First Article Inspection Technician

**Job Description Summary**: The First Article Inspection (FAI) Technician is responsible for ensuring that aerospace components meet the required engineering specifications and quality standards through detailed inspections. The technician will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to verify that the first run of a part or assembly is compliant before full-scale production begins. This position also requires the technician to document inspection results accurately and enter them into customer portal systems for transparency and traceability. Additionally, the FAI Technician is responsible for verifying the compliance of NDT (Non-Destructive Testing), special processes, Nadcap-accredited processes, and production process approval by customers to ensure they meet industry standards and customer requirements.

**Responsibilities**
- Conduct comprehensive inspections of the first production run of aerospace parts or assemblies.
- Ensure parts meet all engineering specifications, material requirements, tolerances, and performance standards.
- Verify that parts are in compliance with technical drawings, CAD data, and applicable industry standards.
- Use precision measurement instruments such as CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), calipers, micrometers, and optical comparators to perform dimensional checks and ensure conformance to specifications.
- Perform visual inspections to verify surface finishes, coatings, and other non-mechanical features of components.
- Verify that Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), such as ultrasonic testing (UT), eddy current testing (ECT), magnetic particle inspection (MPI), or Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI), Blue Etch Anodize (BEA), among others, is performed in accordance with applicable industry standards and customer specifications.
- Ensure special processes such as heat treatment, welding, coating, and adhesive bonding are applied correctly and meet the required standards.
- Verify that processes accredited under Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program), including aerospace welding, heat treatment, and chemical processing, are fully compliant with the applicable Nadcap criteria.
- Review NDT, special process reports, and certificates to ensure compliance with established requirements.
- Verify that all production processes have been approved by the customer, as applicable, ensuring compliance with specific customer requirements, approvals, or documented procedures.
- Collaborate with NDT, special process teams, and Supplier Quality Engineer for Nadcap-certified vendors to ensure proper documentation and traceability of test results and process compliance.
- Record detailed inspection results in compliance with quality assurance procedures.
- Generate and submit inspection reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Record inspection data and results into customer portal systems for tracking and customer access, ensuring real-time visibility and transparency.
- Log deviations, non-conformances, and corrective actions taken, ensuring proper documentation for audits.
- Work closely with engineering teams to review designs and drawings for accuracy and manufacturability.
- Assist manufacturing teams in addressing any issues or discrepancies identified during the FAI process.
- Provide feedback to improve processes, tooling, and manufacturing methods to avoid future issues.
- Adhere to aerospace quality standards, including AS9102 (First Article Inspection), AS9100 (Quality Management Systems for aerospace), AS13100 (Aero Engines Quality Management Systems).
- Ensure all inspections, NDT testing, special processes, Nadcap-accredited processes, and production process approvals comply with applicable regulatory requirements and customer-specific standards.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives and help identify areas for increased efficiency in the FAI process.
- Participate in quality audits, reviews, and training sessions to stay up-to-date with the latest industry practices and standards.
- Input inspection results into the company's internal quality control systems and customer-facing portals.
- Provide support for audits and assist in resolving any discrepancies identified by customers or auditors.
- Ensure traceability of all parts, from inspection through production, by maintaining accurate records and supporting data integrity.

**Required Qualifications**
- Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- Minimum 2-5 years of experience in a quality assurance, inspection, or manufacturing environment, preferably in aerospace or a related high-precision industry.
- Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAI) in full compliance with AS9102 and AS9100, including familiarity with AS13100, GE Aerospace standards, and industry-specific standards, is highly preferred.
- Proficient in GD&T u