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First Article Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Quality Technician

Hatfield, PA

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Inspect Incoming First Article samples and complete inspection report * Generate Customer First Article and change request documents and submit them to customer or onto customer web-portal. Follow-up ...

Quality Technician

Hatfield, PA

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Inspect Incoming First Article samples and complete inspection report * Generate Customer First Article and change request documents and submit them to customer or onto customer web-portal. Follow-up ...

Quality Technician

Hatfield, PA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Inspect Incoming First Article samples and complete inspection report * Generate Customer First Article and change request documents and submit them to customer or onto customer web-portal. Follow-up ...

Quality Control Manager

West Chester, PA · On-site

$32.75 - $48/hr

Production Support: work directly with machinists/operators, review first article inspections, lead root cause investigations, resolve production quality issues * Auditing & Continuous Improvement ...

Quality Engineer

Northampton, PA · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

First Article Inspections * First-piece inspections * In-process inspections to support operator self-checks * Final inspections on high-risk or previously rejected weldments * Define and update weld ...

QUALITY INSPECTOR III

Willow Grove, PA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Quality Control Inspector - Level III Summary The Level III Inspector is responsible for performing complex first article, in-process, and final inspections to ensure that precision machined ...

Swiss CNC Programmer

New Kensington, PA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform First Article Inspections (FAI) and in-process monitoring using CMMs, vision systems, and manual metrology tools. * Able to diagnose repair and perform mechanical troubleshooting Requirements

Supplier Manufacturing Engineer

Cheswick, PA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Expect up to ~50% travel for on-site supplier evaluations, capacity assessments, process audits, and first-article/readiness reviews . You'll act as the primary manufacturing engineering liaison to ...

Supplier Manufacturing Engineer

Cheswick, PA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Expect up to ~50% travel for on-site supplier evaluations, capacity assessments, process audits, and first-article/readiness reviews . You'll act as the primary manufacturing engineering liaison to ...

Quality Inspector

Erie, PA · On-site

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Conduct first article, in-process, and final inspections to maintain production quality. * Candidate will visually inspect approximately 800 parts per hour. * Use of precision measuring devices to ...

Showing results 21-40

First Article information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$19

$48

$78

How much do first article jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article in Pennsylvania is $48.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.32 and $55.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first article?

A First Article job refers to the initial production run of a part or assembly used to verify that manufacturing processes meet design specifications. It typically involves a First Article Inspection (FAI), where dimensions, materials, and other critical features are reviewed against engineering requirements. This process ensures that the production setup is correct before full-scale manufacturing begins. First Article jobs are common in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, where precision and compliance are crucial.

What does a first article inspector do?

First Article Inspectors are responsible for verifying that the first item produced in a manufacturing run meets all required specifications and standards. Each day, you can expect to review engineering drawings, conduct precise measurements using specialized tools, and document inspection results in detailed reports. You may also coordinate with engineers, machinists, and production managers to resolve any discrepancies and provide feedback for process improvements. This role is vital for maintaining quality assurance and establishing a benchmark for the rest of the production run.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the first article position?

To thrive as a First Article Inspector, you need a strong background in quality control, blueprint reading, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by experience in a similar production or inspection environment. Familiarity with measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, CMM machines, and quality management systems (QMS) like ISO 9001 is essential. Excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help inspectors collaborate with production teams and document results accurately. These skills are critical to ensure that initial production samples meet all specifications, preventing costly errors in mass production.

What job categories do people searching First Article jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for First Article jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for First Article jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most First Article job openings:

Infographic showing various First Article job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,212 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Metal Finishing Process Engineer

Erie Plating Company

Erie, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Summary of Position:
The Metal Finishing Process Engineer creates and implements processes and quality assurance methods
to achieve customer requirements in an efficient and effective manner. The successful Process Engineer provides leadership and technical guidance to all associates through development, implementation, training, and improvement of world-class processing methods.
Essential Functions:
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Research, design, document, and communicate processes through ERP planning for metal finishing production to set up production personnel for successful
  • Perform specification reviews to ensure process procedures are current and compliant with customer requirements
  • Ensure continuous improvement by overseeing the implementation of new processes and
  • Investigate and troubleshoot problems and challenges that arise with finishing processes and procedures.
  • Consult with and provide technical support to Sales, Production, Quality Assurance, and Customers on new product requirements
  • Issue First Article processing instructions and initiate First Article processing and
  • Write technical reports, documents, procedures, and process instructions, as necessary
  • Participate and/or lead Nadcap internal and external audits, focusing on technical compliance
  • Troubleshoot plating and processing non-conformances through technical research, expertise, and design of experiments (DoE), with a focus on advising team members to improve overall company knowledge
  • Assist in justification, planning, and lay out of equipment, machinery, and workstations to achieve the most efficient and economical flow of work within the Pl
  • Recommend enhancements to existing equipment (or new purchases) that will increase process effectiveness and/or operating efficiencies.
  • Conducting training sessions to help associates understand the processes and procedures at Erie
  • Promote quality standards and a safe working environment.
  • Review technical publications, articles, and abstracts to stay abreast of technical developments in metal
  • Commit to self-development and mastering your craft, including pursuing a CEF certification to help Erie Plating Company reach the goal of becoming a world-class learning organization.

Experience:
  • Proven experience in process engineering/development within a manufacturing environment
  • Working knowledge of metal finishing principles, practices, and specifications
  • Experience with lean operations concepts
  • Working knowledge of mechanical blueprint reading
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to implement continuous improvement initiatives
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Requirements:
  • Understand the requirements of Erie Plating Company quality system registrations and accreditations. Those include ISO 900I:2015 and Nadcap.
  • Apply the quality system requirements as appropriate for assigned areas of responsibility.

Use continuous improvement tools and data analysis to reach quality objectives and foster an
environment of continuous improvement.
Education:
High school diploma or GED; five to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficiency with computer and information technology. An experienced leader with metal finishing experience.