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First Article Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Have performed Quality System Audits, AS9102 First Article Reviews. * Computer proficiency and proficiency with MS Office products. Additional Comments: * Travel is required and may extend beyond the ...

Have performed Quality System Audits, AS9102 First Article Reviews. * Computer proficiency and proficiency with MS Office products. Additional Comments: * Travel is required and may extend beyond the ...

Aerospace CNC Machinist

Boston, MA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Troubleshoot dimensional, tooling, and machine variables on the fly to achieve first-article success on both proven and unproven parts * Advanced Quality (preferred): The ability to program/operate ...

Aerospace CNC Machinist

Boston, MA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Troubleshoot dimensional, tooling, and machine variables on the fly to achieve first-article success on both proven and unproven parts * Advanced Quality (preferred): The ability to program/operate ...

Aerospace CNC Machinist

Boston, MA

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Troubleshoot dimensional, tooling, and machine variables on the fly to achieve first-article success on both proven and unproven parts * Advanced Quality (preferred): The ability to program/operate ...

ASSEMBLER

Norton, MA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Do a 1st article and submit it to QC. * Brush the figures off that you are going to use. Inform supervisor if the fixtures are getting worn. * Make sure the furnace profile is the same as on your ...

ASSEMBLER

Norton, MA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Do a 1st article and submit it to QC. * Brush the figures off that you are going to use. Inform supervisor if the fixtures are getting worn. * Make sure the furnace profile is the same as on your ...

Senior Quality Engineer

Peabody, MA

$98K - $133K/yr

Perform final inspection activities for OEM products & first article prototype builds, including preparing formal inspection reports * Perform the QAE role for New Product Introduction (NPI ...

Showing results 21-40

First Article information

See Massachusetts salary details

$20

$53

$85

How much do first article jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for first article in Massachusetts is $53.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.73 and $60.62 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 job categories do people searching First Article jobs in Massachusetts look for?

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

Infographic showing various First Article job openings in Massachusetts 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 $110,271 per year, or $53 per hour.

Quality Manager

CRISTEK INTERCONNECTS INC

North Billerica, MA • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description

Cristek designs and manufactures high-reliability connectors, complex cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and precision components for aerospace, defense, space, and other mission-critical applications. 


We are seeking a hands-on, people-focused Site Quality Manager to lead Quality at our Billerica manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Site General Manager, this leader will develop our Quality team, support production-floor execution, solve manufacturing quality issues, and ensure our products consistently meet customer and industry requirements.


This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality Supervisor or emerging Quality Manager ready to take the next step in their leadership career, as well as an established Quality Manager who enjoys developing people and staying close to manufacturing.


At Cristek, quality is more than compliance. We are looking for a leader who can grow people, strengthen manufacturing, and build quality ownership across the organization.


Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, coach, and develop Quality Inspectors and team members, establishing clear expectations, accountability, training, cross-training, and growth opportunities.
  • Partner daily with Production and Engineering to solve manufacturing issues, improve workmanship, reduce defects, and prevent customer escapes.
  • Lead daily quality operations, including in-process and final inspection, testing, First Article Inspection, MRB, nonconformance management, corrective actions, and customer returns.
  • Use quality metrics and defect trends to drive root-cause problem solving and continuous improvement, including improvements to first-pass yield, rework, and customer quality.
  • Maintain the site Quality Management System and compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, customer, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support customer and certification audits and serve as the site's primary quality contact.

Requirements

What You Bring
  • 5+ years of Quality experience in manufacturing with demonstrated experience leading, coaching, or supervising Quality Inspectors, technicians, or manufacturing quality personnel.
  • Hands-on experience supporting production-floor quality in a build-to-print manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with inspection, MRB, nonconformance management, root-cause analysis, corrective action, and First Article Inspection.
  • Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and AS9102.
  • Cable assembly, wire harness, interconnect, electronics, electromechanical, aerospace, or defense manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620 and/or J-STD-001 preferred.
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and people-development skills.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent manufacturing and Quality leadership experience will be considered.
  • Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR regulations.
Why This Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to step into site-level Quality leadership while remaining close to the people and manufacturing processes that drive performance. You'll have the ability to develop a team, influence how Quality supports Production, and make a measurable impact on product quality and customer satisfaction.