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First Article Inspector Jobs in Ontario, CA (NOW HIRING)

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PCBA INSPECTOR - IPC 610

Brea, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Perform and record results of first article inspections of boards after Thru-Hole. * Perform sub-assembly, box build, shipping, and receiving inspection as required. * Assist in failure ...

QUALIFICATIONS · Experience with First Article inspection AS9102 (Aerospace) · Experience with mechanical inspection and GD&T knowledge. · Experience with reviewing supplier certs (Material certs ...

Quality Inspector

Azusa, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Generate First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) * Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities such as PPAP, control plans, and dimensional inspections * Support Engineering in ...

Inspector I

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Perform First Article Inspections to validate new or modified product designs against engineering drawings and specifications. * Use precision measuring tools such as micrometers and optical ...

Posted today

Perform first article, in-process, and final inspections * Analyze SPC data (Cpk/Ppk) and flag process drift * Maintain CMM calibration and a clean, organized inspection lab (5S) What You Need * AA ...

Posted today

Incoming Inspector

Orange, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Execute First Articles : Perform and record results for First Article Inspections (FAI) of boards when required. * Utilize Precision Tools : Operate precision measuring instruments--including ...

Quality Inspector

Ontario, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Inspection at First Article, in-process, receiving incoming (materials & processing) and final inspections of products according to company established procedures and customer requirements. - Perform ...

Experience performing First Article Inspections. This is a complete list of all desired skills but not all are required. We strongly encourage candidates who have some of the skills to apply. We look ...

Inspector Senior

Irvine, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Experience with First Article inspection AS9102 (Aerospace). * Experience with mechanical inspection and GD&T knowledge. * Experience reviewing supplier certifications (material certs, special ...

This position is responsible for performing First Article, In-Process, and Final Inspection of assembled circuit boards to ensure compliance with customer requirements, IPC standards, and internal ...

Perform First Article Inspection and prepare FAIRs as needed. * Test and or verify products for a variety of characteristics such as functional performance mechanically or electrically, or chemical ...

Showing results 21-40

First Article Inspector information

See Ontario, CA salary details

$12

$27

$53

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in Ontario, CA is $27.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $32.02 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 Ontario, CA?

For First Article Inspector jobs in Ontario, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Ontario, CA are hiring for First Article Inspector jobs?

Cities near Ontario, CA with the most First Article Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Ontario, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,897 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Quality Inspector II - 1st Shift

Howmet Aerospace

Fullerton, CA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Howmet Aerospace rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 162 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Role Summary

A Quality Assurance (QA) Inspector in aerospace machining ensures that precision machined parts meet strict aerospace standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements. This role is critical for safety, compliance, and product reliability in aerospace manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

•             Inspection & Measurement

o             Inspect machined components using precision tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, CMM)

o             Verify dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes against engineering drawings and specifications

•             Blueprint & Spec Interpretation

o             Read and interpret complex aerospace drawings (GD&T per ASME Y14.5)

o             Ensure compliance with customer and industry standards (AS9100, NADCAP, FAA requirements)

•             Documentation & Reporting

o             Complete inspection reports, First Article Inspections (FAI) per AS9102

o             Maintain accurate quality records and traceability documentation

o             Document nonconformances and support corrective actions

•             Process Verification

o             Perform in-process inspections during machining operations

o             Verify setups, tooling, and process parameters

•             Material & Certification Review

o             Check material certifications, heat treatment records, and special process documentation

o             Ensure full traceability of aerospace components

•             Nonconformance Handling

o             Identify defects and segregate nonconforming parts

o             Participate in root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)


Required Qualifications

•             High school diploma or GED equivalent 

•             3+ years of experience in machining inspection within a manufacturing environment (aerospace preferred)

•             3+ years of experience utilizing precise measurement tools inclusive of, but not limited to Calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, Height gauges, surface plates, Optical comparators, Thread gauges, plug gauges, Surface roughness testers

•             1+ years of experience reading and interpreting blueprint and engineering drawings.

Preferred Qualifications:

•             Aerospace manufacturing experience

•             ASQ certification (CQI) is a plus

•             Experience with FAI (AS9102) strongly preferred

•             AS9100 experience 

•             Strong understanding of: 

o             GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)

o             Aerospace quality standards (AS9100, AS9102)

•             Proficiency with: 

o             CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines)

o             Inspection tools (manual and digital)

•             Knowledge of: 

o             Machining processes (CNC milling, turning, grinding)

o             Materials used in aerospace (aluminum, titanium, Inconel, etc.)

•             Attention to detail and high level of accuracy

•             Ability to read complex blueprints and specs

Work Environment

•             Manufacturing or machine shop floor

•             Controlled environments 

•             Requires standing, handling parts, and working with precision instruments

Compensation Range: 

$20.00 - $25.00 per hour. 


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About Howmet Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's sales for 2021 approximated $5 billion. The Company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company's differentiated technologies promote more fuel efficiency for aircraft and commercial transportation. Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1888