Autoclave Operator

Salary : $80,000 — $125,000

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Autoclave Operator to lead the implementation and operation of a new autoclave system within our growing defense-focused manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on, high-impact role supporting laminated composite fabrication and a wide range of R&D programs that vary in scope, complexity, and technical requirements.

As this is a new capability within the company, the selected candidate will play a foundational role in establishing autoclave operations, developing processes, setting up clean room standards, and defining best practices. The ideal candidate is technically strong, self-directed, process-driven, and comfortable building systems from the ground up.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Autoclave Operations & Process Development
  • Lead commissioning, qualification, and day-to-day operation of a new autoclave system
  • Develop and optimize cure cycles for laminated composite structures
  • Establish operating procedures, work instructions, and safety protocols
  • Monitor and document temperature, pressure, and vacuum profiles to ensure process control and repeatability
  • Troubleshoot cure anomalies and implement corrective actions
• Composite Manufacturing Support
  • Support layup, bagging, and preparation of composite assemblies for cure
  • Collaborate with engineering on material selection, tooling concepts, and process parameters
  • Interpret technical drawings, specifications, and material data sheets
  • Ensure compliance with defense and customer quality requirements
• Clean Room & Facility Setup
  • Assist in design and setup of clean room environment
  • Develop contamination control procedures and material handling standards
  • Define storage, freezer management, and material traceability systems
• R&D Program Support
  • Work closely with engineering teams on prototype and low-volume development programs
  • Adapt processes to meet evolving technical and performance requirements
  • Collect and analyze process data to support qualification and validation efforts
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintenance and Safety
  • Perform routine cleaning, calibration, and troubleshooting of autoclave equipment
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Create and maintain process documentation, travelers, and quality records
  • Support audits and internal quality reviews
  • Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements

Required Qualifications

• 5 years of hands-on autoclave operation experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced composites manufacturing
• Strong understanding of composite materials (prepregs, core materials, adhesives)
• Experience developing or modifying cure cycles
• Familiarity with vacuum bagging techniques and composite layup practices
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Experience working in controlled or clean-room environments
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Comfortable working in a dynamic R&D environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience commissioning new autoclave equipment
• Background in aerospace or defense manufacturing
• Familiarity with NADCAP, AS9100, or similar quality systems
• Experience writing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Technical certification in composites manufacturing

Additional Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen
• May be required to work weekends to meet project deadlines
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds, and stand for long periods
• Work onsite in Oxnard, CA full-time.