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

Integrity Trade Services

CNC Machinist

Cedar Park, TX

$25 - $30/hr

Set up machines, perform changes, and conduct first article inspections. * Load parts using overhead lifting equipment and operate controls. * Read blueprints, interpret G & M codes, and measure ...

Integrity Trade Services

CNC Machinist

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Set up machines, perform changes, and conduct first article inspections. * Load parts using overhead lifting equipment and operate controls. * Read blueprints, interpret G & M codes, and measure ...

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 ...

NTG Staffing

Lathe Machinist

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

O perate CNC machines, perform setup changes, and conduct first article inspections during production runs. * L oad parts using overhead lifting equipment; prove programs; operate machine controls ...

ICON

Senior Fabricator & Welder

Austin, TX · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Support the first article inspection and dimensional validation of fabricated parts * Prepare welded assemblies for cosmetic finishing using grinding and sanding * Monitor shop material usage and ...

NTG Staffing

CNC 5 Axis Machinist

Cedar Park, TX

$30/hr

Perform setup changes, first article inspections, and production inspections. * Load and unload parts utilizing overhead lifting equipment. * Set offsets, perform simple program edits, and make ...

Amat

Ops Quality Engineer (E5)

Austin, TX

$140K - $192K/yr

First Article Inspection (FAI) Tools & Systems * Quality Management Systems (QMS) * PLM and document control systems * ERP/MES environments * Data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab preferred ...

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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 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.

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 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,404 per year, or $27.1 per hour.
Aerospace Quality Inspector - 2nd Shift

Aerospace Quality Inspector - 2nd Shift

SQA Services

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

For more than 30 years, SQA Services has been a leading provider of managed supplier quality services, offering audits, assessments, remote surveillance, corrective actions, remediation, inspections, and engineering solutions to manufacturers across all industries. We deliver these services by deploying a network of highly skilled associates based throughout the United States and in over 90 countries worldwide, ensuring rapid on-site support at your supplier locations. Our associates are expert quality assurance professionals with extensive experience and local expertise, enabling us to represent our clients on demand and with greater speed and efficiency than our competitors.
 
 
We're hiring for a Quality Mechanical Inspector position in Bastrop, TX on a 6-month contract. The schedule is for the 2nd shift (2:30 PM-11 PM), full-time. If you have a passion for mechanical products and a keen eye for quality, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
Key Responsibilities
  • Review and validate e-Cert packages for components, subassemblies, and final assemblies
  • Verify inspection records, test results, certifications, signatures, and approval workflows
  • Identify, document, and communicate discrepancies or nonconformances to Quality and Engineering
  • Ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, QMS requirements, and build plans, including traceability
  • Perform visual, dimensional, and physical inspections (incoming, in-process, final, and first article)
  • Conduct surface plate inspections and lot sampling as required
  • Use precision tools such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, dial indicators, and profilometers
  • Inspect workmanship issues (burrs, scratches, fasteners, edge distance, damage)
  • Verify corrective actions and rework completion
  • Review shipping documentation and confirm proper packaging and preservation
  • Provide summary reports, weekly status updates, and support continuous improvement efforts
Required Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience inspecting precision mechanical parts
  • Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
  • Proficient with hand inspection tools (tolerances .005")
  • Comfortable working with digital systems and new software
  • Excellent attention to detail and visual inspection skills
  • Must pass a background check
  • Must be able to work 2nd shift: 2:30 pm-11 pm
  • ITAR compliance required
Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate's degree or higher in a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Certification in inspection techniques or GD&T is a plus.
$30 - $35 an hour
Mileage reimbursement at the US gov't rate ($0.725 per mile driven).
Note:
 
SQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
 
This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data and/or defense articles. As such, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered for this role.
 
#ZR
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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