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First Article Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quality Technician

Owings Mills, MD ยท On-site

$25.50 - $29.50/hr

POSITION OVERVIEW As our Quality Technician , this individual will report to our Quality Assurance Manager and will perform quality control inspections (first article, incoming, in-process and final ...

Document Control Specialist

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$79K - $135K/yr

The First Article Specialist is responsible for managing and executing the First Article Inspection (FAI) process to ensure compliance with customer, industry, and internal quality standards. This ...

Document Control Specialist

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$79K - $135K/yr

The First Article Specialist is responsible for managing and executing the First Article Inspection (FAI) process to ensure compliance with customer, industry, and internal quality standards. This ...

Quality Inspector

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Temporary Quality Inspector - First Article Inspection (FAI) Position Summary We are seeking a detail-oriented Temporary (3-6 months) Quality Inspector to support our Quality team with First Article ...

Sr Layout Inspector

Waterbury, CT ยท On-site

$33.65 - $43.26/hr

Conduct complex layout inspections and first article inspections on precision parts to ensure compliance with specifications, blueprints, and customer requirements. * Use various inspection tools and ...

CNC Machinist III *1st Shift*

Paramount, CA ยท On-site

$37.25 - $41/hr

Inspect 1st article parts that do not require CMM, GOM, VeriSerf layout Additional Responsibilities: * Other duties as assigned Qualifications: * Must be able to comply with ITAR and EAR residency ...

Quality Control Manager

Havelock, NC ยท On-site

$60K - $68K/yr

Perform First Article Inspections in accordance with AS9102 * Complete AS9102 Forms 1, 2, and 3 (or customer-approved equivalents) * Verify materials, processes, and dimensional conformity * Re ...

Ensure supplier First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) completeness * Ensure completeness of CoC's and material certifications per drawing * Visual inspection of products * Basic Dimensional ...

Conduct first article inspections on simple parts to ensure conformance to tolerances and visual standards. * Prepare First Article Inspection (FAI) and Quality Control Special Studies reports via ...

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First Article information

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$18

$48

$78

How much do first article jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 are some typical daily responsibilities of a First Article Inspector?

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, and why are they important?

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 is a First Article job?

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.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,970 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Quality Technician

Hamilton Associates Inc

Owings Mills, MD โ€ข On-site

$25.50 - $29.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Hamilton Associates, a diverse, growth-oriented, Lean-driven, ISO-Certified manufacturing company is currently seeking an experienced Quality Technician to join our team. For additional information about our Company and each of our divisions and our product lines, please visit our websites at www.hamiltonassoc.com, www.elscoguides.com, www.atitest.com, and www.dirtkiller.com.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As our Quality Technician, this individual will report to our Quality Assurance Manager and will perform quality control inspections (first article, incoming, in-process and final) and provide overall management of the Elevator Safety Company (ELSCO) nonconforming products process. This individual will maintain the ELSCO QA lab (equipment and records) and provide critical support for the effective implementation of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System standard(s).

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Incoming Inspection (Primary owner of the Incoming Inspection process for materials requiring incoming inspection).

โ€ข Maintain Incoming Inspection List

โ€ข Maintain part specific Characteristic Historical Inspection Plans

โ€ข Management of the performance of inspections โ€“ in-house or at vendor facility

โ€ข When necessary (a) develop written processes for part inspection; (b) provide initiative to develop inspection fixtures (with Engineering assistance)

โ€ข Maintain inspection records / database

โ€ข Monitor vendor performance including providing assistance in resolving quality related issue

2. In-process inspection and final testing

โ€ข Perform, and assist other employees in the implementation of parts testing, in-process inspection, and final inspection/testing โ€“ this will also include providing assistance in the troubleshooting of problems

โ€ข When required, review and maintain in-process inspection forms generated by the ELSCO production department

3. Management of nonconforming products

โ€ข Overall management of ELSCO Nonconforming items identified at any point in the process from incoming inspection through product returned by the customer

โ€ข Maintain records / database

โ€ข Provide leadership role in internal MRB (Material Review Board)

โ€ข Where affected, monitor vendor performance and provide assistance in resolving quality related issues.

โ€ข When required provide feedback from vendor regarding status of corrective action

โ€ข Monitor issues caused internally and provide recommendations for training, re-training, or creation of processes to address the issue

4. Provide First Article Inspection/Review for product sustainment activities

โ€ข Monitor and manage the flow of submitted first article samples

โ€ข Ensure related first article inspection information/documentation is available for the parts to be inspected (i.e., vendor inspection report, material certification, test report)

โ€ข Initiate the process of part inspection for first article piece, including soliciting technical expertise from other areas in the organization necessary to complete the required inspections/testing

โ€ข Preparation of first article report and associated documentation package

โ€ข Facilitate first article review and signoffs

โ€ข Assist as required with submission of first article report to vendor

โ€ข Assist in communicating with the vendor regarding the status of any open/quality issues

โ€ข Assist in Maintaining first article inspection records

5. Provide support for the implementation of the Corrective Action process

โ€ข Provide support to the Quality Coordinator for the issuance of Corrective Action Requests

โ€ข Assist in the (a) follow-up on the response to Corrective Action Requests; (b) verification of the effectiveness of corrective actions taken; (c) closure of Corrective Action Requests

6. Provide support for the implementation of the management of test and calibrated equipment

โ€ข Provide support to the Sr. Quality Specialist, when necessary, for the location and collection of equipment to be sent out to qualified vendors for service and calibration

7. Performs other duties as assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Background and Skills Required:

โ€ข H.S. Diploma or equivalent

โ€ข 3 to 5 yearsโ€™ related quality control experience in a manufacturing environment

โ€ข Knowledge in use of measurement devices such as calipers, micrometers, indicators, and similar calibrated instruments

โ€ข Ability to read and interpret, and measure products in accordance with engineering drawings, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)

โ€ข Experience with ISO 9001 quality management standard

โ€ข Knowledge of Word, Excel, database software, ERP software and computer/data entry skills

โ€ข Strong troubleshooting skills; some experience in preparing and writing work instructions

โ€ข Excellent communication skills โ€“ must be able to comfortably and effectively communicate with cross functional teams, vendors, and customers

โ€ข Ability to occasionally travel locally to vendors and/or customer sites

Additional Background and Skills Preferred:

โ€ข Some college credits or Associates Degree in a technical field

โ€ข Applicable ASQ certification or training

โ€ข Experience with Quality Assurance Software (i.e. Discus, Unipoint)

โ€ข Experience with surface roughness, coating thickness, rubber durometer, and rubber rheology testing

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

โ€ข Ability to push, pull and lift parts, and assemblies weighing up 35-65 lbs.

โ€ข Ability to communicate verbally with internal and external customers

โ€ข Listens to team leaders and members requests

โ€ข Listens for defects in the machinery

โ€ข Visually inspects materials and machinery

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

We offer an attractive compensation package in addition to a comprehensive benefits program including health insurance, 401(k) plan with matching and profit sharing, generous paid time off (PTO) policy, life & disability coverage, plus much more!

Hamilton Associates, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.