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First Article Inspector Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

ITW MTS Systems

Quality Inspector

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Support First Article Inspection, SPC sampling, and nonconformance investigations * Maintain accurate inspection records in compliance with local procedures and ISO 9001 * Partner with engineering ...

MTS Systems

Quality Inspector

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

Support First Article Inspection, SPC sampling, and nonconformance investigations * Maintain accurate inspection records in compliance with local procedures and ISO 9001 * Partner with engineering ...

Klesk Metal Stamping Co

Quality Inspector

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$27 - $34/hr

... First Article Inspection, PPAP, corrective action, or customer quality requirements - ERP, inspection documentation, or electronic quality systems - Training or mentoring junior inspectors or ...

Klesk Metal Stamping Co

Quality Inspector

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$27 - $34/hr

... First Article Inspection, PPAP, corrective action, or customer quality requirements - ERP, inspection documentation, or electronic quality systems - Training or mentoring junior inspectors or ...

Verterra Energy

CNC Machinist

New Brighton, MN

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

... verified first article Quality & Inspection First article inspection and dimensional verification using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and basic GD&T Maintain the documentation and ...

Randstad

CNC Mill Operator

Osseo, MN · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Quality & Inspection: Perform detailed initial, in-process, and first-article inspections (FAI) using precision hand tools (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges) and CMM reports to ...

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First Article Inspector information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$26

$51

How much do first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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:

First Article Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Minnesota as of September 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.

Quality Inspector-Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Waconia, MN • On-site

Illinois Tool Works Inc
Machinery Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Illinois Tool Works Incexternal

$24 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Illinois Tool Works rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

182nd of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:
Smart people. Smart ideas. Smart choice.
MTS is a leading global supplier of test and simulation systems. Formula 1 teams, leading automotive and aerospace companies, and the world's top researchers in materials and seismic engineering all rely on our systems to determine product reliability and ensure compliance with quality standards. Check out some of our amazing technology here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXOsvWpTHH4
As an ITW company, MTS is part of a Fortune 300 global manufacturing leader with 49,000 employees across 56 countries, offering career development opportunities not just within MTS but across the ITW enterprise.
We're looking for a Quality Inspector who takes pride in precision and wants to grow their career in a place built for learning and innovation.
What we need most: CMM experience.
If you have hands on experience operating and programming Coordinate Measuring Machines, this role is built around that skill. We're open to a range of experience levels, from someone building their CMM background to a technician who can develop programs from SolidWorks models and troubleshoot complex geometric inspections. What matters most is that you know your way around a CMM and want to keep sharpening that expertise.
What You'll Do:
  • Operate and program CMMs to verify dimensional and geometric part characteristics
  • Perform manual inspections using typical inspection instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers)
  • Read and apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5 to evaluate part features
  • Support First Article Inspection, SPC sampling, and nonconformance investigations
  • Maintain accurate inspection records in compliance with local procedures and ISO 9001
  • Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve quality issues

What You Bring:
  • 2-3+ years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or quality environment
  • CMM operation experience required. Calypso software and SolidWorks based programming a plus
  • Comfort interpreting GD&T and communicating deviations to engineering and production
  • SAP experience a plus
  • ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) a plus, not required

Best in Class Benefits:
  • Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance: http://myitwhr.com/
  • HSA/FSA with a company match
  • Income protection benefits
  • Industry leading 401(k) plan
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Matching gift and volunteer program

Get Involved and Give Back:
MTS supports Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that bring people together to share experiences and ideas, and we're committed to a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute their talents. Through the ITW Hearts Giving Hope Program, employees also have the chance to give back and support families in our communities.
Compensation Information:
The compensation for this position ranges from $24-$30 based on relevant education and experience.

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About Illinois Tool Works

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ITW is a global industrial company built around a differentiated and proprietary business model. The company’s seven industry-leading segments leverage the unique ITW Business Model to drive solid growth with best-in-class margins and returns in markets where highly innovative, customer-focused solutions are required. From state-of-the-art dishwashers, ovens and refrigerators in restaurants and hotels, to automobile components inside vehicles all over the world ... the products we manufacture and the solutions we design are all around us. The buildings where we live and work are built with ITW construction and welding products, and our ITW test & measurement solutions help to ensure the quality and safety of millions of products. ITW’s dedicated colleagues around the world thrive in the company’s decentralized and entrepreneurial culture. Our leaders have deep expertise in the ITW Business Model and leverage it to deliver superior performance and value to our customers.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glenview, IL, US

Year founded

1912

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