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First Article Inspector Jobs in Santa Ana, CA (NOW HIRING)

Freudenberg

First Article Inspector

Baldwin Park, CA

$28/hr

The incumbent is responsible for conducting first article inspections, programming and operating metrology equipment, and generating data that supports product development, process validation, and ...

Motive Companies

First Article Inspectors

Carson, CA · On-site

$38 - $48/hr

First Article Inspector Would you like to elevate aerospace manufacturing through smarter, data-driven quality systems giving you the opportunity to make a direct, measurable impact on mission ...

Motive Companies

First Article Inspectors

Carson, CA

$38 - $48/hr

First Article Inspector Would you like to elevate aerospace manufacturing through smarter, data-driven quality systems giving you the opportunity to make a direct, measurable impact on mission ...

Kilgore Machine Co., Inc.

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Quality Inspector / Aerospace Machine Shop

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Perform First Article Inspections (FAI) , in-process inspections, and final inspections in a job shop environment * Inspect precision aerospace components using a variety of precision measuring ...

Performance Engineered Products

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First Article Quality Inspector - Manufacturing

Pomona, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

... first article report to blueprint and customer requirement. · Reject final product that do not meet customer requirement and inform shift supervisor. · Recommend improvements to the production ...

CCS INC

Technical Inspector

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Experience with machined components in all phases of inspection, including receiving, first article, and final inspection. * 1 year of hands-on experience operating CMM equipment. * Proven experience ...

E F Precision LLC

FINAL INSPECTOR

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

Perform First-Article Inspection * Create new First Article and certification packages for customer shipments. * Perform router review/Surplus job review. * Support calibration initiatives. * Support ...

Ancra Aircraft

Mechanical Inspector

Azusa, CA · On-site

$25/hr

This position performs receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections to verify compliance with AS9100 standards, engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements. The ...

Cole Instrument Corp

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Quality Control Receiving Inspector

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: · Inspect first article, in-process and final machine shop parts, Sub-assembly components and Molding parts. · Inspect outside processing materials. · Inspect and test rotary ...

Banks Power

Quality Inspector

Azusa, CA

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

Rubbercraft

QC Inspector III (1st Shift)

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$29 - $35/hr

Conduct First Article Inspections in accordance with AS9102 * Review documentation to ensure completeness and compliance with company and customer requirements * Inspect finished products per ...

Motive Companies

Inspector

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Create first article inspection (FAI) use AS9102 form, detailed parts manufactured by us, assemblies and sub-assemblies and final deliverable units. Able to perform complex parts inspection use CMM ...

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All JobsFirst Article Inspector JobsFirst Article Inspector Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

First Article Inspector information

See Santa Ana, CA salary details

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How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in Santa Ana, CA is $28.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $32.79 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 Santa Ana, CA? For First Article Inspector jobs in Santa Ana, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Article Inspector jobs in Santa Ana, CA look for? The top searched job categories for First Article Inspector jobs in Santa Ana, CA are:
What cities near Santa Ana, CA are hiring for First Article Inspector jobs? Cities near Santa Ana, CA with the most First Article Inspector job openings:
First Article Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Santa Ana, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,214 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

First Article Inspector

Freudenberg

Baldwin Park, CA

$28/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities:The incumbent is responsible for conducting first article inspections, programming and operating metrology equipment, and generating data that supports product development, process validation, and ongoing manufacturing quality. The successful candidate will have hands-on experience with Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), vision systems, GD&T, and statistical analysis in a manufacturing environment.

  • Able to read/interpret blueprints to identify critical inspections

  • Complete first article inspection reports

  • Program vision systems and inspection equipment (such as CMM) for multiple cavity inspection

  • Capable of verifying and assuring all documentation is current and detailed

Qualifications:

Education/certification:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • 2-year degree or technical school preferred

Experience:

  • 2 years of experience as a metrologyst or similar position

  • Intermediate mathematics proficiency (tolerances calculation)

Expected salary range for this position is $25 to $28 hourly, depending on skills, experience, and qualifications. Compensation will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, experience, education, and alignment with the role's responsibilities.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Freudenberg Medical LLC

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