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Remote First Article Inspector Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

Remote First Article Inspector information

See Minneapolis, MN salary details

$13

$28

$54

How much do remote first article inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote first article inspector in Minneapolis, MN is $28.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Remote First Article Inspector?

A Remote First Article Inspector is a quality control professional who reviews and verifies the first manufactured item (the 'first article') of a production run to ensure it meets all specified requirements and standards. They perform inspections remotely, often using digital tools and communication platforms to review documentation, photos, and data submitted by on-site personnel. Their role is crucial in identifying any issues early in the manufacturing process, which helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures consistent quality. This position is common in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics, where strict compliance with specifications is critical.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote First Article Inspector?

To thrive as a Remote First Article Inspector, you need a solid background in quality assurance, blueprint reading, and inspection techniques, often supported by relevant technical certifications or experience in manufacturing or aerospace industries. Familiarity with measurement tools (such as calipers, micrometers, and CMMs), as well as quality management systems like AS9102 or ISO 9001, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are critical soft skills for ensuring precise documentation and collaboration with remote teams. These skills and qualifications ensure that products meet stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements, reducing errors and maintaining customer trust.

How does a Remote First Article Inspector typically collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure compliance with specifications?

As a Remote First Article Inspector, you frequently interact with engineering and production teams through video calls, shared digital platforms, and detailed documentation. Your primary responsibility is to verify that the initial samples meet all technical drawings and customer requirements. Effective communication is crucial—you're often clarifying specifications, discussing inspection results, and providing feedback to address any discrepancies. This role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently, while still being a proactive team player in a remote setting.

What is the difference between Remote First Article Inspector vs Remote Quality Control Inspector?

AspectRemote First Article InspectorRemote Quality Control Inspector
CertificationsQuality assurance, inspection certificationsQuality assurance, inspection certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily remote, focused on article inspectionPrimarily remote, focused on quality control processes
Industry UsagePublishing, manufacturing, content reviewManufacturing, production, product inspection
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in article inspectionUnderstanding roles in quality control

The Remote First Article Inspector and Remote Quality Control Inspector share similar certifications and work environments but differ in industry focus. The Article Inspector specializes in reviewing articles, content, or documents remotely, often in publishing or content industries. The Quality Control Inspector focuses on inspecting products or materials in manufacturing settings. Both roles require quality assurance knowledge but serve distinct industry needs, making them common comparison points for those exploring remote inspection careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of First Article Inspector jobs in Minneapolis, MN?

The most popular types of First Article Inspector jobs in Minneapolis, MN are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote First Article Inspector jobs in Minneapolis, MN?

For Remote First Article Inspector jobs in Minneapolis, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Remote First Article Inspector job openings in Minneapolis, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,397 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Senior Quality Engineer

Donaldson Company, Inc.

Bloomington, MN • On-site, Remote

$92K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Donaldson is committed to solving the world's most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.

We are seeking a driven and detailoriented Quality-focused individual to support our multi-site Aerospace & Defense AS9100-certified and Industrial ISO 9001certified operations as our next Senior Quality Engineer. This role is central to ensuring product and process excellence across multiple industrial manufacturing facilities while serving as a key liaison with cornerstone customers. The ideal candidate thrives in a fastpaced environment, excels at crossfunctional collaboration, and is passionate about driving continuous improvement throughout the business.

Qualified candidates must be able to work a hybrid schedule at our Bloomington, MN headquarters.

Role Responsibilities:

Quality Systems & Compliance

  • Support, maintain, and improve the company's AS9100 and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems across multiple manufacturing sites.

  • Lead internal audits, support external audits, and ensure ongoing compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry standards.

  • Develop, revise, and standardize quality procedures, work instructions, and documentation across the organization.

Customer Liaison & Relationship Management

  • Serve as a technical quality contact for key cornerstone customers.

  • Support customer communication related to quality issues, corrective actions, product performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Facilitate customer audits, visits, and quality reviews, ensuring transparency and alignment with expectations.

Manufacturing & Process Support

  • Partner with operations, engineering, and supply chain teams to resolve quality issues and improve process capability.

  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (RCCA/CAPA) activities using industrystandard tools (8D, 5 Why, FMEA, etc.).

  • Support new product introductions, process validations, and first article inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102.

Continuous Improvement

  • Identify systemic issues and lead crossfunctional improvement projects that enhance quality, efficiency, and cost performance.

  • Promote a culture of operational excellence using Lean, Six Sigma, and datadriven problemsolving methodologies.

  • Track and analyze quality metrics to drive proactive improvements and reduce defects, scrap, and rework.

TRAVEL: Up to 10%

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree

  • 5+ years of professional Quality experience

  • Prior experience in Aerospace & Defense, industrial manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries.

  • Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and related quality standards.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or technical field would be beneficial

  • Prior quality engineering or manufacturing engineering experience

  • Process improvement and problem-solving experience

  • Experience working within an ISO and/or AS9100compliant aerospace quality management environment

  • Any ISO or AS9100 certifications would be advantageous

  • Experience with original equipment manufacturing (Aerospace, OffHighway, or Automotive)

  • Ability to apply Six Sigma tools and principles such as process Capability, Gage RR, Design of Experiments, and DMAIC in a manufacturing setting.

  • Experience facilitating 8D analysis and implementing corrective actions internally and externally.

Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Annual Salary Range:$92,400 - 127,500. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to applicable work experience, training, education, and performance.

Employee benefits are part of the competitive total rewards package that Donaldson Company, Inc. provides to you. Our comprehensive benefits program includes health benefits, retirement plan (401k), paid time away, paid leaves (including paid parental leave) and more

Immigration Sponsorship Not Available:

  • Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.).

  • Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

  • International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the U.S. will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veterans

Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.

Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers. These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process. Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to talentacquisition@donaldson.com to verify that the communication is from Donaldson.

Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.