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First Article Inspector Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Perform First Article Inspection (FAI), In-Process Inspection, and Final Inspection in accordance with customer and quality requirements. * Analyze inspection results and prepare accurate inspection ...

Perform First Article Inspection (FAI), In-Process Inspection, and Final Inspection in accordance with customer and quality requirements. * Analyze inspection results and prepare accurate inspection ...

Perform First Article Inspection (FAI), In-Process Inspection, and Final Inspection in accordance with customer and quality requirements. * Analyze inspection results and prepare accurate inspection ...

Perform First Article Inspection (FAI), In-Process Inspection, and Final Inspection in accordance with customer and quality requirements. * Analyze inspection results and prepare accurate inspection ...

Product Design Engineer - Softgood

Boulder, CO · On-site

$135K - $163K/yr

Perform First Article Inspection (FAI) upon receipt of the tooling. Required Qualifications * Demonstrated experience in the design of tooling and molds (ie. injection moulding) * Strong 3D and 2D CA ...

Perform first article, in-process, and final inspections using CMM equipment and precision measuring instruments. * Interpret engineering drawings and apply GD&T (ASME Y14.5M) to verify dimensional ...

Create and maintain First Article Inspection Reports, as required. * Support Government and/or Customer Source Inspections, as required. * Inspect incoming or production materials or articles for ...

Create and maintain First Article Inspection Reports, as required. * Support Government and/or Customer Source Inspections, as required. * Inspect incoming or production materials or articles for ...

Create and maintain First Article Inspection Reports, as required. * Support Government and/or Customer Source Inspections, as required. * Inspect incoming or production materials or articles for ...

New

Create and maintain First Article Inspection Reports, as required. * Support Government and/or Customer internal and Source Inspections, as required. * Inspect incoming or production hardware ...

Quality Engineer I

Englewood, CO · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

In this role, you will be responsible for performing incoming and first article inspections, conducting dimensional and visual inspections using precision measurement equipment, and interpreting ...

New

Supplier Quality Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$100 - $175/hr

Hands‑on experience with First Article Inspection (AS9102 or equivalent), source inspection, supplier nonconformance management, and supplier corrective action. * Familiarity with counterfeit ...

Showing results 41-60

First Article Inspector information

See Denver, CO salary details

$12

$28

$53

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in Denver, CO is $28.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $32.40 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 the most commonly searched types of First Article Inspector jobs in Denver, CO?

The most popular types of First Article Inspector jobs in Denver, CO are:

What job categories do people searching First Article Inspector jobs in Denver, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for First Article Inspector jobs in Denver, CO are:

Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,571 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

$33.60 - $50.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

CMM Inspector / CMM Operator (2nd Shift)

Join Primus Aerospace


Primus Aerospace is a leading manufacturing partner serving the aerospace, defense, and space industries. We specialize in manufacturing high-tolerance, complex geometry components from standard and exotic metals for OEMs, Prime contractors, and Tier I suppliers. Our precision-machined components support mission-critical commercial and defense programs for industry leaders including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.

If you're passionate about precision, quality, and contributing to products that support national defense and aerospace innovation, we'd love to hear from you.


Shift: 2nd Shift (Monday-Thursday, 4:00 PM - 2:30 AM)

Compensation: $28.00-$42.00 + 20% Shift Differential ($33.60-$50.40)


Position Summary:

Primus Aerospace is seeking an experiencedCMM Inspector / CMM Operator to support our second-shift quality team. This position is responsible for setting up and operating Zeiss Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to perform dimensional inspections on precision aerospace components. This is an operator/setup role-CMM programming is not required. The successful candidate will execute inspection programs, verify part conformance, and perform First Article, In-Process, and Final Inspections while ensuring compliance with customer and quality requirements.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Set up and operate Zeiss Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to inspect precision-machined aerospace components.
  • Execute existing CMM inspection programs to verify conformance to engineering drawings, CAD models, and customer specifications.
  • Perform dimensional inspections using established inspection plans.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements.
  • Perform First Article Inspection (FAI), In-Process Inspection, and Final Inspection in accordance with customer and quality requirements.
  • Analyze inspection results and prepare accurate inspection reports.
  • Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming materials, parts, or quality concerns.
  • Maintain inspection records in accordance with quality management system procedures.
  • Perform daily and weekly CMM verification checks, preventative maintenance, and basic equipment troubleshooting.
  • Ensure inspection reports and CMM-generated data are properly stored and maintained.
  • Support production, engineering, and quality teams with inspection-related activities.
  • Assist with additional quality functions including calibration, audits, CAPA activities, RMAs, and customer complaint investigations as needed.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.


Qualifications Required:

  • U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level Security Clearance.
  • Experience setting up and operating Zeiss CMM equipment in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience performing First Article Inspection (FAI) and associated documentation.
  • Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
  • Basic troubleshooting skills for CMM equipment.
  • Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Willingness to work overtime as business needs require.

Preferred Experience:

  • Aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing experience.
  • Experience working within an AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management system.
  • Familiarity with Zeiss CMM software and inspection workflows.
  • Experience supporting aerospace quality inspections and documentation.


Why Primus Aerospace?

At Primus Aerospace, you'll work alongside a highly skilled team manufacturing components that support some of the world's most advanced aerospace and defense programs. We foster a collaborative, professional environment focused on continuous improvement, employee development, and operational excellence.


We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

  • Competitive hourly pay plus a 20% shift differential
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Career growth and advancement opportunities


Important Notice:

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations (ITAR), applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Primus Aerospace is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect and have the opportunity to succeed.