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First Article Inspector Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Allen Control Systems

Quality Inspector

Austin, TX

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 ...

Randstad

Machine Shop QC Supervisor

Spicewood, TX · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

You'll be the go-to expert for programming CMMs, executing First Article Inspections (FAIs), and setting the standard for quality across our high-precision CNC machining operations. Key ...

VOLT

1st Shift Quality Technicians

Austin, TX · On-site

$20.50/hr

Responsible for performing product inspection and/or audits of quality control programs, first article inspections and calibration, inspecting flat blank layouts, out of box audit (OBA) and sampling ...

Openwork

Quality Inspector

Manor, TX · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

Conducting Receiving, First Piece, First Article, In-Process, Prototype, and Final Inspections. * Operating inspection equipment including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, scales, and Coordinate ...

Aalo Atomics

Quality Control Inspector

Austin, TX · On-site

Generate inspection reports, including First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation * Conduct visual inspections for workmanship, fit-up, and weld conformance Welding and Fabrication Quality Support

Acutronic

Quality Inspector I

Austin, TX · On-site

Executes First Article Inspection requirements * Participates in troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of RMAs (Return Merchandise Authorizations) and NCs (Non-Conformances) * Keeps measurement ...

Acutronic Holding AG

Quality Inspector I

Austin, TX · On-site

Executes First Article Inspection requirements * Participates in troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of RMAs (Return Merchandise Authorizations) and NCs (Non-Conformances) * Keeps measurement ...

Firefly Aerospace

Quality Engineer III (Propulsion)

TX · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Generate accurate records for traceability and pedigree of customer-deliverable products, including records of First Article Inspection. * Lead and support Quality Inspectors in workflow priority ...

Firefly Aerospace

Quality Engineer III (Spacecraft)

TX · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Generate accurate records for traceability and pedigree of customer-deliverable products, including records of First Article Inspection. * Lead and support Quality Inspectors in workflow priority ...

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All JobsFirst Article Inspector JobsFirst Article Inspector Jobs in Austin, TX

First Article Inspector information

See Austin, TX salary details

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How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in Austin, TX is $27.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $31.20 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 Austin, TX? The most popular types of First Article Inspector jobs in Austin, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to First Article Inspector jobs in Austin, TX? For First Article Inspector jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Article Inspector jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for First Article Inspector jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for First Article Inspector jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most First Article Inspector job openings:
First Article Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,404 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Quality Inspector

Allen Control Systems

Austin, TX

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two ex-Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small, autonomous gun turret that employs advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely target and neutralize small drones and loitering munitions. Our innovative approach requires overcoming significant technical challenges, making this an exciting and dynamic environment for experienced engineers.

With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders' successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.

Position Overview:

Allen Control Systems is seeking a highly skilled Quality Inspector to support the inspection, testing, and quality analysis. The ideal candidate has a strong eye for detail, technical aptitude, and a commitment to upholding excellence in a fast-paced production environment.

What You'll Do:

  • Perform visual, dimensional, and functional inspections of machined parts and assemblies using tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).
  • Verify conformance to engineering drawings, blueprints, and tolerances, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) requirements.
  • Document inspection results, identify non-conformances, and initiate quarantine procedures for defective items while notifying relevant teams.
  • Conduct first article inspections (FAI) and support supplier quality audits to ensure incoming materials meet specifications.
  • Maintain inspection equipment through routine calibration and troubleshooting to guarantee measurement accuracy.
  • Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to resolve issues, track trends, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
  • Generate reports on quality metrics, such as defect rates and yield, using basic data analysis tools.

What You'll Need:

  • Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering field.
  • Experience: Minimum of 4 years of experience in quality inspection within a manufacturing or assembly setting.
  • Proficiency with precision measurement tools and reading technical drawings/blueprints.
  • Basic understanding of quality standards like ISO 9001 and statistical process control (SPC).
  • Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and ability to work independently or in a team.
  • Certification as a Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) from ASQ or similar.
  • Experience with CMM programming (e.g., PC-DMIS) or automated inspection systems.
  • Familiarity with non-conformance reporting (NCR), material review boards (MRB), and corrective action processes (CAR).

What we Offer:

  • Competitive salary
  • ACS Equity Package
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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