The First Article Specialist is responsible for managing and executing the First Article Inspection (FAI) process to ensure compliance with customer, industry, and internal quality standards. This role will oversee the planning, coordination, and documentation of first article submissions, ensuring timely and accurate completion to support production and customer requirements.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and manage the end-to-end First Article process, including scheduling, documentation, and submission.
- Ensure compliance with applicable customer and industry standards for First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR).
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to obtain required data and resolve discrepancies.
- Perform detailed dimensional and visual inspections on first article components using precision measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, CMM).
- Validate conformance to engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions, and customer requirements.
- Document inspection results accurately and maintain traceability of records.
- Prepare and review FAIR documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Maintain organized records of first article submissions and approvals.
- Communicate status updates and findings to internal stakeholders and customers as needed.
- Identify process gaps and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.
- Support training initiatives related to First Article processes and inspection techniques.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and blueprint reading.
- Proficiency with precision measurement tools and inspection equipment (CMM experience preferred).
- Familiarity with structured FAI requirements and quality management systems (ISO 9001, AS9100).
- Understanding and experience in the ECO / ECN processes.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to work independently.
- Strong computer skills, including AGILE, and quality software applications.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in all MSOffice (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) applications
Desired Education, Certifications, and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or associate degree in a related field preferred.
3+ years of experience in quality inspection or manufacturing environment documenting product conformance to requirements, semiconductor industry preferred
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand, sit, walk, bend and lift up to 25 lbs as needed.
Manual dexterity for handling small parts and precision instruments.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or medical device manufacturing.
- Knowledge of ERP systems and electronic FAI documentation tools.
For candidates in CA
The pay range for this position is $79,600 - 135,300, exempt, per year.
Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional job-related factors, including knowledge, skills, experience, tenure, and relevant education or training. The pay scale is subject to change depending on business needs. Your recruiter can share more about the specific range for your location during the hiring process.
Ichor is committed to supporting your personal well-being and professional development. Our benefits are designed to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, provide peace of mind, and prepare for your future. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans across all locations, allowing team members to select the coverage that best meets their healthcare needs and budget. Our benefits also include a paid time-off program and paid holidays to support your time away from work. A summary of our Benefits will be provided during the interview process.
About UsSkills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 3+ years of experience in quality inspection or manufacturing environment
- Technical certification or associate degree in a related field
- Strong understanding of GD&T and blueprint reading
- Proficiency with precision measurement tools and inspection equipment
- Familiarity with structured FAI requirements and quality management systems
Ichor Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ichor Systems, Inc. and has not been reviewed or approved by Ichor Systems, Inc..
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Affordable Benefits — A premium‑free medical plan fully covered by the employer is available for eligible U.S. employees, with indications of premium‑free family coverage in some contexts. Coverage breadth includes medical, dental, vision, and tax‑advantaged HSA/FSA options.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) match of 50% on the first 8% with immediate vesting supports long‑term savings. Life and disability insurance further reinforce financial protection.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Plan at a 15% discount enables broad participation in ownership. Plan availability is described as global, subject to standard plan terms.
Ichor Systems, Inc. Insights
What We Do
We are a leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of critical fluid delivery subsystems and components for semiconductor capital equipment. Our product offerings include gas and chemical delivery systems and subsystems, collectively known as fluid delivery systems and subsystems, which are key elements of the process tools used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices. Our gas delivery subsystems deliver, monitor, and control precise quantities of the specialized gases used in semiconductor manufacturing processes such as etch and deposition. Our chemical delivery systems and subsystems precisely blend and dispense the reactive liquid chemistries used in semiconductor manufacturing processes such as chemical-mechanical planarization, electroplating, and cleaning. We also provide precision-machined components, weldments, e‑beam and laser-welded components, precision vacuum and hydrogen brazing and surface treatment technologies, and other proprietary products. This vertically integrated portion of our business is primarily focused on metal and plastic parts that are used in gas and chemical systems, respectively. We are strategically located to provide the highest level of customer service and support from our program management, sales, engineering, and executive management teams. Ichor is headquartered in Fremont, California, and we have production facilities in California, Oregon, Texas, Nevada, Minnesota, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Mexico, and the UK, staffed by our 2000+ team members.
