Autoclave Operator Job Oxnard area,California USA,Engineering

Location :
Oxnard, CA

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.

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