Aerospace Jobs in Illinois
Aerospace jobs in Illinois are active and competitive, with demand concentrated in defense systems, commercial aviation, and aerospace manufacturing across roles from entry-level technicians through senior engineers and program managers. The Chicago metro, Rockford, and Decatur anchor most of the hiring, where companies like Boeing, Collins Aerospace, and Caterpillar's aerospace division maintain long-standing operations. The most sought-after specialties include systems engineering, propulsion, avionics, and structural design. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Key Responsibilities
Assemble aerospace wire harnesses and cable assemblies per engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, BOMs and work instructions.
Perform wire cutting, stripping, crimping, soldering, splicing and contact insertion/extraction.
Assemble and terminate connectors, backshells, shields, braids, heat-shrink and protective sleeving.
Route and secure wires on harness/form boards while maintaining proper bend radius and workmanship.
Use hand/pneumatic crimp tools, positioners, insertion/removal tools and other specialised tooling.
Perform continuity, point-to-point and basic electrical testing.
Inspect completed assemblies and perform authorised rework/repair.
Maintain compliance with ESD, FOD, tool control, quality and traceability requirements.
Required Skills
Hands-on experience with electrical wire harness/cable assembly.
Ability to read engineering drawings, wiring diagrams and connector pin-out documentation.
Experience with crimping, connector termination, shielding and splicing.
Familiarity with IPC/WHMA-A-620 workmanship requirements preferred.
Aerospace/avionics or EWIS harness assembly experience preferred.
Strong manual dexterity, attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Pay: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 31 Aerospace Jobs in Illinois
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Find Aerospace JobsAerospace Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Aerospace Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Technology & Software
- Transportation & Logistics
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in aerospace jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering required
- Experience with CAD software such as CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks
- Familiarity with FAA regulations, MIL-SPEC standards, or AS9100 quality systems
- Ability to obtain or currently hold a U.S. security clearance
- Proficiency in systems integration, structural analysis, or avionics testing
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional team collaboration
Aerospace Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a aerospace in Illinois?
Aerospace roles in Illinois typically require a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited program. Illinois has no state-issued license specific to aerospace engineers, but roles in safety-critical systems often require Professional Engineer certification through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Many employers also expect candidates to complete a background investigation to qualify for a federal security clearance before starting work.
Which companies hire aerospaces in Illinois?
Employers hiring aerospaces in Illinois right now include Trigo, EY, and IFS, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's strong defense contracting base and its proximity to major logistics and manufacturing corridors make it a consistent source of aerospace hiring across both large primes and specialized suppliers.
Which Illinois cities have the most aerospace jobs?
Chicago, Peoria, and Itasca have the most aerospace job openings in Illinois. Chicago leads because of its concentration of defense contractors, corporate engineering offices, and proximity to O'Hare, while Rockford's long-standing aerospace manufacturing cluster and Decatur's industrial base drive demand in those markets.
Are there remote aerospace jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Most aerospace work in Illinois involves hands-on lab testing, hardware integration, or on-site program coordination that requires physical presence. About 45% of aerospace openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those openings tend to be concentrated in systems analysis, technical writing, and program management functions where day-to-day work is documentation and coordination rather than hardware.
How can I get hired as a aerospace in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to internship or new-graduate rotational programs at large Illinois defense and manufacturing employers, where structured programs exist specifically for candidates without professional experience. Boeing and Collins Aerospace both run early-career programs out of their Illinois facilities. Lateral moves from adjacent roles in mechanical engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing engineering are common entry points, and earning an EIT designation through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation gives candidates a measurable edge in competitive applicant pools.
Where can I find and apply to aerospace jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to aerospace jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 31 Aerospace Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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