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First Article Inspector Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Quality Technician

Racine, WI

$17 - $22.75/hr

This role works closely with the Quality Engineer and Quality Manager to perform First Article Inspections (FAI), generate and manage nonconformance reports (NCR/MDR), execute Production Part ...

Actalent

Quality Technician

Racine, WI

$17 - $22.75/hr

This role works closely with the Quality Engineer and Quality Manager to perform First Article Inspections (FAI), generate and manage nonconformance reports (NCR/MDR), execute Production Part ...

AROW Global Corporation

Quality Inspector

Mosinee, WI · On-site

Perform first article inspections (FAIs) of prototypes, new parts, engineering changes and first run products. Carry out dimensional assessment of product or parts to confirm that dimensions comply ...

JellTech Consulting

Be Seen First

Quality Supervisor

Waupaca, WI · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

The Quality Supervisor supports compliance with customer requirements, ISO 9001:2015 standards, and ITAR regulations while overseeing inspection activities, CMM programming, First Article Inspections ...

KMC Stampings

Quality Engineer

Port Washington, WI · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) and supplier quality management. Preferred Qualifications: * Certification as a Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent. * Experience working in regulated ...

Skylimit Systems

Quality Technician

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$28 - $37/hr

Support first article inspections, in-process checks, and final inspections * Work closely with production and engineering to resolve quality issues * Maintain calibration and proper care of all ...

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First Article Inspector information

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 popular job titles related to First Article Inspector jobs in Wisconsin?

For First Article Inspector jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Article Inspector jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for First Article Inspector jobs in Wisconsin are:

First Article Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Quality Engineer - 1st Shift (7:00 AM - 3:30 PM; Monday - Friday)

Vital Plastics LLC

Baldwin, WI • On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Shift: 1st Shift (7:00 AM - 3:30 PM; Monday - Friday)
Position Purpose: The Quality Engineer supports product and process quality throughout the product lifecycle, with a strong focus on new product introduction (NPI), metrology, measurement systems, validation, and continuous improvement. Partnering closely with customers and collaborating across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Suppliers, this role develops and implements inspection and validation processes, analyzes quality data, and leads corrective action initiatives to ensure products consistently meet customer requirements, regulatory expectations, and quality standards.
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain quality plans, inspection procedures, validation protocols, and quality documentation for new and existing products.
  • Lead quality activities for New Product Introduction (NPI), including First Article Inspection (FAI), process validation (IQ, OQ, PQ), capability studies, PPAP generation, Process Flow, PFMEA and control plans.
  • Develop, validate, and maintain measurement systems to ensure accurate and repeatable inspection results.
  • Perform Measurement System Analysis (MSA), including Gage R&R studies, and support calibration of inspection and test equipment.
  • Interpret engineering drawings and GD&T to establish effective inspection methods using Smartscope CMMs and other precision measurement equipment.
  • Investigate customer complaints, internal nonconformances, and supplier quality issues; lead root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, 3L5Y, CAR, MRB).
  • Monitor quality performance and analyze data using statistical methods (SPC) to identify trends and drive process improvements.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Suppliers and Customers to ensure quality requirements are incorporated throughout product development and production.
  • Conduct internal quality audits, support customer audits, and maintain quality records to ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015.
  • Facilitate training on quality requirements, inspection methods, and best practices.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience:
Required
  • Associates or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
  • Quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Working knowledge of ISO.
  • Experience with NPI, First Article Inspection (FAI), PPAP, capability studies, and validation activities.
  • Strong understanding of metrology, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), calibration, and precision measurement techniques.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Computer proficiency.

Desired
  • Plastic Injection Molding Industry Experience
  • Delmiaworks (IQMS) ERP System Experience

Salary Description
$65,000 - $95,000

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