Quality Planning and FAIR Specialist

Location: Auburn, Washington

Type: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-Time

Compensation: $28.00 - $36.00 per hour (Dependent on Experience)

Benefits: Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part-time and full-time employees.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Elective 401(k) retirement plan, Tessera will match 0.5% for every 1% up to 6% after 90-days of employment. Funds are subject to vesting.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care
• 11 paid holidays, accrual of 10 paid days of vacation at the start of employment, paid sick leave
• Potential shared earning bonus
• Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potentially scholarships for qualified dependents
• Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities
• Verizon wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees

Tessera is seeking a new Quality Planning and FAIR Specialist to join our growing Aerospace Manufacturing team in Auburn, Washington. The Quality Planning & FAIR Specialist is responsible for ensuring that all products are quality-ready prior to release to production. This role leads First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) preparation and execution (AS9102) while owning key front-end Quality Assurance activities, including inspection planning, drawing ballooning, and requirement validation.

They serve as a critical link between Quality Engineering, Planning, and Production, and ensures that all customer requirements are clearly defined, traceable, and executable. The role is focused on preventing quality issues before they occur, reducing downstream rework, inspection inefficiencies, and production delays.

• Lead end-to-end preparation and completion of FAIRs in compliance with AS9102
• Create and maintain ballooned drawings, FAIR Forms 1, 2, and 3, and supporting objective evidence
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure all characteristics are captured and verified
• Manage delta FAIRs and updates for repeat or revised jobs
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of FAIR packages to customers
• Define and document inspection requirements aligned to the manufacturing router
• Determine appropriate inspection methods (CMM, manual, in-process verification)
• Ensure inspection steps are properly sequenced with production operations
• Identify required gages and inspection tools prior to job release
• Eliminate redundant effort, prevent missed requirements, and streamline inspection execution
• Own the creation and standardization of ballooned drawings
• Ensure all drawing requirements are clearly identified, linked to specific operations, and tied to inspection methods and FAIR documentation
• Maintain consistency across new and repeat jobs
• Establish a clean, consistent "digital thread" from drawing planning inspection FAIR
• Participate in contract review and new job kickoff to validate quality requirements and flow downs
• Review routers and planning outputs to ensure all drawing and specification requirements captured, critical features properly identified, and inspection steps complete and executable
• Identify and elevate gaps or risks prior to release to production
• Define First Piece Inspection (FPI) requirements during planning
• Ensure readiness of inspection methods, gages and tools, and supporting documentation
• Support initial validation of first-run parts on critical or complex jobs
• Review and validate requirements for special processes (e.g., anodize, paint, NDT)
• Ensure proper flow down of specifications to suppliers and internal teams
• Confirm certification and traceability requirements defined upfront
• Support and maintain FAIR and inspection-related tools (e.g., ballooning software, FAIR systems)
• Develop and maintain standard work, templates, and best practices
• Ensure documentation audit-ready and compliant with AS9100 and customer requirements
• Act as a liaison between Quality Engineering, Planning, and Production (Machining, Fabrication, Assembly)
• Communicate quality requirements clearly to stakeholders
• Support alignment between design intent and manufacturing execution
• All Other Duties as Assigned.

• High School Diploma/GED is required
• 3-5 years of previous experience in Aerospace, Precision Manufacturing Quality, or with FAIR and ballooning tools is required.
• Combination of previous experience and education will be considered.
• Previous experience supporting new product introduction or planning validation, knowledge of special processes and aerospace specifications, and experience working in a cross-functional manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Must have strong knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems, AS9102 First Article Inspection Requirements, and GD & T (ASME Y14.5).
• Must be able to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Must be familiar with CNC machining, fabrication,…