1

Professional First Article Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The incumbent is responsible for conducting first article inspections, programming and operating metrology equipment, and generating data that supports product development, process validation, and ...

First Article Inspector

Baldwin Park, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

The incumbent is responsible for conducting first article inspections, programming and operating metrology equipment, and generating data that supports product development, process validation, and ...

First Article Inspector III

Valencia, CA ยท 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 ...

First Article Technician

Bloomfield, CT ยท On-site

$24.61 - $36.91/hr

This role is responsible for generating AS9102-compliant First Article Inspection (FAI) packages, reviewing engineering documentation, and supporting inspection processes to ensure compliance with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Professional First Article Inspector information

See salary details

$12

$27

$52

How much do professional first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional first article inspector in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional first article inspector?

A professional first article inspector is a quality control specialist responsible for examining the initial sample or prototype of a product to ensure it meets design specifications and standards. This role often requires knowledge of inspection tools, technical drawings, and industry regulations, and may involve documenting findings and collaborating with manufacturing teams.

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

AspectProfessional First Article InspectorQuality Control Inspector
CertificationsOften holds certifications like ASQ CQI or specific industry standardsMay have general quality assurance certifications or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in manufacturing, aerospace, or automotive industries inspecting new parts or prototypesWorks across various industries inspecting ongoing production for defects
Job FocusFocuses on initial production runs, verifying compliance of first articlesMonitors ongoing production quality and consistency

Professional First Article Inspectors specialize in verifying the quality of initial production samples, ensuring they meet specifications before full-scale manufacturing. Quality Control Inspectors oversee ongoing production quality, identifying defects and ensuring standards are maintained. While both roles involve inspection and quality assurance, the First Article Inspector's role is more focused on initial validation, whereas the Quality Control Inspector maintains quality throughout production.

More about Professional First Article Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Professional First Article Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Professional First Article Inspector job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of First Article Inspector jobs? The most popular types of First Article Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Professional First Article Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional First Article Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Professional First Article Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Professional First Article Inspector jobs are:
Infographic showing various Professional First Article Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

First Article Inspector

PTR Tool and Plastics

Meadville, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Title: First Article Inspector

Department: Quality

Reports to: Quality Manager


Summary

Responsible for assuring the First Article Inspections are completed on-time and are producing desired results according to customer specified requirements and customer provided drawings. Responsible for assembling PPAP packages.

Relationships: Please see PTR's Organizational Chart included in you new hire paperwork for specific relationships.

Authority: This individual has authority over no other employee but may ask others within their department to help them with tasks. Please see PTR's organizational chart for more detailed information.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide technical and process support to engineering, manufacturing, sales and purchasing groups.
  • First Article Inspection of plastic components.
  • Creation of reports from First Article Inspection according to customer specific requirements.
  • Operation and/or programming of CMM equipment ( Hexagon Measuring Machine; PC DMIS Software).
  • Annual validations of all production parts according to Customer Specific requirements.
  • Assist with corrective and preventive actions.
  • Hands on interaction with manufacturing process control activities.
  • Assist in creating and revising controlled forms.
  • Assist with the measurements of in-process critical dimensions.
  • PPAP package preparation
  • Other duties as assigned by Quality Manager.
  • Arriving at work on time for every scheduled shift.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work area at all times

** other projects and responsibilities may be added at the company's discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 1 year of metrology experience or equivalent
  • Ability to interpret part drawings and tolerances.
  • Knowledge and use of Various inspection tools such as micrometers and calipers
  • Some knowledge of ISO or IAFT 16949
  • PPAP knwledge
  • Knowledge of SPC and calibration systems
  • Plastic Mold Injection industry and testing experience desirable
  • Knowledge of PC DMIS Software.
  • Detail oriented.
  • Must be able to work independently; some decision makin skills may be required
  • PC Skilss (MS Office suite- word, excel, ect.)