QA FAI Specialist

The QA FAI Specialist is responsible for the preparation, validation, and completion of First Article Inspection (FAI) packages in compliance with AS9102, customer-specific requirements, and internal quality standards. This role ensures that all documentation, inspection data, and certifications are accurate, complete, and properly recorded prior to customer submission. The position requires strong attention to detail, technical understanding of aerospace drawings and specifications, and the ability to coordinate across multiple departments.

• Prepare, review, and finalize First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) in accordance with AS9102 and customer requirements.
• Perform detailed review of ballooned drawings and verify all characteristics are accounted for and properly reported.
• Validate dimensional results, ensuring accuracy and traceability to inspection records.
• Review material certifications, test reports, and special process documentation for completeness and compliance.
• Ensure all required documentation is scanned, organized, and uploaded into document management systems (e.g., DocuWare, Net-Inspect).
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer flow-down requirements.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Quality Inspectors to resolve discrepancies or missing information.
• Identify nonconformances within FAI packages and initiate NCRs as required.
• Verify part marking, traceability, and certification alignment with job travelers and purchase orders.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits by providing FAI documentation and objective evidence.
• Track FAI status to ensure timely completion in alignment with production and delivery schedules.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to FAI efficiency, accuracy, and standardization.
• Assist in developing and maintaining work instructions and best practices for FAI preparation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• 2–5 years of experience in aerospace quality, inspection, or manufacturing environment preferred
• Direct experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) preparation or review strongly preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T
• Working knowledge of AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements
• Familiarity with material certifications, special processes, and traceability requirements
• Experience with Net-Inspect, DISCUS, HighQA, or similar FAI software systems preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Understanding of inspection methods, measurement tools, and basic metrology concepts

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation review
• Ability to manage multiple FAIs and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective communication skills across cross-functional teams
• Ability to identify discrepancies and drive resolution with appropriate stakeholders
• Working knowledge of quality systems and aerospace regulatory requirements

Language and Math Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents and procedures
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence
• Basic understanding of algebra and geometry as applied to inspection and measurement

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and ability to see color.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a shop environment.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.