First Article Inspector

Build Quality Into Every Flight, Become a First Article Inspector in Aerospace

Location: Tucson, AZ |
Payrate: $25/hour |
Schedule: 1st shift, 7am to 3:30pm

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aerospace industry to hire an experienced First Article Inspector who understands that precision isn’t optional—it’s mission-critical.

As a First Article Inspector, you’ll play a vital role on the Operations Quality team, independently verifying that complex aerospace assemblies meet engineering requirements, customer specifications, and rigorous industry standards. Your expertise will help ensure manufacturing processes consistently deliver defect-free, compliant products ready for the demands of aerospace.

You’ll be at the center of First Article Inspection activities, working across quality, engineering, production, suppliers, and customers to ensure every requirement is documented and met.

• Generate, create, and assemble complete First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs), including AS9102 Forms 1, 2, and 3, for new product introductions, engineering changes, and customer requirements.
• Inspect in-process and finished complex aerospace assemblies for compliance with engineering drawings, IPC workmanship standards, and customer specifications.
• Perform and drive Partial/Delta FAIs resulting from design, tooling, or process modifications.
• Lead full assembly FAIs across high-reliability electronic and mechanical product lines.
• Interpret complex engineering blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering and Production Management to identify and resolve compliance issues.
• Coordinate and validate supplier certifications, Certificates of Conformance (CoCs), raw material test reports, CMM inspection data, and other documentation required for FAIR approval.
• Prepare and submit inspection packages through customer quality portals and digital FAI systems such as Net Inspect.
• Serve as a key point of contact for customer FAIR submissions, managing feedback, corrections, revisions, and final sign-offs.
• Compile, organize, and maintain detailed technical data packages, certificates, and quality records.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Work overtime when necessary to support production schedules and customer commitments.

Required Qualifications

• 4–6 years of relevant experience in quality inspection, first article inspection, aerospace manufacturing, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of AS9100 and AS9102 standards and First Article Inspection methodologies.
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Experience compiling, organizing, and maintaining complex quality documentation and technical data packages.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across quality, engineering, production, supplier, and customer teams.
• Excellent organization and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple FAIs and competing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, high-velocity manufacturing environment.
• Additional coursework after high school or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Hands-on experience with Net Inspect or equivalent digital FAI software.
• Proficiency with precision metrology tools and mechanical measurement techniques.
• Experience verifying CMM inspection reports.
• Experience preparing and submitting inspection packages through customer quality portals.
• Experience supporting customer FAIR reviews, corrections, and approvals.
• Aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing experience.
• Familiar…