OverviewIndustry: Aerospace/DefenseJob Title: First Article InspectorLocation: Louisville, KYReports To: Program managerFrequency: 40 hrs/week. Full-time W2Duration: 3 month contractPay rate $40/hrKey Responsibilities:- Review, approve, and audit First Article Inspection reports (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102 standards.
- Review drawings, certificates, characteristic results, specifications, documentation and certification for all FAIs, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Validate compliance with customer specifications, purchase orders, certifications,
- Approved Products Lists (APLs), Qualified Products Lists (QPLs), and Approved Supplier Lists (ASLs).
- Determine end-to-end traceability between customer technical data package and supplier provided objective evidence
- Work closely with internal teams, suppliers, and customer teams to resolve FAI discrepancies and non-conformance issues.
- Provide technical support, assistance and guidance on First Article Inspection processes to both internal teammates and suppliers.
- Collaborate with customer supply chain management teams to ensure timely and accurate submission of FAIs from suppliers.
- Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing data to assess the suitability and completeness of FAIs.
- Assist in process improvements and implement best practices for FAI procedures within the quality assurance framework.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to AS9102 and aerospace & defense manufacturing
- Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced team members and support continuous improvement initiatives.
The Individuals will work within agreed priorities and governance arrangements to prepare, review, and validate FAIRs against applicable engineering data, production records, industry standards, and customer-specific requirements.
- Experience with Net Inspect submitting of FAIs
- Visual inspection of machined aerospace components
- Dimensional inspection using standard hand-held measurement equipment
- Verification of parts against engineering drawings, specifications and purchase order requirements
- Review of accompanying manufacturing and quality documentation, including Certificates of Conformance, routers, inspection records and material certifications
- Identification and documentation of non-conforming conditions
- Preparation of inspection reports and non-conformance reports, as required
- Recording inspection results and updating customer systems
- Liaising with customer quality and operational personnel regarding inspection findings
Required Qualifications:- 5+ recent years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry, with at least 5 years of primary focus creating, reviewing, or approving First Article Inspections (FAIs).
- Extensive hands-on manufacturing experience across multiple commodities, such as:
- Composites
- Circuit board assemblies
- Machined parts
- Sheet metal
- Structural assemblies
- Hydraulics and pneumatics
- Avionics
- Raw materials
- Demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to spot discrepancies in documentation, specifications, and manufacturing processes.
- A working understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME/ASQ Y14.5)
- In-depth knowledge of purchase orders, certifications, APLs, QPLs, and ASLs.
- Demonstrated experience interpreting industry specifications (ASME, ASTM, SAE, etc.).
- Strong ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, technical data, and specifications.
- Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with the customer and their suppliers.
- Knowledge of industry standards such as AS9102, AS9100, and other relevant aerospace & defense standards.
- Demonstrated computer literacy.
