Instrumentation Technician C

About the role

Boeing Test and Evaluation (BT&E) is seeking an Instrumentation Technician C to join teams in Tukwila, WA or Seattle, WA. The technician works with blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and bulletins to install instrumentation—primarily strain gauges and thermocouples—on all models of Boeing aircraft (civilian, military, and space). The position is 100% onsite and requires U.S. Person status for export‑control compliance.

Responsibilities

• Receive work assignments, obtain necessary materials, and acquire engineering drawings and test documents.
• Fabricate wire or fiber‑optic bundles to connect test and computer equipment.
• Set up and perform qualification, bench, or automatic tests per work assignments and engineering instructions.
• Install fiber‑optic strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers, and strain gauges using soldering, bonding, spot welding, or mechanical fasteners.
• Use scissor or boom lifts to access instrumentation locations inside hangars and on airfields.
• Modify test equipment to meet engineering configurations.
• Select and use appropriate hand, power, and bench tools (e.g., screwdrivers, torque wrenches, crimpers, band saw, drill press, sander).
• Write tie‑ins and maintain work logs and records.
• Devise and build shop aids or work‑around methods for testing/troubleshooting.
• Handle and protect static‑sensitive components and dispose of hazardous materials per Safety Data Sheets.
• Pack electronic equipment for travel according to drawings and Boeing specifications.
• Inspect work after each operation to ensure compliance with drawings or instructions.
• Submit completed or reworked jobs for inspection.
• Contact team leader, supervisor, engineer, or planner when assistance is needed.
• Maintain personal and tool certifications and comply with tool‑control policies.

Required Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience reading and interpreting wire‑harness diagrams and installation schematics.
• 1+ year of experience in electrical (wire shop) fabrication and related processes.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools, interpret test results, and apply advanced mathematics.
• Knowledge of aircraft electrical and mechanical systems, routing, clamping, tying, and terminating wires.
• Ability to read 3‑D coordinate data and operate floor‑mounted hydraulic/mechanical equipment.
• Entry‑level competency in operating Power Industrial Trucks (PIT) safely.
• Proficiency with hand tools, hand‑held power tools, and basic electricity concepts.
• Effective communication skills.
• Knowledge of proper handling, use, and disposal of hazardous materials per regulations and Boeing procedures.
• U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) for export‑control compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of strain‑gaging experience.
• 3+ years of experience with aircraft electrical systems.
• Certifications in Electrical (Crimping, Bond and Ground), Mechanical (Forklift, Hand truck, Pressure/Vacuum), or Safety (Electrical, Egress, Explosives).

Physical Demands

• Frequent (3‑6 hrs): Carry < 10 lb, climbing/balancing, finger manipulation, head flexion/extension, handling, lifting < 10 lb, overhead reaching, head/neck rotation, sitting, standing, walking.
• Occasional (1‑3 hrs): Bending at waist, carrying 10‑35 lb, twisting, using low‑impact vibratory tools, lying down, operating foot controls, pushing/pulling 10‑35 lb, kneeling, lifting 10‑35 lb, crawling, crouching.

Environmental Conditions

• Continuous (6‑8 hrs): Constant or intermittent noise.
• Frequent (3‑6 hrs): Non‑ionizing radiation, elevated platforms, extreme heat.
• Occasional (1‑3 hrs): Atmospheric fumes, dust, confined spaces, welding equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Continuous (6‑8 hrs): Safety glasses/goggles, fall protection (belts, harnesses, lifeline), steel‑toed or rubber boots.
• Frequent (3‑6 hrs): Welding helmets/hard hats, gloves/arm protectors, hearing protection (ear inserts, earmuffs).

Pay & Benefits

Boeing offers a Total Rewards package that includes competitive base pay ($27.32 – $57.88 per hour, based on experience, qualifications, market and business considerations) and variable compensation opportunities. Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and paid/unpaid time‑off programs, subject to geographic location, hire date, and collective bargaining agreements.

Schedule

This is a 2nd‑shift position, though the employee must be able to work any assigned shift.

Travel

Up to 10 % travel, both domestically and internationally, may be required.

Union

The role is hourly and governed by the International Association of Machinists (IAM‑751) collective bargaining agreement.