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First Article Inspector Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Prepare tooling and conduct first article inspections, making required offset changes to complete set-ups * Dial in a four-jaw chuck and utilize experience in thread cutting (major, minor, pitch ...

Prepare tooling and conduct first article inspections, making required offset changes to complete set-ups * Dial in a four-jaw chuck and utilize experience in thread cutting (major, minor, pitch ...

CNC Machinist

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Prepare tooling and conduct first article inspections, making required offset changes to complete set-ups * Dial in a four-jaw chuck and utilize experience in thread cutting (major, minor, pitch ...

Dimensional Inspector D

Redmond, WA · On-site

$30.04 - $56/hr

Completing first article inspections (FAIs) * Checking parts on a surface plate using manual approaches with measuring equipment * Operating CMM, optical comparator and vision systems to ensure ...

Quality Inspector III

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Visual inspection of product according to customer requirements * Inspect and or test in-process ... Learn and assist with dimensional verification of PPAP and 1st article parts * Create internal ...

Quality Technician

Renton, WA · On-site

$29 - $37/hr

Complete First Article Inspections (FAIs) and associated documentation, preferably using Net-Inspect/NetSpect. * Acquire and maintain supporting documentation for orders. * Other duties as assigned.

First article inspections * Process Inspections * Final part inspections * Non-conformance reports * Provides backup support for Lead Quality Inspector * Provides support to Quality Assurance Manager ...

Review First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) * Manage nonconforming materials and quality documentation * Approve purchase orders and support new product launches * Conduct internal quality and ...

Quality Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) activities per customer requirements including AS9102 Rev B * Manage post-processing quality controls: HIP, heat treatment, surface finishing, and NDT (CT scanning ...

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First Article Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

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How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in Seattle, WA is $31.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $35.82 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 Seattle, WA? For First Article Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Article Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for First Article Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Quality Inspector-PCBA-2nd shift, Amazon Leo

Quality Inspector-PCBA-2nd shift, Amazon Leo

Amazon

Everett, WA

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,959 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite broadband network. Its mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet to customers and communities around the world, and we've designed the system with the capacity, flexibility, and performance to serve a wide range of customers, from individual households to schools, hospitals, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.
Export Control Requirement:
Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S

permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Candidates must be 18 years or older with the ability to understand and adhere to all job requirements and safety guidelines.
Estimated shift times are:
Monday - Friday, 3:00pm - 11:30pm
Key job responsibilities
The Quality Inspector of PCBA will operate advanced equipment to ensure product conformance for highly-complex aerospace grade hardware.
- Perform Receiving Inspection activity inspecting PCB, PCBA hardware to IPC 610 and J-Std / Space addendum
- Report nonconformances when defective material is found.
- Develop and lead 5S activities around the Quality area(s) to ensure efficient working areas.
- Read Inspection Plans and Work Instructions to perform quality inspections
- Read engineering blueprints and drawings to the ASME Y14.5 standard to GD&T
- Perform Critical in-process and final inspections assembled product.
- Complete First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) to the requirements of AS9102
A day in the life
This role will work daily to:
- Execute inspection plans for a wide variety of received hardware, utilizing a wide range of equipment


- Perform and complete FAIs to AS9102 and present package to engineering for sign off.
- Inspect and buy off rework/repair activities
- Investigate hardware for defects, and create nonconformance reports for discrepant hardware
This individual will consistently coordinate with quality, manufacturing, and engineering to understand and inspect part requirements, and report defects.
This position will work a 5x8 schedule, Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM on 2st Shift
About the team
The Amazon Leo Manufacturing Quality team is driven to develop an Amazon Leo Quality System that is capable of scaling aerospace quality to volume and cost levels to meet end customer needs. This position will join the team at an exciting moment, with an opportunity to own quality system development and contribute to the design of requirements, processes, and systems used across the business

We value data driven decision making, a comfort with dealing in ambiguous situations across multiple projects, and an ability to earn trust of various stakeholders to deliver high quality results.


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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US