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Full Time First Article Inspector Jobs in Troy, AL

Quality Engineer

Troy, AL · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) * Exposure to quality management software (e ... Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range ...

Quality Engineer

Troy, AL · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

... First Article Inspections (FAIs) Exposure to quality management software (e.g., QMS, ERP) is ... Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of ...

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Full Time First Article Inspector information

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$11

$25

$49

How much do full time first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time first article inspector in Troy, AL is $25.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $29.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a full time first article inspector do?

A Full Time First Article Inspector is responsible for conducting detailed inspections on the first manufactured item in a production run, known as the 'first article.' Their main job is to ensure that this initial product meets all required specifications, drawings, and quality standards before mass production begins. This process helps identify and correct any issues early, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring consistent product quality. Full Time First Article Inspectors often use measuring tools, review documentation, and work closely with engineering and production teams. Their work is crucial in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing where precision and compliance are vital.

What are some common challenges faced by full time first article inspectors and how can they be addressed?

Full Time First Article Inspectors often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex engineering drawings, ensuring precise measurements, and managing tight production schedules. Effective communication with engineering and production teams is crucial to resolve discrepancies and clarify requirements. Staying organized and using up-to-date inspection tools can help manage workload and maintain accuracy. Proactive collaboration and ongoing training in quality standards are valuable for overcoming these challenges and excelling in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time first article inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time First Article Inspector, you need a solid understanding of quality control procedures, blueprint reading, and precision measurement, often supported by experience in manufacturing or a related certification. Familiarity with inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and quality management systems (QMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurate reporting and collaboration with production teams. These skills ensure that products meet stringent standards and regulatory requirements, minimizing defects and supporting overall manufacturing quality.

What is the difference between Full Time First Article Inspector vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectFull Time First Article InspectorQuality Control Inspector
CertificationsOften requires inspection certifications, such as ASQ certificationsMay require general quality assurance or inspection certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in manufacturing or production settings, focusing on initial product samplesIn various manufacturing environments, inspecting ongoing production
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in aerospace, automotive, and electronics industriesWidely used across multiple manufacturing sectors

The Full Time First Article Inspector specializes in inspecting initial product samples to ensure design compliance before mass production, often requiring specific certifications. In contrast, the Quality Control Inspector performs ongoing inspections throughout the manufacturing process to maintain quality standards. While both roles focus on quality assurance, the First Article Inspector emphasizes initial sample approval, whereas the Quality Control Inspector oversees ongoing production quality.

What cities near Troy, AL are hiring for Full Time First Article Inspector jobs?

Cities near Troy, AL with the most Full Time First Article Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Full Time First Article Inspector job openings in Troy, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,474 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Quality Engineering Asc Mgr - L4

Troy, AL • On-site

Lockheed Martin Corporation
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$104K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 400 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Standard Job Description WHAT WE'RE DOING At Lockheed Martin, we're revolutionizing the aerospace and defense sector through groundbreaking technology, advanced manufacturing processes, and a world-class team of professionals. Our mission-driven approach and unwavering dedication to excellence ensure that we continue to deliver superior products and solutions to our customers around the world. THE WORK Lead, mentor, and develop a team of quality engineers, fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

Oversee daily quality operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with industry standards and regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and program management, to drive quality initiatives and resolve quality-related issues. Develop and implement quality strategies, policies, and procedures to meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Monitor and report on key quality metrics, identifying trends and areas for improvement. Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address quality issues. Perform process capability studies, statistical analysis, and risk assessments to ensure product and process quality.

Lead and support internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with ISO, AS9100, and other relevant quality standards. Develop and maintain quality documentation, including control plans, inspection plans, and work instructions. Oversee first article inspections (FAI) and other quality verification activities.

Identify opportunities for process improvements and lead initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and improve efficiency. Utilize Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive process improvements and cost reductions. Promote a culture of quality awareness and continuous improvement across the organization.

WHO WE ARE Our customers are world-wide and so is our reputation for creating original solutions with the latest technologies. Our products keep our customers safe and bring them home to their families at night. We provide the resources, inspiration, and focus - if you have the resourcefulness and perseverance to work hard, then we want to create a better tomorrow with you.

WHO YOU ARE You thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment and are committed to delivering best-in-class products and solutions. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or equivalent experience/combined education. Manufacturing experience Leadership experience Desired Skills Background in a STEM discipline (e.g., engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a related field).Strong knowledge of quality standards and methodologies, including ISO 9001, AS9100, Six Sigma, and Lean principles

Proficiency in quality tools such as FMEA, SPC, MSA, and root cause analysis techniques. Certification in quality engineering (CQE), Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt), or related credentials. Experience in the aerospace, defense, or manufacturing industry.

Familiarity with regulatory requirements and compliance standards. Proficiency in quality management software and tools Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $104900.00 - $194700.00 At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability. Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics

For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.


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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912