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First Article Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Belden Universal

Quality Inspection Technician

Hillside, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Prepare Certificates of Conformance and First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) packages. • PPAP Development: Partner with the Quality Manager to develop customer PPAP submissions. Continuous ...

Ajulia Executive Search

CMM Programmer

Wheeling, IL · On-site

Perform dimensional inspections on first article, in-process, and finished production parts to verify compliance with specifications. * Interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements in ...

Forest City Gear

Quality Technician

Roscoe, IL

$18 - $40/hr

Experience performing first article inspections in accordance with AS9102 * Ability to operate all inspection equipment within the quality department * Provide inspection support for outside ...

Nbutexas

CMM Programmer

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Reporting to the quality leadership team, you will develop and maintain CMM programs across first-article, in-process, and final inspection activities, and set the standard for measurement rigor that ...

New

GCM Inc.

CNC Lathe Machinist III

Addison, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

FA - Internal First Article or new process * SCR - Customer new process or customer engineering change request * Perform tool, offset changes on setup, and submit a passing internal first article to ...

GCM

CNC Lathe Machinist III

Addison, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

FA - Internal First Article or new process * SCR - Customer new process or customer engineering change request * Perform tool, offset changes on setup, and submit a passing internal first article to ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsFirst Article JobsFirst Article Jobs in Illinois

First Article information

See Illinois salary details

$18

$47

$76

How much do first article jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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 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 Illinois?

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

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:

First Article jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Article job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,842 per year, or $47 per hour.

Quality Inspection Technician

Belden Universal

Hillside, IL • On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Description

We are seeking a Quality Inspection Technician who is eager to learn and grow in our AS9100 manufacturing environment. In this role, you will work side-by-side with experienced Quality professionals, machinists, and engineers to assure quality and generate compliance documentation for our universal joints and other precision components. You will have the opportunity to contribute to Belden’s rapid growth on day one and make a significant impact on our company. You will be a critical part of quality control for the aerospace, defense, and industrial machinery industries. A successful Quality Inspection Technician at Belden Universal will be proficient with a variety of measuring tools and techniques, data analysis, blueprint reading and GD&T.

Belden Universal offers competitive pay commensurate with experience, a benefits package, Paid Time Off that increases with tenure, a 401-K match, 10 paid company holidays and 4 paid personal days per year. Come join us in our newly constructed, air-conditioned, clean, and well-organized production facility 12 miles west of downtown Chicago. Belden Universal is growing rapidly and there are significant opportunities for advancement for motivated candidates.

This role is for the first shift (5 AM to 1:30 PM).

Why Belden Universal?

We value our team and provide an environment where you can build a long-term career. We offer:

• A Great Workplace: A brand new, air-conditioned, clean, and well-organized production facility.

• Work-Life Balance: An early 1st shift schedule (5:00 AM – 1:30 PM) so you have your afternoons free.

• Competitive Compensation: Pay commensurate with your experience and skill level.

• Comprehensive Benefits: A full benefits package including a 401(k) match.

• Generous Time Off: 10 paid company holidays and 4 paid personal days per year.

• Career Growth: Rapid company expansion means significant advancement opportunities for driven professionals.

Inspection & Floor Oversight

• Inspection Execution: Perform first piece, in-process, and final inspection to verify conformance to specification.

• Visual Inspection: Inspect product visually for defects, burrs, and surface finish issues prior to release.

• Gage Management: Oversee the gage program, including calibration schedules and control of inspection equipment.

• Floor Mentoring: Mentor production floor personnel on inspection best practices to build in-process quality ownership.

Documentation & Customer Requirements

• Inspection Specifications: Create inspection specifications per customer and engineering requirements.

• Work Instructions: Develop work instructions as needed to standardize inspection and quality processes.

• Certificates & FAIR Packs: Prepare Certificates of Conformance and First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) packages.

• PPAP Development: Partner with the Quality Manager to develop customer PPAP submissions.

Continuous Improvement

• Root Cause & Corrective Action: Assist in root cause analysis of quality issues, including RMAs and customer complaints, and support implementation of corrective actions.

What You Bring (Skills & Qualifications)

• Hands-On Inspection: Understanding of mechanical inspection tools such as micrometers, comparators, height gauges, bore gauges, and digital comparators. CMM operation experience a plus.

• Technical Literacy: Strong ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, with a demonstrated mastery of GD&T (ASME Y14.5).

• Manufacturing Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience working in quality or manufacturing in a CNC machining environment.

• Communication & Organization: Good communication and organizational skills.

• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Quality Systems Experience: Previous experience working in ISO 9001 or AS9100 environments. Proven experience performing First Article Inspections (FAI) and a working knowledge of SPC, tolerance stack-ups, and measurement uncertainty.

• Regulatory Compliance: Must be a "US Person" as defined by ITAR Regulations.

You should be proficient in:

  • GD&T
  • Quality Inspection Experience
  • 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
  • AS9100 Quality Systems
  • First Article Inspection (FAI)
  • AS9100 Experience

Machines & technologies you'll use:

  • Measurement Gauges
  • Calipers and Micrometers

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