ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Article Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Award Staffing

Manual & CNC Machinist - 1st Shift

Lakeville, MN · On-site

$62K - $104K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Perform first-article and in-process inspections to ensure zero-defect production. Diagnose mechanical issues or machining variances and make real-time adjustments. * Maintenance & Safety: Perform ...

C-Axis, Inc.

Machine Operator 1 - Weekend Shift AM

Hamel, MN · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Completes 1st article and in process inspection * May fit and assemble parts into complete assembly * Uses hand tools, grinders, scotch brite and other special deburring tools to remove sharp edges ...

C-Axis, Inc.

Machine Operator 1 - Weekend PM Shift

Hamel, MN · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Completes 1st article and in process inspection * May fit and assemble parts into complete assembly * Uses hand tools, grinders, scotch brite and other special deburring tools to remove sharp edges ...

Marotta Controls, Inc.

Quality Specialist

Chaska, MN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Complete First Article Inspections and related documentation in accordance with AS9102 requirements. * Review and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, tolerances, and geometric ...

Turck Inc

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 ...

Marotta Controls, Inc.

Quality Specialist

Chaska, MN

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Complete First Article Inspections and related documentation in accordance with AS9102 requirements. * Review and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, tolerances, and geometric ...

Turck, Inc.

Quality Inspector

Plymouth, MN · On-site

  • 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 ...

Turck, Inc.

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 ...

Actalent

Quality Technician

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review and maintain First Article Inspections (FAIs), control plans, and all related inspection documentation. * Ensure strict adherence to the established quality management system and departmental ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsFirst Article JobsFirst Article Jobs in Minnesota

First Article information

See Minnesota salary details

$18

$47

$76

How much do first article jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article in Minnesota is $47.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.45 and $54.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first article?

A First Article job refers to the initial production run of a part or assembly used to verify that manufacturing processes meet design specifications. It typically involves a First Article Inspection (FAI), where dimensions, materials, and other critical features are reviewed against engineering requirements. This process ensures that the production setup is correct before full-scale manufacturing begins. First Article jobs are common in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, where precision and compliance are crucial.

What does a first article inspector do?

First Article Inspectors are responsible for verifying that the first item produced in a manufacturing run meets all required specifications and standards. Each day, you can expect to review engineering drawings, conduct precise measurements using specialized tools, and document inspection results in detailed reports. You may also coordinate with engineers, machinists, and production managers to resolve any discrepancies and provide feedback for process improvements. This role is vital for maintaining quality assurance and establishing a benchmark for the rest of the production run.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the first article position?

To thrive as a First Article Inspector, you need a strong background in quality control, blueprint reading, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by experience in a similar production or inspection environment. Familiarity with measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, CMM machines, and quality management systems (QMS) like ISO 9001 is essential. Excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help inspectors collaborate with production teams and document results accurately. These skills are critical to ensure that initial production samples meet all specifications, preventing costly errors in mass production.

What are popular job titles related to First Article jobs in Minnesota?

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for First Article jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most First Article job openings:

First Article jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,891 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Advanced Quality Engineer

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc

Bloomington, MN • On-site

$105K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

Basic Qualifications
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related Science, Technology or Mathematics field. Also requires 5+ years of job-related experience, or a Master's degree plus 3 years of job-related experience.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Department of Defense Secret security clearance is preferred at time of hire. Candidates must be able to obtain a Secret clearance within a reasonable amount of time from date of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
Imagine building your career by developing the solutions that support the mission of our nation's service members, intelligence analysts and first responders. That's the challenge waiting for you at General Dynamics Mission Systems. Here you have the opportunity to redefine innovation and excellence for the world.
We apply advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, AR/VR, Cloud Native and Quantum Physics to solve our customers' missions in cyber, RF, undersea, interstellar and everything in between.
We seek an experienced Program Quality Engineer to serve as the primary quality interface for assigned programs, ensuring compliance with AS9100D, customer requirements, and GDMS quality standards. You'll work embedded with cross-functional program teams to drive quality excellence from contract award through delivery and closeout.
What You'll Do
Program Quality Support:
  • Serve as the primary quality representative for assigned programs, acting as the quality focal point between program management, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and customers
  • Develop and maintain program-specific Quality Plans and tailoring documentation in accordance with contract requirements and GDMS processes
  • Participate in Program Baseline Reviews, Program Reviews, and Engineering Status Reviews to assess quality performance and identify risks
  • Conduct monthly Program Quality Assessments, tracking metrics including NCRs, CARs, audit findings, and corrective action status

Quality Assurance & Compliance:
  • Review contract requirements and ensure proper flow-down of quality requirements to specifications, procedures, suppliers, and subcontractors
  • Perform process audits and product audits per AS9100D requirements; generate findings and track corrective actions to closure
  • Witness and monitor critical test activities, first article inspections, and qualification events
  • Support internal and external (customer) audits; prepare compliance evidence and respond to audit findings

Problem Resolution & Continuous Improvement:
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action development for nonconformances, customer complaints, and quality escapes
  • Interface with Material Review Board (MRB) for disposition of nonconforming material
  • Identify quality trends and drive preventive actions; recommend process improvements
  • Manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) and coordinate with Supplier Quality and Supply Chain on supplier quality issues
  • Capture and disseminate lessons learned

Documentation & Metrics:
  • Review engineering drawings, specifications, test procedures, and manufacturing documentation for conformance to requirements
  • Generate quality metrics and reports for program leadership and customers
  • Maintain quality records in compliance with AS9100D and contract requirements
  • Support customer data deliverables (CDRLs/SDRLs) as required
What You Bring to the Table
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or Mathematics field plus 5+ years of relevant quality engineering experience; OR Master's degree plus 3+ years of relevant experience
  • Working knowledge of AS9100 Rev D and ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems
  • Experience with aerospace/defense quality requirements and government contracting (FAR/DFAR)
  • Proficiency with inspection/measurement tools and techniques
  • Strong analytical skills with experience collecting, analyzing, and presenting quality metrics
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and data analysis tools

Preferred:
  • AS9100 Auditor certification or internal auditor training
  • Experience with IPC standards (J-STD-001, A-610, A-600) for electronic assemblies
  • Experience with First Article Inspection (AS9102) requirements
  • Knowledge of CMMI, FRACAS, or other process improvement frameworks
  • Experience with ERP/MRB systems
  • Understanding of Configuration Management and Engineering Change processes
What Sets You Apart
  • Customer Focus: Exceptional communication skills to interface professionally with program customers, and senior leadership
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program management teams
  • Ethical Leadership: Demonstrated ability to make difficult decisions and stop shipments when quality issues require resolution
  • Problem Solving: Creative thinker who can analyze complex quality issues and develop practical solutions
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing technical documentation while maintaining program schedule awareness
  • Self-Starter: Proactive approach to identifying and addressing quality risks before they become problems
  • Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation
What You'll Experience
  • Mission-critical work supporting the warfighter and national security
  • A team of bold thinkers committed to exploring what's next
  • Opportunities to gain new knowledge in aerospace quality and advanced manufacturing
  • Career growth in a company that values quality excellence and continuous improvement

#LI
Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $105,814.00 - USD $117,387.00 /Yr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What General Dynamics Mission Systems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply