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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

First Article Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$14

$31

$59

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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:
CNC Machinist

$32 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Tradesmen International is immediately hiring experienced CNC Machinists for projects located in or around Tacoma, WA. This is a second shift opportunity and the pay range is $32-$40/hour based on experience and skill level.  If you are a Machinist and want to work alongside other proven craftsmen who emphasize safety, productivity and superior craftsmanship, this is your chance to advance your career! 

Job Scope:      

  • Operate both manual and automated machines
  • Work from blueprints and schematics to complete tasks 
  • Set up and operate conventional & CNC Lathes
  • Read and work from blueprints/schematics, ensuring tasks are performed within budget hours
  • Utilize Fanuc and/or Okuma controls for task performance
  • 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 diameters)
  • Perform cutting of various threads (Acme, Square, Stub Acme, LH & RH standard threads, Class 2 & Class 3, etc.)
  • Set up and operate vertical and horizontal mills for both small and large fabricated/cast parts
  • Perform set-ups using knees, angle plates, and parallels
  • Ensure parts are set up in a manner that minimizes warping (Free State setup)
  • Work with 4th Axis (rotary tables) as needed
  • Perform first article inspections and make necessary offset changes
  • Dial in 8" vice & turntable for set-up

Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in the industry.

Our comprehensive benefits include:

  • Tradesmen+ Rewards Program – earn points for hours worked
  • Vacation Pay
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

Tradesmen International is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability

Be Safe” from fraud!  Tradesmen International will never ask you to pay for certifications, equipment, or other “up front”  costs as a condition of hire. Similarly, we do not request pictures of documents or IDs to private phone numbers or email addresses. If in doubt, please call or visit your closest Tradesmen office to verify the request.

Click here to visit Tradesmen’s full website.


US-WA-TACOMA