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First Article Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Article Technician

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

$24.61 - $36.91/hr

This role is responsible for generating AS9102-compliant First Article Inspection (FAI) packages, reviewing engineering documentation, and supporting inspection processes to ensure compliance with ...

Crate Builder

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Duties/Responsibilities of First Article Inspector: * Follows manufacturing plans and inspection procedures to report product status accurately. * Uses sampling plans to establish product acceptance ...

Crate Builder

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Duties/Responsibilities of First Article Inspector: * Follows manufacturing plans and inspection procedures to report product status accurately. * Uses sampling plans to establish product acceptance ...

Quality Inspector

Denver, CO · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Temporary Quality Inspector - First Article Inspection (FAI) Position Summary We are seeking a detail-oriented Temporary (3-6 months) Quality Inspector to support our Quality team with First Article ...

Crate Builder

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Duties/Responsibilities of First Article Inspector: * Follows manufacturing plans and inspection procedures to report product status accurately. * Uses sampling plans to establish product acceptance ...

Be Seen First

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 ...

Sr Layout Inspector

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$33.65 - $43.26/hr

Conduct complex layout inspections and first article inspections on precision parts to ensure compliance with specifications, blueprints, and customer requirements. * Use various inspection tools and ...

SUMMARY The Quality Inspector I performs first article, in-process, and final inspections of machined, fabricated, and assembled aerospace components. This role ensures all parts meet customer ...

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First Article Inspector information

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$12

$27

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How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $31.49 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.

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First Article Inspector - Night Shift

CMI Group Aerospace & Defense

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

First Article Dimensional Inspector: Night Shift Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing20% Night Shift Differential PayLocation: North Phoenix - 2688 E Rose Garden Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85050Shift: Night Shift Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship or Valid Permanent Resident status is required.Requirements:Minimum 5 years Aerospace experience with First Article/First Piece InspectionStrong Hexagon operational CMM experience requiredExperience with dial bore gages, Mueller gages, indicator mics, Sunnen gages etc. Must be very knowledgeable of GD&TExperience in fast Paced Environment Self-starter and team orientedPhysical Requirements:Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and sit or stand up to 8 hours per dayDue to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship or Valid Permanent Resident status is required.Team oriented company with top paying wages and benefits in the valley in regards to the Aerospace Industry. To qualify for consideration, all candidates must be able to work 40+ hours per week in a fast paced, high-demand, quality environment. All candidates must also have sufficient verbal and written communication skills as well as good problem solving skills.CMI Group is equal opportunity employer providing competitive wages and benefits. Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance available. 401(k) with company matchCMI Group is a federal subcontractor and maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Arizona Revised Statutes § 23-493. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.This is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant due to age, race, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, gender or any other protected classification. VEVRAA federal subcontractor. This company provides provide equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws including:The Civil Rights Act of 1964 as AmendedAge Discrimination Act of 1967 as AmendedRehabilitation Act of 1973Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2009 (ADAAA)The Wagner-Peyser Act as Amended.The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity ActFair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq