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First Article Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

First Article Quality Inspector

Lake Zurich, IL ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SummaryUnder general supervision, the First Article Inspector assures the quality of processes and products by performing audits, inspections, tests, defect analysis, first article sample submission ...

First Article Intake (FAI) Specialist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

First Article Intake (FAI) Specialist The First Article Intake Specialist is responsible for evaluating and approving first article samples and die strike components to ensure compliance with ...

Quality Technician (1st shift)

Cary, IL ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Complete and document First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with customer requirements and acceptance criteria. * Process and document non-conforming material through the MRB process and ...

Quality Technician (1st shift)

Cary, IL ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Complete and document First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with customer requirements and acceptance criteria. * Process and document non-conforming material through the MRB process and ...

Quality Technician (1st shift)

Cary, IL ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Complete and document First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with customer requirements and acceptance criteria. * Process and document non-conforming material through the MRB process and ...

1st Shift CNC Setup

Elk Grove Village, IL ยท On-site

$28 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is a hands-on setup role for a machinist who can independently own jobs from setup through first article approval and production release. For more than 75 years, Acme Industries has manufactured ...

CNC Milling Set Up Operator

Elk Grove Village, IL ยท On-site

$28 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Prove out new and revised programs; make offsets, edits, and parameter adjustments as needed to achieve first-article approval * Run in-process and final inspection using precision measurement tools ...

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Showing results 1-20

First Article information

See Illinois salary details

$18

$47

$76

How much do first article jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article in Illinois is $47.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.02 and $53.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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

Infographic showing various First Article job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,842 per year, or $47 per hour.

First Article Quality Inspector

AFCO Products

Lake Zurich, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

SummaryUnder general supervision, the First Article Inspector assures the quality of processes and products by performing audits, inspections, tests, defect analysis, first article sample submission, setting & troubleshooting visual inspection equipment, and reporting on results of measurement standards. DutiesConduct periodic product audits/inspections on running parts and conduct final shipment audits.Perform system and process audits (supplier certification, internal system, subcontractor, comprehensive process, set-up verifications, etc.).Investigate and process quality problems to aid in their thorough resolution.Interpret internal and customer specifications to separate acceptable from rejectable products, and provide guidance for manufacturing personal on the interpretation of product quality standards.Maintain filing system of inspection records for manufactured products.Update changes to customer specification criteria as required.Perform Receiving Inspection on vendor product to verify conformance to LT standards. Communicate with vendors concerning quality issues if required.Ensure all necessary inspection records accompany shipments.Adheres to quality and safety systems or maintenance of quality and safety standards.Perform other related duties and assignments as required. RequirementsExperience with QA/QC in manufacturingKnowledge of ISO and other related quality system standardsAbility to read and interpret blueprints with close attention to detailAbility to maintain and use precision measuring instrumentsAbility to operate inspection/lab equipmentComputer skills including spreadsheet, word processing, and database management softwareGood written and oral communication skillsGood interpersonal and organizational skills Salary is dependent on prior work experience.Shop is clean, well-lit and air conditioned with modern machinery.Benefit package includes health, dental, vacation and 401k retirement options. All resumes will be kept confidential.