ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Professional First Article Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MICROBEST INC

Sr Layout Inspector

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$33.65 - $43.26/hr

This role is ideal for a seasoned professional with at least 10 years of experience in the Quality field and a minimum of 3 years performing advanced layout and first article inspections. The Senior ...

Kilgore Machine Co., Inc.

Be Seen First

Quality Inspector / Aerospace Machine Shop

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Perform First Article Inspections (FAI) , in-process inspections, and final inspections in a job shop environment * Inspect precision aerospace components using a variety of precision measuring ...

AXIUS GROUP LLC

Quality Inspector

Wichita, KS

SUMMARY The Quality Inspector I performs first article, in-process, and final inspections of machined, fabricated, and assembled aerospace components. This role ensures all parts meet customer ...

Aerotek

Mechanical Inspector

Santa Ana, CA

$26.25 - $34.75/hr

Complete all In-Process and Final First Article Inspection Reports in accordance with the latest ... professional development and involvement in advanced aerospace projects. Job Type & Location This ...

Aerotek

Mechanical Inspector

Santa Ana, CA

$26.25 - $34.75/hr

Complete all In-Process and Final First Article Inspection Reports in accordance with the latest ... professional development and involvement in advanced aerospace projects. Job Type & Location This ...

ASR Staffing Solutions, Inc.

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Part Inspector

Tampa, FL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

... professional development reimbursement • Health, dental, and vision insurance • Optional HSA ... Conduct first article inspections (FAI) and first piece inspection to verify that newly ...

CCS INC

Quality Inspector

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Experience with machined components in all phases of inspection, including receiving, first article, and final inspection. * At least 1 year of hands-on experience operating CMM equipment. * Proven ...

ABC Sheet Metal

Be Seen First

Lead Quality Inspector - FARO Arm

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Key Responsibilities • Perform hands-on receiving, in-process, first article, layout, and final inspections • Use portable CMM arm equipment such as FARO Arm, Hexagon Arm, ROMER Arm, or similar ...

CCS INC

Technical Inspector

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Experience with machined components in all phases of inspection, including receiving, first article, and final inspection. * 1 year of hands-on experience operating CMM equipment. * Proven experience ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Quality Inspector 1

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$13.78 - $16.92/hr

You will work onsite with the QA team, support auditors and internal audits, and contribute to first article inspections and corrective actions. Your work ensures product conformity for aviation ...

Ancra International LLC

Mechanical Inspector

Azusa, CA · On-site

$25.75 - $34/hr

This position performs receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections to verify compliance with AS9100 standards, engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements. The ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Quality Inspector 1

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$13.78 - $16.92/hr

You will work onsite with the QA team, support auditors and internal audits, and contribute to first article inspections and corrective actions. Your work ensures product conformity for aviation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessional First Article Inspector Jobs

Professional First Article Inspector information

See salary details

$12

$27

$52

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

As of Jul 17, 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.

How much do SpaceX quality inspector make?

A Professional First Article Inspector at SpaceX typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience and location. The role involves inspecting parts and assemblies, often requiring knowledge of quality standards and inspection tools such as CMMs and calipers.

What kind of inspectors make the most money?

Senior quality inspectors, such as those in aerospace, manufacturing, or oil and gas industries, tend to earn the highest salaries. Specialized inspectors with certifications like ASQ or API and extensive experience often command higher pay. First Article Inspectors with advanced skills or supervisory roles can also earn more in high-demand sectors.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as specialized professions like certain surgeons, anesthesiologists, and successful entrepreneurs. These roles typically require advanced education, extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve high levels of responsibility and performance-based bonuses.

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.

What does a first article inspector do?

A first article inspector reviews and approves the initial sample or prototype of a product to ensure it meets design specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements. They perform detailed inspections, often using measurement tools and quality control procedures, and document findings before production begins.
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:
Professional First Article Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional First Article Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Locum Tenens, 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Sr Layout Inspector

Sr Layout Inspector

MICROBEST INC

Waterbury, CT • On-site

$33.65 - $43.26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Layout Inspector with a strong background in Quality Assurance, specializing in complex layout and first article inspections. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional with at least 10 years of experience in the Quality field and a minimum of 3 years performing advanced layout and first article inspections. The Senior Layout Inspector will play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and quality of our precision parts, utilizing advanced inspection techniques and equipment. Additional competency in Gage Design is advantageous but not mandatory.

Requirements:
  • 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 equipment, including micrometers, calipers, sine plates and height gauges to verify part dimensions and tolerances.
  • Generate detailed inspection reports and maintain accurate records of inspection results.
  • Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to address non-conformance issues, recommend corrective actions, and ensure product quality standards.
  • Interpret and apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of inspection processes, procedures, and work instructions.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced quality inspectors to promote skill development and knowledge transfer within the department.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in a Quality role, with at least 3 years of experience performing complex layout and first article inspections.
  • Strong knowledge of inspection techniques, GD&T, and blueprint interpretation.
  • Proficiency with all types of mechanical inspection tools.
  • Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience in Gage Design to develop custom measurement solutions for unique inspection needs.
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, standing for extended periods and using inspection tools.

Company Benefits:

Benefits:

401(k)

401(matching)

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Vision

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Paid time off