First Article Inspector | Montague, MI

Salary Range: $52,000 - $79,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling in first article inspector? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Montague seeking First Article Inspectors to lead and enhance their operations.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Montague seeking First Article Inspectors who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed inspections of first article parts and assemblies against engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards.
• Utilize a variety of precision measuring instruments and equipment, including CMM, calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Document inspection results accurately and thoroughly, completing required first article inspection reports (FAIRs) and associated paperwork.
• Identify and record non-conformances, initiating corrective action requests and collaborating with engineering and production to resolve issues.
• Interpret complex blueprints, CAD models, and GD&T to ensure complete and accurate verification of product requirements.
• Maintain and calibrate inspection equipment according to established procedures and schedules.
• Provide feedback to manufacturing and engineering on potential design or process improvements to enhance product quality and manufacturability.

Recommended Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or Associate's degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in quality control, inspection, or a related manufacturing role.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications (GD&T).
• Demonstrated ability to use a wide range of precision measuring tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, CMM).
• Strong understanding of First Article Inspection (FAI) processes and AS9102 or equivalent industry standards.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to accurately document inspection results and non-conformances.

Bonus Qualifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certification.
• Proficiency with statistical process control (SPC) software and methodologies.
• Experience with various types of metrology equipment beyond standard CMMs (e.g., laser scanners, optical comparators, vision systems).
• Ability to interpret and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles beyond basic understanding.

Job Titles That Should Apply

First Article Inspector,FAI Inspector,Quality Inspector,Manufacturing Quality Inspector,Dimensional Inspector,Incoming Quality Inspector,Metrology Inspector,Pre-Production Quality Inspector,Component Inspector,Product Quality Inspector

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.