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First Article Jobs (NOW HIRING)

B&B Manufacturing

First Article Inspector III

Valencia, CA · On-site

$30 - $52.68/hr

Responsible for performing advanced First Article Inspections, developing and implementing complex inspection methods, and supporting CMM programming activities. This position demonstrates strong ...

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How much do first article jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article in the United States is $48.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.22 and $55.53 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.

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First Article jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article 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 $100,970 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

First Article Inspection/Quality Engineer

Quest Global

Windsor Locks, CT • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Quest Global rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

242nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

First Article Inspection/Quality Engineer

Windsor Locks, CT, USA

What You Will Do:

  • Prepare the First Article Inspection utilizing software such as DISCUS to balloon the drawing and compile the AS9102C package to release manufacturing to record the actuals associated with this process, gathering all the necessary information required to include in the FAIR package.
  • Deliver the First Article Inspection package to manufacturing to record and verify what’s called out on the engineering drawing. 
  • Compile the actuals and populate them using ballooning software to compile the AS9102C (Forms 1,2, and 3) and create the First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs).
  • Import the First Article Inspection Package to Net Inspect
  • Notify manufacturing and quality of the recorded non-conformances, ensuring that the necessary actions have been taken to prevent recurrence.
  • Compile FAI metrics to present to the leadership team the status and open actions to drive closure.
  • May require inspection of parts during manufacturing using inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, verniers, Go-No Go gauges, radius gauges, comparators, etc., and techniques based on tolerance or work instructions that reference a specific inspection tool.

What You Will Bring:

  • Associate’s degree in manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or the absence of a degree from technical school, or apprenticeship, 2-4 years 
  • Experience in First Article Inspection compile package use of electronic ballooning software per AS9102 requirements.
  • Experience in DISCUS, Net Inspect, and Microsoft Office 
  • Proficient with GD&T
  • Thorough knowledge and experience of AS9100 and EN/AS9102C 
  • Ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels of the organization.

Company Description

Who We Are:
Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor industries.
We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the impossible possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers. As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we’re eager to hear from you.

The achievers and courageous challenge-crushers we seek, have the following characteristics and skills:

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