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

Exowatt

Manufacturing/NPI Engineer - Optics

Austin, TX

$72K - $93K/yr

Qualify and develop optics manufacturing and assembly suppliers domestically and internationally: run process audits, first article inspections, PPAP/qualification builds, and drive corrective ...

Exowatt

Manufacturing/NPI Engineer - Optics

Austin, TX

$72K - $93K/yr

Qualify and develop optics manufacturing and assembly suppliers domestically and internationally: run process audits, first article inspections, PPAP/qualification builds, and drive corrective ...

Exowatt

Manufacturing/NPI Engineer - Optics

Austin, TX · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Qualify and develop optics manufacturing and assembly suppliers domestically and internationally: run process audits, first article inspections, PPAP/qualification builds, and drive corrective ...

Yotta Energy Inc.

Senior Quality Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

Support APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, and First Article Inspections * Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Quality (DFQ) reviews * Validate supplier ...

Fab2

Quality Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

Create incoming, first-article, in-process, and final inspection plans from drawings, specifications, CAD models, and BOMs. * Inspect and qualify high-risk machined parts, PCBAs, vacuum components ...

TransPak

Quality Supervisor DIV 146- 01

Manor, TX · On-site

These processes include but are not limited to receiving inspection, in-process inspection, final inspection, first article inspection (FAI), internal auditing, CAPA and feedback to management. The ...

TransPak

Quality Manager

Manor, TX · On-site

These processes include but are not limited to receiving inspection, in-process inspection, final inspection, first article inspection (FAI), internal auditing, CAPA and feedback to management. The ...

TransPak Inc.

Quality Manager

Manor, TX · On-site

These processes include but are not limited to receiving inspection, in-process inspection, final inspection, first article inspection (FAI), internal auditing, CAPA and feedback to management. The ...

iWorkforce Solutions LP

CNC Lathe Machinist

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Perform setup changes and first article inspections during production runs.Load parts using overhead lifting equipment.Prove programs, set offsets, perform minor program edits, deburr components, and ...

iWorkforce Solutions LP

CNC Lathe Machinist

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$1 - $100/hr

Perform setup changes and first article inspections during production runs.Load parts using overhead lifting equipment.Prove programs, set offsets, perform minor program edits, deburr components, and ...

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

First Article Inspector information

See Austin, TX salary details

$12

$27

$51

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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.

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 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:

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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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,404 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Manufacturing/NPI Engineer - Optics

Austin, TX

Exowatt
See more jobs at Exowattexternal

$72K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Exowatt is revolutionizing the energy landscape for the AI era with our groundbreaking P3 system that captures solar energy, stores it as heat, and generates electricity on demand. Founded in 2023 and backed by leading investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Sam Altman, and Felicis, we're committed to providing clean, modular, and scalable power that meets the rapidly growing demands of AI infrastructure. Our mission is to make sustainable renewable energy always available and almost free, enabling technological advancement while protecting our planet.

We are seeking a Manufacturing/NPI Engineer focused on optics to take our precision optical components such as lenses, mirrors, coatings, and concentrator assemblies from engineering prototype to high-volume production. Optics sit at the heart of the P3 system: every watt we deliver starts with how precisely we capture and concentrate sunlight. You will own the manufacturing readiness of these components, working hands-on with design engineers, suppliers, and production teams to hit the quality, cost, and ramp targets that make our product possible at scale.

This position is based in Austin, TX, and requires relocation to Austin, TX if you are hired. We provide relocation assistance. Domestic and international travel to supplier and manufacturing sites is required when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own new product introduction (NPI) for optical components and assemblies - from design-for-manufacturing feedback during development through pilot builds, qualification, and volume ramp

  • Develop, document, and validate manufacturing and assembly processes for precision optics, including alignment, bonding, coating, cleaning, and handling procedures

  • Define and implement optical metrology and quality controls - surface figure, transmittance/reflectance, alignment tolerances, coating durability - and the acceptance criteria suppliers are held to

  • Qualify and develop optics manufacturing and assembly suppliers domestically and internationally: run process audits, first article inspections, PPAP/qualification builds, and drive corrective actions to closure

  • Partner with design engineering to translate optical performance requirements into manufacturable specifications, realistic tolerances, and scalable processes

  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for optical yield, quality, and reliability issues across pilot and production builds

  • Drive cost-reduction and yield-improvement initiatives as production scales, balancing optical performance against manufacturability and cost

  • Build the documentation backbone for scale: work instructions, control plans, PFMEAs, and process flow diagrams for optical manufacturing and assembly

  • Travel to supplier and manufacturing sites (domestic and international) to support builds, qualifications, and issue resolution

Required Qualifications

  • 4+ years of manufacturing, process, or NPI engineering experience with precision optical components or optomechanical assemblies - lenses, mirrors, coatings, concentrators, or comparable high-precision hardware

  • Working knowledge of optical fabrication and assembly processes (molding, polishing, coating, replication, precision alignment and bonding) and where they break at volume

  • Hands-on experience with optical metrology tools and methods (interferometry, spectrophotometry, CMM, imaging-based alignment verification, or equivalent)

  • Experience taking hardware through NPI phase gates - prototype, EVT/DVT/PVT or equivalent - into volume production

  • Demonstrated supplier-facing experience: qualification builds, audits, first article inspection, and driving corrective action with external partners

  • Fluency with core quality tools: GD&T, SPC, PFMEA, control plans, and structured root cause methods (8D, 5-Why, or similar)

  • Bachelor's degree in Optical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, Physics, or a related field - or equivalent demonstrated engineering depth

  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience manufacturing optics for solar, automotive, lighting, display, or other cost-driven high-volume applications (vs. low-volume scientific/aerospace optics)

  • Familiarity with Fresnel lenses, lamination process, reflector/concentrator optics, or non-imaging optics

  • Knowledge of optical coating processes and environmental durability testing (abrasion, humidity, thermal cycling, UV exposure)

  • Experience standing up new production lines or transferring processes between suppliers or geographies, including in Asia

  • Working knowledge of injection molding, glass forming, or roll-to-roll replication for optical surfaces

  • Experience in an early-stage or fast-ramp hardware environment where you built the process rather than inherited it

What We Offer:
Competitive salary and equity options.
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
A dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
Opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving industry.
Relocation assistance.
 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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