inspector jobs in Texas? The most popular types of First Article Inspector jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to First Article Inspector jobs in Texas? For First Article Inspector jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Article Inspector jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for First Article Inspector jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for First Article Inspector jobs? Cities in Texas with the most First Article Inspector job openings:
First Article Inspector jobs near you
Quality Engineer Technician

Quality Engineer Technician

Exact

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY:
Performs incoming and in-process inspections to ensure materials and products meet engineering specifications and quality requirements. Interprets engineering drawings, specifications, and sampling plans to determine appropriate inspection methods, measurement techniques, and acceptance criteria. Manages non-conforming material through the MRB process, performs First Article Inspections, and supports production with troubleshooting and containment of quality issues. Maintains calibration of inspection, measurement, and test equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
  • Perform detailed dimensional, visual, and functional inspections/tests on inbound and in-process materials and product in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and specifications to determine inspection requirements and appropriate measurement methods.
  • Select and properly use inspection tools, gauges, and measurement equipment required to verify product conformance.
  • Maintain inspection records, inspection plans, and documentation to ensure inspections are completed accurately and within required timeframes.
  • Apply statistical sampling methods and inspection plans to determine appropriate sampling requirements.
  • Generate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) for rejected incoming or in-process product.
  • Process NCRs and manage non-conforming material from production, including inventory control and status updates within the ERP system.
  • Support production teams in the identification, documentation, containment, and preliminary analysis of non-conforming product.
  • Facilitate MRB activities, implement dispositions, and drive closure of NCRs in accordance with established metrics.
  • Perform First Article Inspections (FAI), generate FAI reports, and maintain FAI documentation and records.
  • Assist in the implementation and verification of corrective actions resulting from internal or supplier quality issues.
  • Manage calibration of inspection, measurement, and test equipment, including maintaining calibration records and coordinating with third-party calibration service providers.
  • Support or perform product and process audits as required.
  • Collaborate with Production, Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve product conformance.
  • Receive and process customer returns as required.
  • Provide support across other Quality functions as needed and serve as backup for designated departmental responsibilities.
  • Adhere to all safety rules, company policies, and procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
  • GED or High School diploma required.
  • Associates degree and/or ASQ CQI or CQT preferred; equivalent experience in a manufacturing environment with participation in Continuing Education is acceptable.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in a Quality Inspection or Quality Technician role in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience performing incoming inspections, in-process inspections, and First Article Inspections (FAI).
  • Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and basic GD&T.
  • Ability to determine appropriate inspection methods, sampling plans, and measurement techniques based on drawing requirements.
  • Proficiency using inspection and measurement equipment such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, indicators, surface plates, optical comparators, and similar dimensional inspection tools.
  • Working knowledge of statistical sampling methods (ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 or similar).
  • Experience generating and processing Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and participating in MRB activities.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems for managing inspection status and non-conforming material.
  • Experience managing or supporting calibration systems for inspection, measurement, and test equipment.
  • Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and ability to communicate quality issues effectively with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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