Aerospace Autoclave Operator

Company Profile:

With more than 120 operations and approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, Precision Castparts Corp. is the market leader in manufacturing large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings, forged components, aerostructures and highly engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace applications. In addition, we are the leading producer of airfoil castings for the industrial gas turbine market. We also manufacture extruded seamless pipe, fittings, and forgings for power generation and oil & gas applications; commercial and military airframe aerostructures; and metal alloys and other materials for the casting and forging industries. With such critical applications, we insist on quality and dependability – not just in the materials and products we make, but in the people we recruit.

PCC is relentless in its dedication to being a high-quality, low-cost and on-time producer; delivering the highest value to its customers while continually pursuing strategic, profitable growth.

In 2016, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Chairman and CEO Warren E. Buffett, acquired Precision Castparts Corp.

Business Profile: 

PCC Aerostructures now includes 39 plants in the U.S, Europe and Asia with over 5,500 employees and has ambitious growth plans. Businesses within PCC Aerostructures include Primus International, SPS Aerostructures, Centra, Avibank and AVK, Klune, ProCoat, Southwest United Industries, Progressive Incorporated, and Kalistrut. Plant locations include Washington, Utah, California, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Ohio, Canada, Mexico, the UK, and China.

Location Profile:

Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where it was founded in 1981, Helicomb specializes in the manufacturing and repair of both fixed-wing and rotary composite and metal bonded parts, sub-assemblies, and assemblies for the global aerospace and defense industries. With more than 40 years experience, Helicomb is a leader in the industry among MRO and OEM partners of key commercial and military aircraft solutions. 

Position Summary:

The Autoclave Operator sets up and operates autoclaves/ovens and auxiliary equipment to cure and bond metallic and non-metallic aircraft parts and assemblies according to specifications. This is a position for a dependable candidate with an ability to learn. No previous experience is necessary – Helicomb will train the person interested in entering the aerospace industry. Experienced autoclave operators will also be strong candidates for the role. 

Job is paid hourly. Pay is competitive. This is a second shift position – 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:   

• Selects parts and assemblies for simultaneous bonding, based on similarity of processing requirements and autoclave capacity.
• Reads and interprets shop orders and authorized documents to determine bonding process specifications
• Arranges parts and assemblies on bonding racks and positions racks manually or by using equipment.
• Verifies that vacuum bag installation conforms to specifications prior to autoclaving.
• Connects thermocouples and vacuum lines to fittings on fixtures and inside autoclave.
• Adjusts manual controls to regulate and activate autoclave power supply, cooling system, vacuum heat, and pressure gauges and records.
• Monitors instruments, switches, records, and listens for warning signals during autoclave operation to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Modifies and/or aborts process as required or needed.
• Keeps 1-gallon solvent containers filled for use in shop by mechanics.
• Empties 5-gallon fireproof rag trash for mechanics on a daily basis.
• Actively support and participate in continuous improvement activities, team meetings, and holding him/herself accountable for sustaining improvements
• Operator is responsible for checking autoclave cooling

Required Skills:

• Physically fit
• Organizes, plans, prioritizes, and completes work on time
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English
• Paperwork precision and accuracy
• Time management, including good attendance and avoidance of regular tardiness
• Comfortable working with a computer, and good basic computer skills
• Comfortable operating a forklift (Helicomb will train)
• Hand tool proficiency

 Experience & Education

• High school degree
• Basic math skills
• Familiarity with aerospace industry a plus but not required
• Forklift experience a plus but not required