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

Inspector A

Burbank, CA · On-site

$45K/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.

Inspector A

Burbank, CA · On-site

$45K/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.

Previous experience performing and/or evaluating First Article Inspections * Previous experience with blueprint reading * Previous experience in Root Cause analysis and Corrective Action/Preventative ...

Previous experience performing and/or evaluating First Article Inspections * Previous experience with blueprint reading * Previous experience in Root Cause analysis and Corrective Action/Preventative ...

Quality Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Perform First Article Inspections (FAI), in-process inspections, and final product verification. * Analyze quality data and trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. * Participate ...

Perform First Article Inspections (FAI), in-process inspections, and final product verification. * Analyze quality data and trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. * Participate ...

Support First Article Inspection (AS9102) activities and product validation. * Review engineering drawings, specifications, and GD amp;T requirements to ensure manufacturing compliance. * Participate ...

Quality Engineer

Lake View Terrace, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Support First Article Inspection (AS9102) activities and product validation. * Review engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements to ensure manufacturing compliance. * Participate in ...

Lead and approve First Article Inspections (FAI) in compliance with AS9102 requirements, including customer submissions through portals such as Net-Inspect. * Develop and maintain inspection plans ...

Lead and approve First Article Inspections (FAI) in compliance with AS9102 requirements, including customer submissions through portals such as Net-Inspect. * Develop and maintain inspection plans ...

Lead and approve First Article Inspections (FAI) in compliance with AS9102 requirements, including customer submissions through portals such as Net-Inspect. * Develop and maintain inspection plans ...

Quality Inspector I

Valencia, CA · On-site

$21.18 - $25.42/hr

Execute formal first article reports to AS9102 standards. Review ATP for accuracy and completeness ... Inspection Basic components Material and thread finishes Physical Demands and Work Environment ...

Quality Inspector

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$34 - $40/hr

Own and execute receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections to ensure compliance with engineering specifications, GD&T, and customer requirements. * Perform inspection activities ...

Showing results 41-60

First Article Inspector information

See Palmdale, CA salary details

$13

$29

$55

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 Palmdale, CA?

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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:

Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Palmdale, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,825 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

$45K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Who is Senior plc?
Senior plc is an international, market-leading, engineering solutions provider with 19 operating businesses in 11 countries. Traded on the London Stock Exchange, Senior designs and manufactures high-technology components and systems for the worldwide aerospace, defense, land vehicle and power & energy markets.
Senior Aerospace SSP, a division of Senior plc, is the world's largest aerospace high-pressure ducting system supplier. Starting as 'Stainless Steel Products' in 1945, and acquired by Senior plc in 1995, we are vertically integrated with our own foundry, fabrication shop, and ISO-certified engineering lab, allowing us to design, manufacture, and qualify complex ducting systems for space launch, defense, and commercial aerospace applications worldwide.
Why join SSP?
Senior Aerospace SSP is the recognized global leader in high-pressure bleed air ducting systems. We provide "total resource" system solutions for complex ducting requirements, with our components found on most aircraft operating worldwide.
We are committed to the highest standards of ethics, safety, quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement. At SSP, we believe in building strong relationships with our customers, suppliers, and most importantly, our employees. We foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment with ample opportunities for professional growth. Join us and find your future in a company that values innovation and integrity.
Job Description
Summary- This occupation requires inspecting all types of assemblies, sub-assemblies, final assemblies, and installations of machine parts, forgings, stampings, sheet metal forming for proper material, quality, machining dimensions and functional usability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Under general supervision, must be able to perform a variety of job duties including, but not limited to:
  • 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.
  • Inspects all types of assemblies, sub-assemblies, final assemblies and installations.
  • Records all inspection data and fills out all acceptance test procedures.
  • Re-inspects all rework to meet requirements.
  • Makes progressive and final inspection of components involving numerous precision tolerances dimension and angles that must be inspected by precision measuring instruments where no inspection jigs and/ or fixtures are available.
  • Stamps or otherwise approves acceptable parts and prepares paperwork as required.
  • Orders rejections and rework.
  • Makes out rejection tags, inspection rework sheets, and properly records all data to quality control procedure.
  • Informs supervisor of all rejections.
  • Sets up and operates precision measuring instruments and gauges and all general inspection of equipment.
  • Assists and instructs lower rated personnel in all phases of quality control operations.
  • Performs re-inspection or other duties where work operations are essentially the same or of a less difficult nature.
  • Follow all Senior policies and procedure.
  • Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the above, Inspectors are to maintain an organized, clean and safe work area using safety standards and expectations while adhering to all quality practices. Senior is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Qualifications
Education and/or Experience:
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree; and 3-5 years of related experience and/ or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Information
Annual Target Salary = $45,760.00
Monday - Friday 2nd Shift 2:00pm -
Joining our team will provide you with a rewarding career with a tight-knit and collaborative team. You will also enjoy a competitive compensation package that includes a market-led base salary, comprehensive benefits package along with wellness benefits, matching 401K plan and paid time off. Apply today for an opportunity to join our team!
Trade Compliance Statement Access to our facilities is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, U.S. Nationals, U.S. refugees, asylees, or temporary residents under amnesty provisions ), and to properly licensed foreign persons. Applicants receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to provide information to determine whether they are subject to these regulations and, if so, to assess their country of chargeability for export control purposes. Additionally, potential employee names will be screened against the Consolidated Screening List (maintained by the United States government) to determine eligibility to receive controlled technical data.
To ensure there is no unexpected delay to your start date with our Company and due to the potential need to obtain an export license, we would like to promptly assess whether such a license is needed to access our facility and/or systems. Such licenses can take several weeks/months to obtain from the U.S. Government. Our Trade Compliance department may reach out to you with a Licensing Assessment form, which we request you kindly complete and return as soon as possible.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. EOE M/F/D/V/VEVRAA Federal Contractor