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First Article Inspector Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Perform First Article, in-process, and final inspections * Inspect parts to print using hand tools, CMM, and optical comparators * Generate inspection reports and Certificates of Conformance

First article inspections * Develop inspection plans * Set quality requirements for production monitoring * Perform mechanical inspection using gauges such as micrometers, calipers, surface testers ...

Quality Technician

Plymouth, WI · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Conduct first article inspections and prepare reports. * Verify retain samples meet requirements and maintain approved samples and mating parts. * Documentation and Records * Review and approve ...

Quality Technician

Rothschild, WI · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Experience supporting PPAP, control plans, and first article inspections * Knowledge of regulatory requirements such as ITAR compliance

Supplier Quality Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Execute first article inspections and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) on supplied parts and materials Compliance & Continuous Improvement * Conduct internal audits per MPE's internal audit ...

Quality Technician

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Understand the role of dimensional inspection data in PPAP and First Article Inspection (FAI) submissions. * Retrieve engineering drawings and design records; verify revision levels for inspection ...

Be Seen First

Quality Technician

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Understand the role of dimensional inspection data in PPAP and First Article Inspection (FAI) submissions. * Retrieve engineering drawings and design records; verify revision levels for inspection ...

Quality Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI

$72K - $93K/yr

Maintain detailed inspection records, compile, and submit quality documentation, such as First Article Inspection (FAI) reports and PPAP packages. * Non-Conformance Management: Identify, document ...

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First Article Inspector information

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 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:
Infographic showing various First Article Inspector job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Quality Inspector - Mechanical - Level II

Quality Inspector - Mechanical - Level II

SQA Services

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

For nearly 30 years, SQA Services has been a leading provider of managed supplier quality services, offering audits, assessments, remote surveillance, corrective actions, remediation, inspections, and engineering solutions to manufacturers across all industries. We deliver these services by deploying a network of highly skilled associates based throughout the United States and in over 90 countries worldwide, ensuring rapid on-site support at your supplier locations. Our associates are expert quality assurance professionals with extensive experience and local expertise, enabling us to represent our clients on-demand and with greater speed and efficiency than our competitors
We're hiring for a Quality Mechanical Inspector position in Chicago, IL. The schedule is for the first shift, full-time or Part-time. If you have a passion for mechanical products and a keen eye for quality, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
One week of training in SoCal (Must be able to attend training). Travel accommodations will be provided.
Key Responsibilities
  • You will be conducting precision mechanical inspections at one or more client suppliers in Chicago, IL, and the Midwest region.
  • Perform precision inspection verifications on mechanical parts, components, assemblies, and materials
  • Inspection may include, but is not limited to, purchased parts, in-process and final assemblies, and materials for workmanship and conformance to specifications/drawings
  • Perform surface plate inspection of the first article, in-process, and lot sample parts if required
  • Utilize inspection equipment such as micrometers, gauge blocks, dial indicators, height gauges, optical comparators, profilometers, and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) if necessary
  • Visual acuity and the ability to detect defects in highly complex products
  • Verify documentation packages to industry/commodity-specific standards
  • Classify defect types and verify rework conducted during the time of the inspection

Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with precision mechanical parts inspection.
  • Strong ability to read and interpret manufacturing drawings and industry/commodity standards.
  • Proficient in GD&T and validating dimensions (tolerances ≥.005") using hand tools (e.g., indicators, micrometers, calipers, height gauges).
  • Experience with certificates of conformance and inspection documentation.
  • Ability to adapt to new technology and software.
  • Excellent visual acuity to detect defects in complex products.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate's degree or higher in a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Certification in inspection techniques or GD&T is a plus.

$30 - $34 an hour
50% hourly rate for any travel time ("p2p")
Mileage reimbursement at the US gov't rate ($0.725 per mile driven). Untaxed.
Note:
SQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data and/or defense articles. Must be ITAR compliant.
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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.