Quality Control Inspector – Aerospace Precision Manufacturing

Location: Chicagoland, IL

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Industry: Aerospace & Defense | Precision CNC Machining

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Quality Control Inspector to join a well-established aerospace and defense manufacturer specializing in high-precision CNC machining and complex mechanical components. This organization supports demanding aerospace applications where tight tolerances, dimensional accuracy, and strict quality standards are essential.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerospace CNC machine shop environments, with hands-on experience performing dimensional inspections, operating Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), interpreting engineering drawings, and maintaining documentation in accordance with AS9100 quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform first article, in-process, and final inspections of precision CNC-machined aerospace components.

• Conduct detailed dimensional inspections using CMMs and handheld precision measuring instruments.

• Utilize micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, optical comparators, and other inspection equipment.

• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements.

• Complete and maintain inspection records, quality reports, and traceability documentation in accordance with AS9100 quality management standards.

• Support First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) in accordance with AS9102 requirements.

• Verify machined components meet customer specifications, engineering requirements, and established tolerances.

• Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming materials and dimensional discrepancies.

• Collaborate with CNC machinists, manufacturing engineers, and quality personnel to troubleshoot inspection issues and resolve quality concerns.

• Maintain accurate inspection records and ensure compliance with internal procedures and customer requirements.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing defects and improving manufacturing quality.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous quality inspection experience within an aerospace, defense, or high-precision CNC machining environment.

• Strong hands-on experience with dimensional inspection of CNC-milled and CNC-turned components.

• Experience operating CMM equipment; programming experience is a plus.

• Proficiency with handheld precision measurement tools, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and height gauges.

• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and dimensional tolerancing.

• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems, inspection documentation, and aerospace traceability requirements.

• Experience completing first article, in-process, and final inspection documentation.

• Ability to identify dimensional nonconformances and communicate findings effectively.

• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CMM software such as PC-DMIS, ZEISS CALYPSO, or similar platforms.

• Familiarity with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements.

• Experience inspecting complex aerospace gears, shafts, housings, and other tight-tolerance machined components.

• Knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, and aerospace customer quality requirements.

• Experience with inspection equipment calibration, nonconformance reporting, and corrective action processes.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established aerospace manufacturer with advanced CNC machining capabilities, a strong commitment to quality, and a long-standing presence in the precision manufacturing industry. The position offers a stable manufacturing environment, exposure to technically challenging aerospace components, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced machinists, engineers, and quality professionals.

You should be proficient in:

• Quality Inspection Experience
• Quality Control Experience
• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
• Precision Measurement & Inspection
• AS9100 Experience

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
• Calipers and Micrometers