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Freelance First Article Inspection As9102 Jobs in San Ramon, CA

First Article Inspection (FAI): Perform SMT FAI (pre-reflow & post-reflow) and PTH FAI. Complete the FAI report or AS9102 as requested for Aerospace products. * Traveler and Certificate of ...

Supply Chain Quality Engineer

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Lead incoming inspection processes, including first article inspection (FAIR) and lot-based inspection sampling plans, for Fremont and across Malaysia and Korea. * Maintain and continuously improve ...

Sheetmetal Inspector

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Generate, review, and archive accurate inspection reports, first-article inspection (FAI) reports, and dimensional test data. * Non-Conformance Reporting (NCR): Identify, segregate, and document out ...

Machinist

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Design reviews on Tuesday, dialing in fixturing on Wednesday, owning first-article inspection on Friday. Working with world class senior level engineering, scientists and machinists you will be ...

Design reviews on Tuesday, dialing in fixturing on Wednesday, owning first-article inspection on Friday. The named point of contact for components as it moves from CAD to finished parts This position ...

Quality Inspector

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$29 - $32/hr

Building on the Quality Inspector role, the Inspector leads First Article Inspections (FAI), root cause analysis, and quality audits . They manage quality improvement projects, mentor junior ...

Component Engineer 4

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$70 - $93/hr

Review First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs), inspection methods, measurement systems, fixtures, and tooling to ensure compliance with requirements. * Investigate supplier quality and ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance First Article Inspection As9102 information

See San Ramon, CA salary details

$16

$53

$147

How much do freelance first article inspection as9102 jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance first article inspection as9102 in San Ramon, CA is $53.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.12 and $69.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance First Article Inspection AS9102?

A Freelance First Article Inspection (FAI) AS9102 professional is an independent quality inspector who performs detailed inspections of the first manufactured part in a production run, following the AS9102 standard. This standard is specific to the aerospace industry and ensures that parts meet all design specifications before full-scale production begins. Freelancers in this role are typically contracted by aerospace manufacturers or suppliers to verify compliance, document inspection results, and help prevent costly defects down the line. Their work is crucial for maintaining high quality and safety standards in aerospace manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance First Article Inspection AS9102 specialist?

To excel as a Freelance First Article Inspection AS9102 specialist, you need a solid understanding of quality assurance, manufacturing processes, and familiarity with AS9102 standards, often supported by relevant engineering or technical qualifications. Proficiency with inspection tools, CAD software, measurement devices, and quality management systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you accurately document findings and collaborate with clients. These skills ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards, minimize defects, and build client trust in your inspection services.

What are the common challenges faced by freelance First Article Inspection AS9102 inspectors, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance First Article Inspection inspectors working with AS9102 standards often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex engineering drawings, ensuring timely communication with clients, and adapting to different manufacturing processes. As contractors, they may need to quickly familiarize themselves with various companies' documentation and quality requirements. Building strong organizational skills, maintaining clear records, and proactively seeking clarification on ambiguous requirements can help inspectors deliver accurate and compliant reports. Effective communication with engineering and quality teams is also essential for resolving discrepancies and ensuring the inspection process runs smoothly.

What is the difference between Freelance First Article Inspection As9102 vs Quality Inspector?

AspectFreelance First Article Inspection As9102Quality Inspector
CertificationsTypically requires AS9102 knowledge, sometimes certificationsOften holds general quality or industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, often remote or on-site at manufacturing facilitiesFull-time or part-time, on-site at manufacturing or quality control departments
Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace and defense manufacturingVarious industries including aerospace, automotive, electronics

Freelance First Article Inspection As9102 specialists focus on conducting initial product inspections according to AS9102 standards, often working independently. Quality Inspectors perform ongoing quality checks across industries, with broader certification requirements. The main difference lies in the project-based, specialized nature of Freelance First Article Inspection As9102 versus the broader, continuous role of Quality Inspectors.

What cities near San Ramon, CA are hiring for Freelance First Article Inspection As9102 jobs?

Cities near San Ramon, CA with the most Freelance First Article Inspection As9102 job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance First Article Inspection As9102 job openings in San Ramon, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,892 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

QA Inspector

Sierra Circuits

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform visual inspections of PCBA for defects such as soldering issues, component misplacement, damaged parts, and anomalies using magnification tools and visual aids.

  • Operate testing equipment such as multimeters, AOI machines, X-Ray machines, or automated test systems to verify product quality and compliance with standards.

  • Record inspection results, maintain detailed logs, prepare non-conformance reports, and ensure documentation such as traveler and CoC are completed before product shipment.


Job description

Sierra Circuits is a Silicon Valley-based leader in printed circuit board manufacturing and assembly, specializing in high-quality, quick-turn and complex prototypes. With over 35 years of experience, Sierra provides a seamless, end-to-end PCB solution—from design and fabrication to assembly and testing—all under one roof at its state-of-the-art facilities in Sunnyvale, California. Sierra Circuits is committed to supporting engineers and designers through extensive educational resources. The company offers free online tools such as the Stackup Designer, Impedance Calculator, Material Selector, and BOM and DFM Checkers, along with technical blogs, webinars, design guides, and its SierraConnect community forum. Sierra Circuit serves all industries including aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, and telecommunications, building PCBs to the highest industry standards, and keeping innovation at the forefront of everything we do.

SUMMARY: 

The QC/QA Inspector is responsible for ensring that the quality of Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBA) meet required standards and specifications during the manufacturing process. The role focuses on performing inspections and tests to verify product quality and to ensure compliance with industry standards.


RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Visual Inspection: Inspect PCBA for visible defects such as soldering issues, component misplacement, wrong component, damaged parts, etc. Use magnification tool and visual aids to check for small defects or solder anomalies.
  • Testing and Verification: Operate testing equipment such as multimeters, AOI machine, X-Ray machine, or automated test system to verify products meet acceptable criteria.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Record inspection results on shop floor control system and maintain detailed logs for quality tracking. Prepare non-conformance material reports (NCMR) for any defects found that need MRB disposition during inspection. 
  • Compliance with Standards: Ensure PCBA production complies with industry standards such as IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and other relevant standards.   
  • First Article Inspection (FAI): Perform SMT FAI (pre-reflow & post-reflow) and PTH FAI. Complete the FAI report or AS9102 as requested for Aerospace products. 
  • Traveler and Certificate of Conformance (CoC): Ensure the previous process steps are completed before inspection and sign the traveler after inspection. Print the CoC and other required documents to go along with final products before moving to shipping.
  • Maintain a clean and orderly workspace.
  • Other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Communication: Read, write, and communicate in English.
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training or certification in electronics, PCB assembly, or quality control is a plus.
  • Experience: Previous experience in PCBA or quality assurance is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge: Familiarity with IPC standards, PCBA manufacturing processes, and electronic components.
  • Attention to Detail: Ability to visually verify fine detail work and perform thorough inspections.
  • Understanding Instructions: Ability to understand the Assembly Drawings, Visual Aids, ECO, Deviations, and follow directions when inspecting PCBA.
  • Moderate physical lifting of up to 20-Ibs
  • Some out-of-department in-process inspection upon request. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee must frequently stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The ability to lift 50 lbs., bend, stand, or climb on step ladders as necessary.

ENVIRONMENT:  Manufacturing/Chemical Industrial 


Hourly Rate Range: $20 - $33 per hour


What We Offer

  • Full - Time, exempt position
  • Excellent benefits package includes; Medical (HMO & PPO), Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Basic Life/ADD, Voluntary Benefits
  • Vacation, sick and paid holidays

Monday - Saturday
Must be flexible.
AM Shift or PM Shift.