First Article Inspector (Aerospace)

Dayton Granger, Inc.; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) match

PTO & holidays

Mental health benefits

Life insurance

Parental leave

Disability coverage

Work-life balance

Tuition reimbursement

Team-building activities

Job summary

Dayton-Granger, Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, FL is seeking a First Article Inspector (FAI). You will perform detailed inspections against engineering drawings, review certifications, and prepare inspection reports to ensure parts meet DG’s requirements.

Working with Quality, Engineering and Production, you will help maintain traceability, support audits, and contribute to continuous improvement while adhering to AS9100 standards and safety guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training preferred.
• 2+ years’ experience in quality inspection or a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of AS9100 FAI requirements and quality standards.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and inspection tools.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and report generation.

Responsibilities

• Perform First Article Inspections on components, subassemblies, and finished products.
• Verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Use precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, gauges, rulers, etc.) to validate dimensions.
• Prepare and maintain detailed First Article Inspection reports in accordance with AS9100 or applicable standards.
• Review material certifications, process documentation, and inspection records for accuracy and completeness.
• Identify, document, and communicate inspection discrepancies and non-conformances.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to resolve quality issues.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and ensure traceability of inspected parts.
• Support internal and external audits by providing inspection documentation.
• Assist with ongoing quality improvement initiatives as needed.

Skills

AS9100 knowledge

Reading engineering drawings

Precision measuring instruments

English communication

Education

High school diploma

Technical training

Tools

ERP systems

Quality management software

Job description

Immediately Hiring: First Article Inspector (FAI)

Company: DAYTON-GRANGER, INC (DG)

Industry: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, On-Site (Monday–Friday)

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About Us: YouTube - DAYTON-GRANGER, INC (DG)

Competitive Pay, Great Benefits, Work-Life Balance, Stability, Opportunities for Growth

Position Overview:

DAYTON-GRANGER, INC. (DG) is a third-generation family-owned aerospace manufacturer in Fort Lauderdale, FL that has been proudly operating for over 83 years. We design, test, and manufacture aircraft antennas, electrostatic dischargers, and lightning protection components used on commercial, military, and private aircraft around the world. We have an average employee tenure of 8 years, reflecting our stability and strong company culture. See more about our benefits and why DG is a great place to work below.

As a First Article Inspector (FAI), you’ll play an important role in ensuring our aerospace components meet engineering, quality, and customer requirements before moving into production. You’ll perform detailed first article inspections, review drawings and supporting documentation, take precise dimensional measurements, and prepare accurate inspection reports. This role works closely with our Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to identify discrepancies, maintain traceability, and ensure every part meets DG’s high standards for quality and compliance.

Responsibilities:

• Perform First Article Inspections on components, subassemblies, and finished products
• Verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements
• Use precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, gauges, rulers, etc.) to validate dimensions
• Prepare and maintain detailed First Article Inspection reports in accordance with AS9100 or applicable standards
• Review material certifications, process documentation, and inspection records for accuracy and completeness
• Identify, document, and communicate inspection discrepancies and non-conformances
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to resolve quality issues
• Maintain accurate inspection records and ensure traceability of inspected parts
• Support internal and external audits by providing inspection documentation
• Assist with ongoing quality improvement initiatives as needed
• Follow safety requirements as outlined by the Facilities and Safety Manager
• Perform other tasks as assigned by management

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training preferred
• 2+ years’ experience in quality inspection or a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of AS9100 FAI requirements and quality standards
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and inspection tools
• Basic computer skills for data entry and report generation
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs.
• Visual requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have, Not Required):

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or electronics manufacturing
• Familiarity with ERP systems and inspection or quality management software

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screen, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We are a multi-generational team with members representing a diversity of cultures, educational backgrounds, experience levels and ideas all 'making it happen' from one location in beautiful, coastal South Florida. We are a long-standing supplier providing cutting edge products in support of long term aerospace programs, while at the same time developing new products to meet the needs of new customers, programs and up and coming markets.

Additionally, DG loves its employees! The average employee tenure is around 8 years. Length of service milestones are celebrated company-wide and employees may make selections of anniversary gifts.

Benefits

• Affordable comprehensive insurance coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision).
• 401(k) match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Mental health benefits.
• Complimentary life insurance with the option for supplemental coverage.
• Paid parental leave
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Excellent work-life balance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Access to advanced technology and resources.
• Length of service/milestone anniversary gifts.
• Team-building activities.

Compliance Notice

• Pre-Employment Requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening, in compliance with company policy and applicable law.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: Dayton-Granger, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
• Export Compliance Notice: This position requires access to information subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by these regulations.