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First Article Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Snap-on Inc

Quality Technician

Rowland Heights, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

The Quality Technician is responsible for performing receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections to ensure raw materials, components, subassemblies, and finished products meet ...

Watlow

Technician I

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Technician I - First Article Inspection (FAI) Shift / Schedule Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM Position Summary This is a technical, individual contributor role focused on First Article ...

watlow

Technician I

Saint Louis, MO

Technician I - First Article Inspection (FAI)Shift / Schedule Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM Position Summary This is a technical, individual contributor role focused on First Article ...

watlow

Technician I

Saint Louis, MO

Technician I - First Article Inspection (FAI)Shift / Schedule Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM Position Summary This is a technical, individual contributor role focused on First Article ...

watlow

Technician I

Saint Louis, MO

Technician I - First Article Inspection (FAI)Shift / Schedule Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM Position Summary This is a technical, individual contributor role focused on First Article ...

watlow

Technician I

Saint Louis, MO

Technician I - First Article Inspection (FAI)Shift / Schedule Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM Position Summary This is a technical, individual contributor role focused on First Article ...

Durex Industries

Quality Technician (1st shift)

Cary, IL · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Quality Technician (1st shift) Composed of Chromalox, DurexIndustries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax ... Complete and document First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with customer requirements and ...

Kenson Plastics Inc

Production Technician

Beaver Falls, PA · On-site

$22.27 - $29.22/hr

... First Article Inspections. When required, the Production Technician shall work with qualified ... Machinists and Quality Technicians when set ups require CNC programming or 3D scanning as these ...

Actalent

Quality Technician

Horsham, PA · On-site

$38K - $56K/yr

Quality Technician Hours: 3:30PM - 12:00AM The Quality Technician performs inspections and quality ... Support first article inspections and setup approvals to ensure new or revised processes meet ...

ACET, Inc.

Quality Control Manager

Havelock, NC · On-site

$60K - $68K/yr

Ensure fabrication technicians follow approved routings, work instructions, and quality requirements First Article Inspection (FAI) * Perform First Article Inspections in accordance with AS9102

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First Article Technician information

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles such as senior editors, media directors, or content strategists can earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Technical roles like media technology managers or digital project directors may also reach this salary level, often requiring specialized knowledge of industry tools and certifications.

What were common jobs in the 1920s?

First Article Technicians in the 1920s typically worked in manufacturing or industrial settings, often assembling or inspecting products on assembly lines. Common jobs during that era included factory work, clerical positions, and skilled trades such as machinists and electricians, with many workers using basic tools and manual skills. The period also saw a rise in office jobs and service industry roles as urbanization increased.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Article Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Article Technician, you need a solid background in mechanical inspection, blueprint reading, and quality control, often supported by a technical diploma or equivalent experience. Familiarity with precision measurement tools, coordinate measuring machines (CMM), and quality management systems like AS9102 is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate verification of parts, compliance with specifications, and effective collaboration with production and engineering teams.

What are First Article Technicians?

First Article Technicians are skilled professionals responsible for inspecting, testing, and verifying the initial production run of a new or revised product, known as the 'first article.' Their main duty is to ensure that the manufactured item meets all design specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements before mass production begins. They use various measuring tools and testing equipment to perform detailed inspections, document their findings, and often collaborate with engineering and quality teams to resolve any discrepancies. This role is crucial in preventing defects and ensuring consistent product quality throughout the production process.

What are some common challenges faced by First Article Technicians during the inspection process?

First Article Technicians often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex engineering drawings, ensuring precise measurement of components, and communicating discrepancies to both production and quality teams. They must work meticulously to identify any deviations from specifications, which requires a strong attention to detail and thorough documentation. Collaborating effectively with engineers and operators is vital to resolve issues quickly and maintain production schedules.

