Assistant First Article Inspector Jobs in Minnesota

Job Title: Quality Inspector
Job Description

This role focuses on performing detailed inspections of incoming materials, in-process parts, and finished products to ensure they meet customer specifications and internal quality standards. You will work closely with molding, machining, and assembly teams to identify non-conformances, validate first-article templates, and support continuous quality improvement across the production process.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming material verification to ensure all components meet specified quality and dimensional requirements before entering production.
• Conduct in-process inspections on molded, machined, and assembled parts to detect and isolate non-conformances as early as possible.
• Complete final part audits to confirm that finished products align with customer specifications and internal quality standards.
• Use precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and optical comparators, to verify part dimensions and tolerances.
• Carry out primarily visual inspections to identify defects, surface irregularities, and other quality issues.
• Collaborate closely with molding, machining, and assembly teams to communicate quality concerns and support corrective actions.
• Validate and follow first-article inspection templates to ensure new or revised parts meet all required criteria.
• Document inspection results accurately and consistently to support traceability and quality reporting.
• Work independently to prioritize inspection tasks and manage workload across multiple production lines.
• Maintain a clean and organized inspection area and handle parts and equipment with care to prevent damage.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying recurring issues and suggesting process or inspection enhancements.
• Follow all safety guidelines while standing and walking throughout the shift and safely handling parts up to 55 lbs.

Essential Skills

• At least 6+ months of quality inspection experience, primarily focused on visual inspection.
• A minimum of 1+ year of experience in plastics, either in inspection or machine operation.
• At least 1+ year of experience working independently in a quality control or quality inspection role.
• Proficiency in using calipers for precise dimensional measurements.
• Proficiency in using micrometers for accurate measurement of small dimensions and tolerances.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints to verify that parts meet specified dimensions and features.
• Experience with plastic mold injection processes, either in inspection or production support.
• Familiarity with quality control and quality inspection practices in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with visual inspection techniques to identify defects, cosmetic issues, and non-conformances.
• Exposure to or experience with CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) concepts or operations.
• Physical ability to stand and walk throughout a full shift.
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs safely and repeatedly as needed.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for handling and inspecting small components.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Comfort working closely with molding, machining, and assembly teams in a collaborative environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high quality standards.
• Ability to work effectively on a production line with multiple team members.
• Willingness to work second shift hours with some flexibility in schedule options.
• Positive attitude toward continuous improvement and openness to learning new tools and technologies.

Why Work Here?

You will join a values-driven organization that emphasizes dependability, hard work, always finding a way, and having fun. These values are actively discussed and reinforced through daily interactions and quarterly town-hall meetings, creating a culture of transparency and shared purpose. The company is known for its stability and loyalty, with a strong focus on long-term relationships and employee retention, even finding internal projects to keep people working during slower economic periods. You will experience a unique workplace culture highlighted by a 16,000-square-foot interactive holiday display built by employees, fostering pride, creativity, and community connection. The environment blends innovation and craftsmanship, giving you exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as 3D metal printing and advanced injection molding. Leadership is known for being flexible and supportive, encouraging ideas from the production floor and maintaining an approachable, collaborative atmosphere.

Work Environment

You will work in an open warehouse environment alongside a production team of approximately 15 people. The typical line setup includes four people: one operating the spray molding machine, one placing aluminum into the mold, one controlling the machine to insert rubber into the foam mold, and one removing the finished part. The role supports second shift with two schedule options: 5:45 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, or 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The dress code is casual, including a t-shirt, long pants, and closed-toed shoes. You will use precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and optical comparators in a hands-on manufacturing setting that also incorporates advanced technologies like 3D metal printing and injection molding. The environment encourages teamwork, open communication, and practical problem-solving while maintaining a comfortable, casual atmosphere.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Blaine, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Blaine,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.