Autoclave Operator – C1006

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About the role

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 plays a critical role in upholding our commitment to safety and quality standards, ensuring that all operations meet regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

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.

Requirements

• 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

• 1+ years of hands-on experience with overhead cranes.
• 1+ years of experience working with composites and/or composite manufacturing.

High school graduate or GED preferred.

Benefits

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.

Schedule

This role is primarily second shift; however, there may be additional shift requirements to support program objectives. This is an hourly position governed by the International Association of Machinists (IAM-751) Collective Bargaining agreement.