What is the difference between First Article Technician vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectFirst Article TechnicianQuality Control Inspector
CertificationsOften requires manufacturing or technical certificationsTypically requires quality assurance or inspection certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks closely with production teams during initial product setupInspects finished products for defects and compliance
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive industriesUsed across manufacturing, electronics, and consumer goods sectors

While both roles focus on ensuring product quality, the First Article Technician primarily verifies the initial production run to ensure specifications are met, whereas the Quality Control Inspector conducts ongoing inspections of finished products to maintain quality standards.

What is the highest paying job in manufacturing?

In manufacturing, roles such as manufacturing plant managers, industrial engineers, and automation engineers tend to be among the highest paying positions. These jobs often require specialized skills, certifications, and experience, and can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level positions like first article technicians.

What qualifications do you need for a technician?

First Article Technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or certification related to their field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, manual dexterity, and familiarity with tools and equipment used in the job. Some positions may require prior experience or specialized certifications depending on the industry and specific responsibilities.
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What job categories do people searching First Article Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Article Technician jobs are:
Infographic showing various First Article Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution.
Quality Technician

Quality Technician

Snap-on Inc

Rowland Heights, CA • On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Snap-on rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

252nd of 433 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Overview
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Quality Technician is responsible for performing receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections to ensure raw materials, components, subassemblies, and finished products meet engineering specifications, customer requirements, and company quality standards. This position supports the Quality Management System (QMS) by conducting inspections, documenting results, identifying nonconformances, and assisting in corrective action activities in accordance with ISO requirements and established quality procedures.
The Quality Technician works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, and Production personnel to maintain product quality, improve processes, reduce defects, and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, customer, and company standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following statements describe the general nature and scope of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or tasks, as additional duties may be assigned. This description outlines the minimum qualifications required for entry into the position and may not reflect the full range of qualifications held by current incumbents. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Perform receiving inspections of incoming materials, components, and purchased parts to verify conformance to specifications, drawings, and purchase order requirements.
  • Conduct in-process inspections throughout manufacturing operations to ensure products meet quality standards and process requirements.
  • Perform final inspections of completed products prior to shipment to verify compliance with customer specifications and company quality requirements.
  • Conduct First Article Inspections (FAI) on new products, engineering changes, or revised manufacturing processes.
  • Review engineering drawings, specifications, bills of materials, work instructions, and quality plans to determine inspection requirements.
  • Utilize precision measuring instruments and inspection equipment to verify dimensions, tolerances, and product characteristics.
  • Document inspection results and maintain accurate quality records in accordance with company procedures and ISO requirements.
  • Identify, document, and report nonconforming materials and products and assist with containment activities.
  • Participate in root cause investigations and corrective and preventive action activities.
  • Assist in monitoring supplier quality issues and communicate discrepancies to Purchasing and Quality management.
  • Support internal and external audits as required.
  • Verify traceability and proper identification of materials and products throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Assist in maintaining calibration records and ensuring inspection equipment remains within calibration requirements.
  • Promote continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and waste reduction.
  • Follow all company safety policies and participate in 6S and continuous improvement activities.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree in Quality, Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 2 years of quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience performing receiving, in-process, final, and first article inspections.
  • Experience working within an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing environment preferred.
  • ASQ Quality Technician (CQT) certification or other quality-related certifications are a plus.
  • Strong knowledge of quality inspection techniques and manufacturing quality systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, geometric dimensions and tolerances (GD&T), specifications, and work instructions.
  • Proficient in the use of precision measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, thread gauges, pin gauges, and related inspection equipment.
  • Knowledge of receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspection methodologies.
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management system requirements and documentation practices.
  • Ability to identify product defects, nonconformances, process deviations and accurately document findings.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate inspection records.
  • Experience with nonconformance reporting (NCR), corrective action processes, and root cause analysis techniques.
  • Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and sampling plans preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and quality data entry systems.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective verbal and written English communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
  • Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists and recommend and implement resolution. Develop standards as needed, manage processes, analyze information, and problem solving and decision making. Analyzing information and process improvement is a must as well as attention to detail.
  • Highly motivated, high energy with the ability to both works independently and with the team

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