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

B&B Manufacturing

First Article Inspector III

Valencia, CA · On-site

$30 - $52.68/hr

Responsible for performing advanced First Article Inspections, developing and implementing complex inspection methods, and supporting CMM programming activities. This position demonstrates strong ...

Belcan

CNC Machinist II - 1st Shift

Valencia, CA

$26.78 - $40.14/hr

The machinist will operate CNC equipment, support setups, edit programs as needed, adjust machining processes, perform first article/self-inspection, and work from blueprints in a precision aerospace ...

Luran Incorporated

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Quality Control Inspector - Aerospace

Valencia, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Complete First Article Inspections (FAIs) and maintain accurate inspection reports and quality documentation. * Identify nonconforming materials or products and communicate required corrective ...

RTCA

Quality Inspector

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

Support or perform First Article Inspection (FAI) activities and AS9102 documentation. * Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming conditions while collaborating with Production, Engineering ...

SQA Services

Composites Inspector

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Perform in-process, final, and first article inspections (AS9102) of aerospace composite parts and assemblies. * Inspect composite materials (i.e., carbon fiber, fiberglass, honeycomb, and bonded ...

Belcan

CNC Machinist II - 2nd Shift

Valencia, CA

$26.78 - $40.14/hr

The machinist will operate CNC equipment, support machine setups, edit programs as needed, adjust machining processes, perform first article/self-inspection, and work from blueprints in a precision ...

S&H Machine, Inc.

Inspector

Burbank, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $40.50/hr

Perform First Article Inspections (FAI) and create reports per AS9102 * Conduct receiving, in-process, and final inspections * Inspect threads, bores, surface finishes, and overall part quality

Belcan

Quality Inspector

Valencia, CA

$25.19 - $35/hr

Generate first article reports per AS9102 * Reconcile and review all final inspection documentation for shipments * Interact with source inspectors and customers as needed * Review customer purchase ...

Verify

Mechanical Inspector

Sylmar, CA

$25 - $30/hr

Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge is required. * Sikorsky CQR or DQR inspection experience is required. * Ideal candidate will ...

Verify

Mechanical Inspector

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge is required. * Sikorsky CQR or DQR inspection experience is required. * Ideal candidate will ...

Belcan

Quality Inspector

Valencia, CA

$25.19 - $35/hr

Generate first article reports per AS9102 * Reconcile and review all final inspection documentation for shipments * Interact with source inspectors and customers as needed * Review customer purchase ...

Verify Inc.

Mechanical Inspector

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge is required. * Sikorsky CQR or DQR inspection experience is required. * Ideal candidate will ...

Belcan

Quality Inspector

Valencia, CA · On-site

$25.19 - $35/hr

Generate first article reports per AS9102 * Reconcile and review all final inspection documentation for shipments * Interact with source inspectors and customers as needed * Review customer purchase ...

K2 Space

Quality Inspector

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Perform rigorous First Article Inspections (FAIRs) of CNC machined and waterjet parts * Follow Inspection Procedures and Work Instructions to inspect large metallic parts using a variety of precision ...

Verify

ElectroMechanical Inspector

Chatsworth, CA

$35/hr

Review and approve First Article Inspections (FAI) and other quality documentation. * Familiarity with AS9102 Rev C, preferred * Identify non-conformances and collaborate with suppliers to resolve

Verify

ElectroMechanical Inspector

Chatsworth, CA

$35/hr

Review and approve First Article Inspections (FAI) and other quality documentation. * Familiarity with AS9102 Rev C, preferred * Identify non-conformances and collaborate with suppliers to resolve

Verify Inc.

ElectroMechanical Inspector

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Review and approve First Article Inspections (FAI) and other quality documentation. * Familiarity with AS9102 Rev C, preferred * Identify non-conformances and collaborate with suppliers to resolve

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All JobsFirst Article Inspector JobsFirst Article Inspector Jobs in Palmdale, CA

First Article Inspector information

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$55

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in Palmdale, CA is $29.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $33.65 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 popular job titles related to First Article Inspector jobs in Palmdale, CA? For First Article Inspector jobs in Palmdale, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Article Inspector jobs in Palmdale, CA look for? The top searched job categories for First Article Inspector jobs in Palmdale, CA are:
What cities near Palmdale, CA are hiring for First Article Inspector jobs? Cities near Palmdale, CA with the most First Article Inspector job openings:
First Article Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Palmdale, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,825 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
First Article Inspector III

First Article Inspector III

B&B MANUFACTURING CO INC

Valencia, CA

$30 - $52.68/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Responsible for performing advanced First Article Inspections, developing and implementing complex inspection methods, and supporting CMM programming activities. This position demonstrates strong technical expertise in precision measurement, GD&T interpretation, and inspection reporting while operating independently on a wide range of products and manufacturing processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Advanced Inspection & Measurement
Perform complex inspections using precision hand tools and measurement equipment with high accuracy and repeatability
Select appropriate inspection methods based on part geometry, tolerances, and customer requirements
Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements to ensure compliance
CMM Programming & Inspection Support
Program, operate, and troubleshoot CMM systems (Hexagon/Manual/DCC) for standard and moderately complex inspections
Develop and modify PC-DMIS inspection routines to support production and First Article requirements
Assist in probe setup, fixture alignment, and measurement validation activities
Support troubleshooting of CMM rejections and dimensional discrepancies through 1st-level problem solving
Inspection Reporting & Documentation
Create and format inspection reports and First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation
Review inspection data for completeness, accuracy, and traceability
Support standardization and consistency of reporting formats and inspection methods
Metrology & Equipment Support
Verify inspection equipment is calibrated and suitable for use prior to inspection activities
Utilize additional inspection technologies including optical comparators, Keyence systems, and scanning equipment as required
Support measurement system validation and equipment maintenance activities
Problem Solving & Process Improvement
Investigate dimensional and feature-related nonconformances and support root cause analysis efforts
Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to resolve inspection issues
Identify opportunities to improve inspection efficiency, repeatability, and workflow consistency
Technical Support & Knowledge Sharing
Provide technical support and guidance to Inspectors Levels 1-2
Share best practices related to inspection methods, programming techniques, and measurement strategy
Assist in onboarding and skill development of junior inspectors

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Minimum 4+ years of inspection/metrology experience
Completed GD&T training course & demonstrates ability to apply all concepts
Experience with PC-DMIS, Keyence, optical comparator, and 3D scanning systems

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - GENERAL ACTIVITIES

RegularlyFrequentlyOccastionallySittingXStandingXWalkingXClimbing/BalancingXReaching - With Arms and HandsXStooping/Kneeling/Crouching/CrawlingXHearingXFeeling/TouchingXNear/Far Visual AcuityX

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - LIFTING REQUIREMENTS

RegularlyFrequentlyOccastionallyLifting/Moving up to 10 lbs XLifting/Moving up to 25lbs XLifting/Moving up to 50 lbs X

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

"B&B Manufacturing Co. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law."

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