First Article Inspector Jobs in Newington, CT (NOW HIRING)

Kamatics is seeking an Inspector on the 2nd shift to perform inspection activities on products and materials, including first-piece inspections and in-process monitoring, to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, customer requirements, and Kamatics quality standards. This role supports production schedules within the value stream and partners closely with operations and quality leadership to drive quality and continuous improvement.

About Kamatics: Kamatics is a global leader in high-performance bearings and engineered tribological solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Our team develops self-lubricating bearings and precision components that deliver durability, reliability, and performance in the harshest environments. We take pride in engineering excellence, collaborative problem solving, and a culture built on innovation and customer trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform visual and dimensional inspections of mechanical components and assemblies to close tolerances.
• Conduct first-piece and in-process inspections within assigned value streams.
• Identify surface, dimensional, visual, material, documentation, and workmanship non-conformities in accordance with blueprints and quality standards.
• Report non-conforming materials or unusual conditions to Quality and Value Stream leadership.
• Utilize inspection equipment to verify drawing specifications, including calipers, micrometers, dial bore gages, comparators, profilometers, and other precision tools.
• Operate and/or support Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) inspections.
• Interpret and measure Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) characteristics (e.g., runout, concentricity, parallelism, flatness, true position).
• Maintain inspection records, data, and logs; complete documentation such as IMS records, first article inspections, and related quality forms.
• Navigate systems to access drawings, inspection plans, and verification requirements.
• Prepare products and documentation for customer/source inspections.
• Support production flow by coordinating inspection activities and helping ensure schedules are met.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to other inspectors as needed.
• Recommend and support improvements to inspection processes, work procedures, and quality practices.
• Participate in 5S and continuous improvement initiatives within the work area.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment; follow all safety and environmental procedures.
• Deliver a high level of service to internal and external customers and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned and participate in cross-training as needed.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to Value Stream Manager / Senior Team Leader for daily work and production support
• Reports to Quality Assurance Supervisor for quality-related matters

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required

Experience

• 2–5+ years of inspection experience in a manufacturing environment or equivalent experience

Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency using precision measuring instruments and inspection equipment
• Experience with CMM operation (programming experience a plus)
• Strong understanding of GD&T and ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and blueprints
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and defects
• Ability to document inspection results accurately and thoroughly
• Solid shop math skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical ability
• Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
• Ability to prioritize, stay organized, and support production demands
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to provide guidance or leadership support when needed

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing and walking
• Frequent mental and visual attention to detail
• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs

Schedule Requirements

• 2nd Shift: 3:15 PM – 12:45 AM
• Includes one hour of mandatory overtime (45-hour work week)
• Overtime paid at 1.5x for hours worked over 40
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as needed

Benefits:

At Kamatics, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

Kamatics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.

(Actual placement within the salary range is dependent on multiple factors, including but not limited to skills, education, experience and location)