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First Article Inspector Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Konik

Quality Control Inspector

Minneapolis, MN

$26 - $40/hr

Perform first article and production part inspections using CMM, VMM, calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, and other precision measurement tools. * Export inspection results into QC Calc reporting ...

Fathom Mfg

Quality Engineer - CMM Programming

Andover, MN · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Perform first article inspections and first piece approvals * Complete AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports * Support PPAP submissions and customer-specific quality documentation requirements

Integrated Resources INC

Quality Inspector

Chaska, MN · On-site

Requires performing intricate First Article inspections on a wide variety of parts and may involve castings, molds and assemblies. * They initiate rejection reports for non-conforming materials and ...

Verify Inc.

Quality Source Inspector

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge of weldment inspection is desired. * Ideal inspector will have a minimum of ten (10) years ...

Verify

Quality Source Inspector

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge of weldment inspection is desired. * Ideal inspector will have a minimum of ten (10) years ...

Verify

Quality Source Inspector

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge of weldment inspection is desired. * Ideal inspector will have a minimum of ten (10) years ...

Manufacturing Company

Be Seen First

Quality Control Inspector 1st shift

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Demonstrate the ability to accurately complete AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) Reports in accordance with industry standards. * Perform detailed final inspections on finished products to verify ...

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First Article Inspector information

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$12

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$51

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article inspector in Minnesota is $26.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $30.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is QC inspection a good career?

A First Article Inspector role involves evaluating initial product samples to ensure quality standards are met, often requiring attention to detail and knowledge of inspection tools. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement, especially with certifications like ASQ CQI, and is valued in manufacturing and production environments.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

Senior inspectors such as quality control managers, aerospace inspectors, or specialized industrial inspectors tend to earn the highest salaries. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and expertise in specific industries or tools, which contribute to higher compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the First Article Inspector position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Article Inspector, you need a solid background in quality control, blueprint reading, and measurement techniques, often supplemented by experience in manufacturing or aerospace industries. Familiarity with tools like calipers, micrometers, CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), and quality management systems such as AS9102 or ISO 9001 is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you excel in reporting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure that initial production samples meet stringent specifications and support ongoing process improvements.

What does a first article inspector do?

A first article inspector reviews and verifies the initial production sample of a part or product to ensure it meets design specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements. They perform detailed inspections, document findings, and may use measurement tools or inspection software as part of their quality control process.

How much do SpaceX quality inspector make?

First Article Inspectors at SpaceX typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience and location. The role involves inspecting parts and assemblies, often requiring knowledge of quality standards and inspection tools. Salaries can vary based on certifications and the complexity of the projects.

What is a First Article Inspector job?

A First Article Inspector is responsible for verifying the initial production run of a manufactured part to ensure it meets design specifications, engineering drawings, and quality standards. They perform detailed inspections using precision measuring tools and document results in reports like First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR). This role is critical in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical manufacturing, where compliance with strict quality requirements is essential. By identifying defects early, First Article Inspectors help prevent costly production errors and ensure consistency in manufacturing processes.

What are the typical challenges faced by First Article Inspectors, and how can they overcome them?

First Article Inspectors often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex engineering drawings, adapting to evolving quality standards, and working under tight production schedules. Success in this role depends on keen problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to communicating discrepancies to engineering and production teams. Continual learning—such as staying current on industry standards and embracing new inspection technologies—helps inspectors remain effective. Being detail-oriented and thorough also minimizes rework, ensuring products meet client and regulatory requirements from the outset.

What are popular job titles related to First Article Inspector jobs in Minnesota? For First Article Inspector jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Article Inspector jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for First Article Inspector jobs in Minnesota are:
First Article Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,733 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

First Article Inspector

Spectrum Plastics Group

New Brighton, MN

$22 - $32/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Inspection and Measurement Responsibilities

  • Perform and prepare reports for mechanical inspections on plastic, machined metal and assemblies per customer and Donatelle specifications
  • Recommend and develop inspection methods using manual, vision and automated inspection precision metrology equipment
  • Perform and prepare reports for first article, capability studies and gage R & R studies
  • Read and interpret customer specifications and blueprints containing both linear and geometrically toleranced features
  • Assist with delegating inspection related tasks (Gage R&R, capability studies) to Quality Inspectors and Quality Technicians

General Responsibilities

  • Responsibility to protect Donatelle confidential information and Intellectual Property
  • Follow safety requirements as outlined in the safety manual
  • 10-15% travel to St. Louis Park facility may be required
  • Perform other projects and duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:                                                                                                                                              

Education/Experience:

  • Two year technical degree preferred
  • Minimum of 3 years experience in mechanical inspection of injection molded and machined components

Other Qualifications and Desired Skills:

  • ASQ Certified Mechanical Inspector certificate
  • Training in basic statistics preferred
  • Training in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
  • Ability to read and interpret blue prints and specifications
  • General computer skills including MS Excel and MS Word

Additional information:

  • 2nd shift position, hours are from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., there is a shift differential for 2nd shift
  • Hourly wage range: $22 to $32
  • Company benefits include, medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO, holiday pay, and more

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

  • A completed 2-year vocational inspection program or equivalent on the job experience
  • Course work in inspection , gauging and blueprint reading
  • Exposure to injection molding in any capacity
  • Working knowledge of mechanical inspection equipment, including Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

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