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First Article Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CMI Group Aerospace & Defense

FAI / CMM Inspector

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$24.25 - $31.25/hr

First Article Inspector / CMM Inspector - Day Shift Position Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Location: 1515 W 17th St, Tempe, AZ 85281 Shift options: Day Shift (Monday - Friday) CMM experience is ...

CMI Group Aerospace & Defense

FAI / CMM Inspector

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$24.25 - $31.25/hr

First Article Inspector / CMM Inspector - Day Shift PositionAerospace & Defense ManufacturingLocation: 1515 W 17th St, Tempe, AZ 85281Shift options: Day Shift (Monday - Friday)CMM experience is ...

TBest Services, Inc.

Quality Inspector

Reisterstown, MD · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Complete AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports * Develop inspection plans and reports * Review certifications and manufacturing documentation * Maintain traceability for materials and special ...

Tbest Services inc

Quality Inspector

Reisterstown, MD · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Complete AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports * Develop inspection plans and reports * Review certifications and manufacturing documentation * Maintain traceability for materials and special ...

ABC Sheet Metal

Be Seen First

Aerospace Quality Inspector - FARO Arm

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$35 - $43/hr

Perform receiving, in-process, first article, layout, and final inspections * Inspect precision sheet metal, machined, formed, welded, fabricated, and assembled aerospace components * Operate FARO ...

New

Aerotek

Quality Inspector

Maize, KS · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Perform first article inspections using 3D arm, laser tracker, and conventional inspection tools to verify part conformity. * Conduct production first part checks to confirm setup accuracy and ...

Aerotek

Quality Inspector

Maize, KS

$25 - $30/hr

Perform first article inspections using 3D arm, laser tracker, and conventional inspection tools to verify part conformity. * Conduct production first part checks to confirm setup accuracy and ...

Aerotek

Quality Inspector

Maize, KS

$25 - $30/hr

Perform first article inspections using 3D arm, laser tracker, and conventional inspection tools to verify part conformity. * Conduct production first part checks to confirm setup accuracy and ...

Aerotek

Quality Inspector

Maize, KS

$25 - $30/hr

Perform first article inspections using 3D arm, laser tracker, and conventional inspection tools to verify part conformity. * Conduct production first part checks to confirm setup accuracy and ...

Lanic Aerospace

Quality Inspector

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$18 - $55/hr

Experience in First Article Inspection (FAI utilizing AS9102 inspection forms) Proficient in using precision inspection equipment, such as calipers, micrometers, various gauges, CMM/,Faro or Romer ...

NCW

Quality Control Inspector 1st Shift

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Perform first article inspections (FAI) and complete all required documentation * Conduct in-process and final inspections on machined components * Perform layout inspections using surface plate ...

Projects Inc.

Quality Inspector

Glastonbury, CT

Conduct first article, in-process, and final inspections. * Utilize precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, gauges, and specialized inspection tools. * Read and interpret ...

Projects Inc

Quality Inspector

Glastonbury, CT · On-site

Conduct first article, in-process, and final inspections. * Utilize precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, gauges, and specialized inspection tools. * Read and interpret ...

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 ...

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First Article Inspector information

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$12

$27

$52

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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.

What is a first article inspector?

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 as a first article inspector?

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.

How to do a first article inspection?

A First Article Inspection (FAI) for a First Article Inspector involves thoroughly examining the initial produced part against engineering drawings and specifications, checking dimensions, materials, and workmanship. The inspector documents findings, compares measurements with tolerances, and verifies compliance before approving the part for production. Familiarity with inspection tools like calipers, gauges, and measurement software is essential, along with understanding quality standards such as AS9102 or ISO 9001.

What does a First Article Inspector do?

A First Article Inspector examines the initial production sample of a part or product to ensure it meets design specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements. They perform detailed inspections using measurement tools and document findings, often working closely with manufacturing and quality assurance teams to approve or reject the first article before full production begins.
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First Article Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

First Article Intake (FAI) Specialist

Outform Group, Inc.

Chicago, IL

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

$25.00 to $30.00/hour

JOB SUMMARY

The First Article Intake Specialist is responsible for evaluating and approving first article samples and die strike components to ensure compliance with customer specifications, engineering drawings, quality standards, and manufacturing requirements. This role serves as a critical quality gate within the production process, verifying that tooling, materials, dimensions, finishes, and assembly methods meet all requirements before full-scale production is authorized.

DIRECT REPORTS

  • None

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

Maintain a strong focus on timeliness and quality, ensuring all first articles are approved in an efficient and timely manner to avoid any delays or negative impact on production schedules.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Review and approve first article samples prior to full production run
  • Verify dimensions, materials, finishes, colors, graphics, and assembly requirements against engineering drawings and customer specifications.
  • Identify non-conformances and coordinate corrective actions with production, engineering, and project teams.
  • Evaluate die strike samples to ensure accuracy of tooling and production readiness.
  • Verify cut lines, scoring, perforations, folds, and overall structural integrity.
  • Confirm die strikes align with approved artwork, specifications, and production requirements.
  • Approve or reject die strike samples and communicate required revisions.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to resolve issues
  • Attend all required Milestone meetings (M4/M5)

KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)

  • Manufacturing Manager
  • Finishing Manager
  • Director of Quality
  • Structural Design Manager
  • Production Project Managers
  • Design Team

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

  • Complete first article inspections and approvals within 24 hours of sample receipt
  • Track and manage Idle Press Time Rate
  • Track and manage FAI Approval Rate

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree preferred.
  • Direct experience in quality inspection, manufacturing, packaging, retail display production, printing, or related industries.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
  • Experience using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, rulers, gauges, and templates.
  • Strong organizational and documentation skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Experience with retail displays, POP/POS manufacturing, corrugated packaging, or fixture production.
  • Knowledge of quality management systems and inspection methodologies.
  • Familiarity with die-cutting processes, tooling approvals, and first article inspection procedures.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Bilingual in English + Spanish preferred.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • Attention to Detail
  • Quality Focus
  • Technical Aptitude
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication Skills
  • Time Management
  • Process Improvement Mindset
  • Team Collaboration

#LI-Onsite

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Working conditions are in a normal office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, and stand, using hands to handle, finger, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel. The employee must occasionally exert or lift up to 20 pounds. Successful performance requires good eyesight with or without corrective lenses. Requires long periods of time working at a computer and includes phone work.

DISCLAIMER

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.