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

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 · 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

Johnson Service Group

Be Seen First

Quality Engineer/Inspector

Sun Valley, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Supervise First Article Inspection process and submit reports to customers as needed. Complete all tasks in Integrify queue weekly. After final inspection of products, this position has been assigned ...

Senior plc

Inspector A

Burbank, CA · On-site

$52K/yr

Makes inspection layout and first article inspection on machined parts, forgings, stampings, and sheet metal forms for use as reference guides to determine conformance to proper dimensions.

Senior plc

Inspector A

Burbank, CA · On-site

$52K/yr

Makes inspection layout and first article inspection on machined parts, forgings, stampings, and sheet metal forms for use as reference guides to determine conformance to proper dimensions.

Senior plc

Inspector A

Burbank, CA · On-site

$52K/yr

Makes inspection layout and first article inspection on machined parts, forgings, stampings, and sheet metal forms for use as reference guides to determine conformance to proper dimensions.

Ontic

Quality Inspector II

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$32 - $34/hr

Proficient in AS9102 First Article Inspection. DISCUS/Net Inspect * Root Cause and Corrective Action Investigation e.g. Apollo Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, Five Whys, Ishikawa (Fishbone) Diagram, and ...

Ontic

Quality Inspector II

Los Angeles, CA

$32 - $36/hr

Proficient in AS9102 First Article Inspection. DISCUS/Net Inspect * Root Cause and Corrective Action Investigation e.g. Apollo Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, Five Whys, Ishikawa (Fishbone) Diagram, and ...

Ontic

Quality Inspector II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$34/hr

Proficient in AS9102 First Article Inspection. DISCUS/Net Inspect * Root Cause and Corrective Action Investigation e.g. Apollo Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, Five Whys, Ishikawa (Fishbone) Diagram, and ...

Senior plc

Inspector A

Burbank, CA · On-site

$52K/yr

Makes inspection layout and first article inspection on machined parts, forgings, stampings, and sheet metal forms for use as reference guides to determine conformance to proper dimensions.

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

First Article Inspector information

See Palmdale, CA salary details

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How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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.

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 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 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.

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First Article Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Palmdale, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,825 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Quality Inspector

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

The Role 

You will play a critical role in establishing and implementing quality standards at K2 Space from the ground up, overseeing the full quality control process from initial setup through full-scale production of the Mega-class satellite. This role will focus on developing and implementing quality control procedures for structural, electrical, and electro-mechanical components. Collaborating with Engineering, Supply Chain and Production teams, you will fully optimize inspection and quality control processes, drive corrective/preventive action, support AS9100 certification efforts, and support flight missions. 

Responsibilities 

  • 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 measuring tools, including height and bore gauges, pin gauges, calipers, CMMs, etc. 
  • Utilize specialized equipment to perform inspections of power system hardware such as solar modules and battery cells  
  • Perform visual inspections of PCBAs, harnesses, and electro-mechanical assemblies 
  • Document and maintain accurate documentation within the ERP and MES systems 
  • Assist with final walkdown inspections of the fully integrated Mega-class satellite 
  • Support inventory management efforts of incoming hardware and components  

Qualifications 

  • 4+ years of quality inspection experience in an engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, or quality-related field 
  • Experience reading engineering drawings, including GD&T 
  • Proficiency in using precision measuring equipment and techniques 
  • Familiarity with ERP/MES systems for tracking inventory and inspection results 
  • Knowledge of ESD handling procedures and ITAR compliance requirements 
  • Experience with AS9100 or similar quality management systems 
  • Certification in aerospace standards (IPC-610, IPC-620, J-STD-001, NASA-STD-8739.3, NASA-STD-8739.4) 

Nice to Have 

  • Familiarity with CAD and PLM software (NX, Teamcenter or similar CAD and PLM tools) 
  • Proficient in reviewing drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5 
  • Forklift certified or able to get a forklift certification 
  • Experience working in a cleanroom environment 
  • Strong communication skills with ability to describe hardware and systems problems 

Additional Requirements 

  • Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed 
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces 
  • Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted 

 Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $30 - $45 + equity in the company 
  • Compensation will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level 
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 
K2 Space logo

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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