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

Quality Inspector 2

Everett, WA

$37.80K - $59.40K/yr

Summary of Duties: • Performs first article inspection (FAI) of newly designed or revised products. • Inspection of incoming products to ensure proper paperwork is received and parts conform to ...

Quality Inspector

Renton, WA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Perform AS9102 based First Article Inspections * Perform other duties as assigned Requirements: Required Knowledge and Skills: * Must be able to read and interpret engineering drawings and ...

Quality Inspector

Renton, WA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Perform AS9102 based First Article Inspections * Perform other duties as assigned Requirements Required Knowledge and Skills: * Must be able to read and interpret engineering drawings and ...

CMM Programmer

Fife, WA · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Perform First Article Inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 and customer requirements. * Use conventional inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges) as required.

Quality Inspector 3

Everett, WA · On-site

$28.40 - $36.30/hr

Assures products meet quality requirements by conducting receiving inspections, first article inspection; in-process inspection; evaluating finished product by performing the following duties.

Quality Inspector 3

Everett, WA · On-site

$28.40 - $36.30/hr

Assures products meet quality requirements by conducting receiving inspections, first article inspection; in-process inspection; evaluating finished product by performing the following duties.

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First Article Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$14

$31

$59

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 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.

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of First Article Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of First Article Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA are:
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:
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Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Seattle, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $64,759 per year, or $31.1 per hour.
Electrical Shop Quality Inspector

Electrical Shop Quality Inspector

Karman Space & Defense

Mukilteo, WA • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Karman Space & Defense rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SUMMARY

Provides inspection support for all activities within the Systima Electrical Shop. Inspects to the requirements of Systima’s engineering documentation, and IPC-610/620 where applicable. Ensures that traceability and documentation is commensurate with job requirements. Reviews planning submitted to Electrical Shop. Also supports Quality related workflows through the Electrical Shop as required by Systima’s Quality Management System and AS9100. Reports to the Quality Manager.

ABOUT US

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.


COMPENSATION & BENEFITS


  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement*


WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Inspects hardware from Systima Electrical Shop to ensure quality, drawing, and specification requirements are met
  • Ensures that materials are stored, handled, and tracked appropriately per requirements
  • Ensures manufacturing and inspection documentation is created and recorded appropriately
  • Ensures that non-conformances are documented appropriately
  • Generates AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports where required
  • Supports quality and regulatory audits of the Electrical Shop
  • Initiates and supports Corrective Actions and investigations where applicable
  • Works with Design, Manufacturing, and Quality Engineers for new product and process definition

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

  • Required Education: HS Diploma
  • Preferred Education: AA in related field
  • Inspection experience in soldering and/or wire harness manufacturing
  • Working experience in an AS9100 or ISO9001 compliant manufacturing environment
  • Previous certification in IPC-610/620 or J-STD desirable
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must hold or be able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance



EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.