1

Autoclave Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Walkerton, IN · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer at Polygon supports the manufacturing operations through process ... Experience in composite materials and processes (e.g., prepreg lay-up, resin infusion, autoclave ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Walkerton, IN · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Description The Manufacturing Engineer at Polygon supports the manufacturing operations through ... Experience in composite materials and processes (e.g., prepreg lay-up, resin infusion, autoclave ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Walkerton, IN · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer will collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, and design ... Experience in composite materials and processes (e.g., prepreg lay-up, resin infusion, autoclave ...

Senior Composite Engineer SME

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$88K - $117K/yr

The engineer will work on composite components for launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and ... Support composite fabrication activities including autoclave layup, AFP/ATL, and resin infusion ...

Process Engineering * Develop, document, and improve composite manufacturing processes. * Establish ... Autoclave curing * Composite assembly and bonding * Define critical process parameters and process ...

Senior Composite Engineer SME

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$88K - $117K/yr

The engineer will work on composite components for launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and ... Support composite fabrication activities including autoclave layup, AFP/ATL, and resin infusion ...

Showing results 21-40

Autoclave Engineer information

See salary details

$21.5K

$73K

$159K

How much do autoclave engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for autoclave engineer in the United States is $72,972.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an autoclave engineer?

Autoclave Engineers are professionals who specialize in the operation, maintenance, and validation of autoclaves—high-pressure vessels used to sterilize equipment and materials or to cure composites. They ensure that autoclaves function safely and efficiently, often working in industries such as healthcare, aerospace, or manufacturing. Their responsibilities may include troubleshooting mechanical issues, performing routine maintenance, calibrating instruments, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Autoclave Engineers often collaborate with quality assurance teams and may also train other staff on proper procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autoclave engineer?

To thrive as an Autoclave Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering, sterilization processes, and a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with PLC systems, CAD software, and maintenance protocols for autoclave equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers diagnose issues and coordinate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure autoclave systems are reliable, compliant, and safe, which is critical for maintaining high standards in medical, laboratory, and industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by autoclave engineers when maintaining equipment reliability?

Autoclave Engineers often face challenges such as managing complex maintenance schedules, troubleshooting unexpected equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict compliance with safety and sterilization protocols. They must stay up-to-date with both mechanical and electronic system updates, as autoclaves can include advanced automation features. Effective communication with production, quality assurance, and maintenance teams is essential to minimize downtime and maintain optimal performance.

What is the difference between Autoclave Engineer vs Autoclave Technician?

AspectAutoclave EngineerAutoclave Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications in sterilization or pressure systemsTechnical diploma or certification in sterilization or equipment maintenance
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee, and optimize autoclave systems in manufacturing or healthcare facilitiesOperate, maintain, and troubleshoot autoclaves on a daily basis
Industry UsageUsed in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing for sterilization and process validation

The main difference is that Autoclave Engineers focus on designing, developing, and improving autoclave systems, often requiring engineering degrees and certifications. Autoclave Technicians handle the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of autoclaves, typically with technical training. Both roles are essential in industries that rely on sterilization and pressure systems, but they differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

More about Autoclave Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Autoclave Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,972 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Principal Engineer - Beta Star

R-V Industries Inc

Honey Brook, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Act as the senior technical voice on the Beta Star team, setting design quality standards and helping peers solve complex problems.

  • Own and maintain deep technical knowledge of the autoclave platform, providing expertise on design questions across mechanical and controls disciplines.

  • Drive product development from concept through release by coordinating design, prototyping, and validation activities with team members.


Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

R-V Industries is a design and build manufacturer of custom industrial process equipment.  We engineer a wide variety of specialty equipment.  Most of our equipment is built in-house by our own in-house fabricators, machinists, mechanical and electrical assemblers. Our Beta Star Division provides a line of steam autoclaves used primarily in the life science field.  Our Autoclaves are a highly configurable standard product that address simple lab decontamination to cGMP BSL 3 applications.  Our product by provides market leading energy efficiency, process flexibility, and non-proprietary components backed by excellent service and support.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
The Principal Engineer is the senior technical voice and go-to engineer for the autoclave product line. It's an individual-contributor role that sets the technical tone for a small group of mechanical and controls peers through expertise and example, spanning both new product development and ongoing maintenance. We're open to a strong engineer earlier in their career looking for a growth path into technical leadership.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Act as the senior technical voice on the Beta Star team — set the bar for design quality and help mechanical and controls peers solve hard problems.
  • Own the deepest technical knowledge of the autoclave platform; be the go-to engineer for design questions across both disciplines.
  • Drive product development from concept through release, coordinating with mechanical and controls peers on design, prototyping, and validation.
  • Champion lifecycle improvement — own ECRs, root-cause field issues, and improve cost, reliability, and manufacturability of existing designs.
  • Lead design reviews and mentor less-experienced engineers through pairing and coaching.
  • Maintain the ASME Section VIII calculation set; perform, check, and technically review peers' calculations.
  • Partner with Sales, PM, Purchasing, Quality, Manufacturing, Testing, and Installation, and serve as the primary technical contact with customer engineering.
  • Uphold configuration management and design control standards; manage engineering budget and schedule on owned projects.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives — design standards, reusable building blocks, tooling, and processes that make the whole team faster and more consistent.


SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Skills: 

  • 8+ years of machine or product design experience, including several of: steam component selection; autoclaves or high-temperature/high-pressure vessels; pneumatic actuator design; stress/failure calculations; sensor selection; P&ID creation.
  • Comfortable as a senior technical voice — leading peers through expertise and example.

    Working understanding of controls engineering for autoclave systems (PLC/HMI, instrumentation, control valves, I/O) — enough to integrate mechanical and controls design.

  • 3+ years of SolidWorks (AutoCAD a plus); fluent in calculation packages and detailed drawings.

  • Track record of creating and upholding design standards across a product line.

  • Gives and receives design feedback constructively, peer to peer.

Willing to Train the Right Candidate:

  • Solidworks PDM 
  • cGMP validation, design and documentation protocols
  • AWS Welding Symbols and GD&T
  • Deeper controls/PLC exposure for mechanical-background engineers
  • Active PA PE License (machine design) is a plus

EDUCATIONAL/PHSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent (Electrical/Controls Engineering considered with strong mechanical product experience).
  • Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job with or without accommodation
                        R-V INDUSTRIES, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER