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First Article Inspector Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

First Article Inspector

New Brighton, MN · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

First Article Inspector

New Brighton, MN · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Quality Inspector

Maple Grove, MN

$23 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The position also involves writing first article inspections and training to operate a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) to support high-quality production. Responsibilities * Perform in-process ...

Quality Inspector

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$41K - $48K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct First Article Inspections (FAI) to verify that raw materials and components meet engineering drawings, product specifications, and applicable industry standards. * Perform Goods Receipt ...

Quality Inspector

Minneapolis, MN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct First Article Inspections (FAI) to verify that raw materials and components meet engineering drawings, product specifications, and applicable industry standards. * Perform Goods Receipt ...

Perform incoming inspection of raw material. * Assist on the first article inspection of the part to ensure conformance prior start running the job. * Perform final inspections on productions parts ...

Source Inspector

Minneapolis, MN

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Candidate must have 7+ years experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge of applicable industry standards like IPC-A-610 or equivalent is ...

Source Inspector

Minneapolis, MN

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Candidate must have 7+ years experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge of applicable industry standards like IPC-A-610 or equivalent is ...

Source Inspector

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Candidate must have 7+ years experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge of applicable industry standards like IPC-A-610 or equivalent is ...

Source Inspector

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Candidate must have 7+ years experience performing First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance to the AS9102 standard and knowledge of applicable industry standards like IPC-A-610 or equivalent is ...

NPD Quality Inspector- 2nd or 3rd Shift

Delano, MN · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform First Article Inspection and pre-production inspections to engineering or product specifications. * Perform inspection activities including visual, dimensional, functional, and physical ...

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Showing results 1-20

First Article Inspector information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$26

$51

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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.

What is a first article inspector?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first article inspector?

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 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.

How to do a first article inspection?

A First Article Inspection (FAI) for a First Article Inspector involves thoroughly examining the initial produced part against engineering drawings and specifications, checking dimensions, materials, and workmanship. The inspector documents findings, compares measurements with tolerances, and verifies compliance before approving the part for production. Familiarity with inspection tools like calipers, gauges, and measurement software is essential, along with understanding quality standards such as AS9102 or ISO 9001.

What does a First Article Inspector do?

A First Article Inspector examines the initial production sample of a part or product to ensure it meets design specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements. They perform detailed inspections using measurement tools and document findings, often working closely with manufacturing and quality assurance teams to approve or reject the first article before full production begins.

What are the most commonly searched types of First Article Inspector jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of First Article Inspector jobs in Minnesota are:

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:

Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Minnesota as of August 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 MASTER

New Brighton, MN • On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 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)