In this role, you will play a vital part in the fabrication process by expertly polishing and buffing aircraft components to achieve precise surface finishes that meet Boeing’s rigorous quality standards. You will work closely with technical documents and manufacturing plans to accurately prepare parts, operate specialized polishing equipment, and perform thorough inspections to identify and correct surface imperfections. Safety is paramount, so you will consistently apply proper protective measures and handle materials responsibly to maintain a safe work environment. Your attention to detail and technical proficiency will ensure that every part not only looks flawless but also performs reliably in service.
You will play a critical role in upholding our commitment to safety and quality standards and 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 join our mission to deliver excellence in aviation.
Position Responsibilities:
Review work assignments and prioritize tasks based on manufacturing plans, installation plans (IP), pick-up and rejection tags, or instructions from lead/supervisor.
Interpret Manufacturing Enhanced Data Sheets (MEDS), drawings, and Boeing BAC specifications using online computing equipment to determine work requirements.
Verify that parts match work orders (W/O) and drawings before starting work.
Set up and operate buffing lathes and polishing machines, ensuring wheels are correctly mounted, safe, and running at proper RPM.
Dress and shape buffing wheels using scrap material to achieve the correct contour and grain direction for the part.
Apply appropriate polishing and buffing compounds to wheels, parts, assemblies, and materials.
Perform buffing and polishing processes on interior and exterior aircraft parts to achieve satin or gloss finishes, following grain direction and Boeing BAC specifications.
Rack production parts for chemical treatments such as sulfuric acid dips, then buff and block sand to remove residual acid and blend surface irregularities.
Clean parts with solvents before and after masking, polishing, repair, or tank line processing, and apply protective coatings (e.g., Alodine 1000) to prevent corrosion.
Conduct visual inspections of exterior skin quality parts for defects such as scratches, cracks, pits, dents, orange peel, dull finishes, ripple effects, and corrosion both in the factory and on the aircraft flightline.
Use precision measuring instruments as necessary to verify work quality.
Maintain and use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hoods, facemasks, safety harnesses, and respirators, ensuring certifications are current.
Handle and dispose of hazardous materials in compliance with approved safety procedures.
Independently set up, adjust, and operate hand-held, conventional, and NC polishing machines to meet quality requirements, using "flour type" abrasives for fine, grainless finishes.
Determine and set appropriate speeds for polishing and buffing wheels.
Remove scratches from miscellaneous aircraft components, including blisters and windows.
Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of equipment and work areas.
Physical Demands and Potential Hazards:
Perform physical tasks that include lifting weights ranging from 10lbs -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.
Resumes of current Puget Sound and Moses Lake Boeing employees submitted via “Find Jobs” in Boeing/Workday will be considered.
Basic Qualifications:
Relevant experience can include academic qualifications, military service, or other industry-related roles.
1+ years of experience with Metal Finishing.
1+ years of experience using hand tools and/or hand-held power tools.
Capable of Lifting and Pulling 35 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Machine Operations.
Experience with Hard Metal Finish.
Experience with a buff/polish lathe.
Comfortable sitting next to machine.
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.
