Senior Quality Technician - FAI (Onsite)

ISU Research Park; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is hiring a Senior Quality Technician to support first article inspections (FAI) for engine nozzle components. You will work with customers to obtain FAI approvals and maintain documentation throughout the approval process.

You will assist the quality engineering team, maintain QMS documentation related to FAI, and support training initiatives across teams, ensuring timely, accurate reporting and a focus on inspection excellence.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or AA/AS degree with minimum 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) or Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) inspections.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings/reports and GD&T per ASME Y14.5.

Responsibilities

• Complete, review, and track FAI activities and related documentation.
• Support internal FAI completion and maintain accurate records.
• Provide training on FAI/inspection and support customer approvals.

Education

HS Diploma or AA/AS degree

Tools

SAP/ERP

Discus

Net-inspect

Job description

Senior Quality Technician - FAI (Onsite)

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Collins Aerospace is hiring a Senior Quality Technician to support first article inspection (FAI) activities for our engine nozzle components, including reporting, tracking, and partial execution of measurements. In this role, you will work directly with customers to obtain FAI approvals, address and resolve customer returns, and ensure timely, accurate documentation throughout the approval process. This position plays a key role in supporting quality engineering, driving inspection excellence, and maintaining strong customer relationships.

What You Will Do

• Complete, review, and track Customer First Article Inspections (FAI), including turnback resolution.
• Support internal FAI completion and maintain accurate documentation.
• Deliver and support internal and customer FAI/inspection training.
• Assist the quality engineering team with customer approvals and FAI requirements.
• Maintain and update Quality Management System (QMS) documentation related to FAI and inspection-based training.
• Support inspection training initiatives across teams.
• Identify and implement process improvements for FAI and inspection activities.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key functional groups to achieve business objectives.
• Support day-to-day quality deliverables, including:
• calibration activities
• tooling inspection
• non-conformance control and documentation

What You Will Learn

• Customer Requirements and specifications
• APQP / PPAP
• Introduction to MRB with potential for PR
• Compliance

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires HS Diploma or AA/AS degree (or other 2-year post high school training) with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience
• Prior quality inspection or other engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
• Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) or Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) Inspections
• Experience interpreting and understanding technical drawings/reports, manuals, and work instructions
• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME Y14.5, with the ability to interpret, analyze, and apply tolerancing requirements to complex engineering drawings.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality management system and FAI standard AS9102
• General knowledge of aerospace industry standards (such as NAS, AMS, etc..)
• Experience with SAP/ERP
• Experience with a variety of inspection tools
• Experience with Discus and Net-inspect Software
• Experience working with customer requirements
• Ability to track multiple activities at the same time with prioritization planning and projecting completion dates