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The First Article Inspector is responsible for evaluating and approving the first production run of components and assemblies to ensure compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements in the aerospace industry.

Duties and Accountabilities

Conduct thorough reviews of First Article Inspection (FAI) reports in accordance with AS9102 and the QMS for both internal manufacture and supplied components/assemblies.

Key Responsibilities:

• First Article Inspection (FAI):
• Conduct thorough inspections of first articles to verify conformance to engineering drawings, specifications, and process requirement
• Document findings and prepare detailed inspection reports for review.
• Documentation Review:
• Review and analyse technical documentation, including engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing instructions, to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure all necessary certifications and quality documentation are in place prior to inspection.
• Measurement and Testing:
• Utilise precision measuring tools and equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, CMM) to assess dimensions and tolerances of components.
• Perform functional testing as required to validate performance criteria.
• Non-Conformance Management:
• Identify and document any non-conformances or discrepancies during inspections.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement and Production teams to resolve issues and implement corrective actions.
• Quality Assurance:
• Ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, AS9102 EASA/CAA regulations) and internal quality management systems.
• Manage and interact with internal and external customers

Key Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in quality inspection within the aerospace industry, specifically with first article inspections. At least 2 years should be from the aeronautical industry
• Proficient in the use of precision measuring instruments and inspection techniques.
• Strong understanding of aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100, AS9102)
• Working knowledge and experience of Part 21 & Part 145 Regulations (UKCAA, EASA, FAA, CAAC). Ability to read and interpret regulations, airworthiness directives and technical specifications.
• Experience in the effective use of problem resolution processes such as A3 or 8D and Root Cause Analysis tools e.g. 5 why analysis, Cause & Effect, Design of experiments, etc.
• Proven Experience and demonstrable success in Continuous Improvement best practices, such as Lean, Six Sigma.
• A relevant engineering or technical degree, or an aircraft technician or maintenance engineer qualification with additional education that is acceptable to the competent authority. Or 2 additional years of experience tasks/activities related to maintenance and/or continuing airworthiness management and/or the surveillance of such tasks.
• AS/EN/JISQ 9100 Lead Auditor Certified

£32,000 plus 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), pension, bonus, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme

£49,000 plus 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), pension, bonus, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme