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First Article Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Article Assembler- Solder

Spring Valley, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or revised drawings * Identifying drawing discrepancies or build issues * Providing feedback to engineering ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or revised drawings * Identifying drawing discrepancies or build issues * Providing feedback to engineering ...

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 ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or revised drawings * Identifying drawing discrepancies or build issues * Providing feedback to engineering ...

First Article Assembler- Solder

Escondido, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or revised drawings * Identifying drawing discrepancies or build issues * Providing feedback to engineering ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or revised drawings * Identifying drawing discrepancies or build issues * Providing feedback to engineering ...

First Article Assembler- Solder

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or revised drawings * Identifying drawing discrepancies or build issues * Providing feedback to engineering ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or revised drawings * Identifying drawing discrepancies or build issues * Providing feedback to engineering ...

Support First Article Assembly (FAI) builds, including: * Building initial units from new or revised drawings * Identifying drawing discrepancies or build issues * Providing feedback to engineering ...

Showing results 41-60

First Article information

See salary details

$18

$48

$78

How much do first article jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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.

More about First Article jobs

What cities are hiring for First Article jobs?

Cities with the most First Article job openings:

What states have the most First Article jobs?

States with the most job openings for First Article jobs include:

Infographic showing various First Article job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,970 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

First Article Intake (FAI) Specialist

Outform Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


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

  • Evaluate die strike samples to ensure accuracy of tooling and production readiness


Job description

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.
Notice $25.00 to $30.00/hour Skills & Requirements Qualifications