At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for an Autoclave Operator to join our Fabrication team in Puyallup, Washington.
As an Autoclave Operator, you will operate and maintain autoclave systems and associated material-handling equipment to cure composite layups and assemblies to engineering and Boeing (BAC) specifications. This role sequences and loads work packages, sets up vacuum and thermocouple connections, initiates and monitors pressure and temperature cure cycles, troubleshoots vacuum and system issues, documents load data in manufacturing systems, and coordinates with quality, engineering, and maintenance. The operator also maintains required personal and tool certifications.
You will play a critical role in upholding our commitment to safety and quality standards, ensuring that all operations meet regulatory compliance and operational excellence. If you are detail-oriented, possess strong technical skills, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to apply and be a part of our mission to deliver excellence in aviation.
Position Responsibilities:
Receive and sequence work from the composite lay-up shop or staging area and confirm the correct work order and part are at the autoclave for cure per engineering and Boeing (BAC) specs.
Operate material-handling equipment (electric stackers, forklifts, tugs, overhead cranes) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) using online systems to position lay-up tools, cure pallets, racks, and project plates.
Load lay-up tools/cure pallets onto autoclave racks, secure safety brakes, and assist with loading/unloading details and assemblies onto project plates as required.
Attach and install vacuum lines and thermocouple (T/C) leads between lay-up tool, cure pallet and autoclave rack; make, hook up, check, and record hook-up locations.
Initiate floor vacuum, move loads into the autoclave, and initiate system integrity checks via manual/online systems to verify vacuum integrity and T/C readings.
Pressurize the autoclave with nitrogen to specified psi and initiate the combustion/heat cycle, ramping temperature at specified BAC cure rates to required maximum cure temperatures.
Monitor gauges, charts, and computer screens throughout the cure/soak cycle; monitor support systems (nitrogen, cooling tower, vacuum pump) and troubleshoot/resolve alarms (temperature, T/C, cure time).
Troubleshoot and repair vacuum leaks using ultrasonic leak detectors; replace bad vacuum lines, connector O-rings, and leaking hoses/connections; perform vacuum line pressure tests and return lines to storage or repair.
Maintain and monitor nitrogen levels (order as required), initiate cool-down cycles, purge nitrogen with air, and verify the autoclave is empty before closing or opening doors.
Open the autoclave, disconnect vacuum lines and T/C wires, remove loads, and deliver lay-up tools, cure pallets, and racks to the appropriate de-bag or delivery area.
Prepare and maintain autoclave load reports (numeric time history, pressure, vacuum, temperature), maintain temperature charts, record and file data, and update CEMS, CIMSCI, and TMS as required.
Submit load data charts/reports and work orders to Quality Assurance for verification and buy-off, and forward temperature charts and load numbers to Quality Control as required.
Communicate job-related information via tier-1 tie-ins, interface with engineers, suppliers, planners, and maintenance on process or job issues, and notify supervision/maintenance of autoclave malfunctions.
Lead and work with lower-classified employees as assigned, operate autoclaves per engineer/maintenance directions during process development, and assist with certification/checking of instruments and components.
Maintain required tool and personal certifications (e.g., certified vacuum gauges, powered platforms), contact coworkers or supervisors when assistance or problem escalation is needed, and work from documents, manuals, and verbal instructions.
Physical Demands and Potential Hazards:
Perform physical tasks that include lifting weights ranging from 10-15 lbs to 15-35 lbs.
Engage in various movements such as reaching, handling, turning, twisting, lifting, lowering, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and squatting.
Work in environments that may involve contact with metals, solvents, and coolants.
Operate in proximity to moving parts and tools, sharp cutters, and potential slipping hazards.
Adapt to varying noise levels and atmospheric conditions.
Utilize personal safety gear to protect face/eyes, hands/arms, and feet while performing job duties.
This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.
This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Current Boeing employees working in Puget Sound must submit an Employee Request Transfer (ERT) to be considered in the eligible candidate pool. Resumes of current Puget Sound Boeing employees submitted via Careers at Boeing will not be considered.
Basic Qualifications:
Relevant experience can include academic qualifications, military service, or other industry-related roles.
1+ years of experience interpreting manufacturing blueprints.
1+ years of experience working with hazardous materials.
1+ years of experience operating a forklift.
1+ years of experience using basic math (e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
1+ years of experience utilizing software applications for internet navigation, email, Microsoft Suite and/or other specialized computer applications.
Must be able to lift, push and pull up to 35 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications:
Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this position must successfully complete the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.
Typical Education & Experience:
High school graduate or GED preferred.
Relocation:
Drug Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Union Representation Statement:
This is an hourly position governed by the International Association of Machinists (IAM-751) Collective Bargaining agreement.
Shift Work Statement:
Total Rewards & Pay Transparency:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay: $26.32/hour, with potential to earn up to $56.36/hour in accordance with the terms of the relevant collective bargaining agreement.
Applications for this position will be accepted until Jul. 27, 2026
Language Requirements
English Preferred
Relocation
Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.
Visa Sponsorship
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Shift
This position is for variable shift
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
