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Autoclave Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

chromalloy

Shell Production Operator 2nd shift

Tampa, FL

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Job Summary The Shell Operator I is responsible for dewaxing ceramic foundry molds and operating ... Load molds into the steam autoclave and initiate the appropriate autoclave cycle to remove wax from ...

chromalloy

Shell Production Operator 2nd shift

Tampa, FL

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Job Summary The Shell Operator I is responsible for dewaxing ceramic foundry molds and operating ... Load molds into the steam autoclave and initiate the appropriate autoclave cycle to remove wax from ...

chromalloy

Shell Production Operator 2nd shift

Tampa, FL

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Job Summary The Shell Operator I is responsible for dewaxing ceramic foundry molds and operating ... Load molds into the steam autoclave and initiate the appropriate autoclave cycle to remove wax from ...

chromalloy

Shell Production Operator 2nd shift

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Job Summary The Shell Operator I is responsible for dewaxing ceramic foundry molds and operating ... Load molds into the steam autoclave and initiate the appropriate autoclave cycle to remove wax from ...

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Autoclave Operator information

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How much do autoclave operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for autoclave operator in the United States is $15.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of an autoclave operator?

An autoclave operator is responsible for operating and monitoring autoclaves to sterilize equipment, supplies, or materials using high-pressure saturated steam. They ensure proper functioning, follow safety protocols, and maintain documentation of sterilization cycles, often requiring knowledge of sterilization standards and certification. The role typically involves routine inspections, troubleshooting, and adherence to strict cleanliness and safety procedures.

What are some typical challenges an Autoclave Operator might face during daily operations?

Autoclave Operators often encounter challenges like maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring correct loading to achieve consistent sterilization or material treatment. They must also carefully monitor temperature, pressure, and timing to avoid process deviations, which can impact product quality or safety. Effective communication with maintenance teams and quality control staff is essential for quickly resolving issues and maintaining workflow efficiency.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often in specialized fields such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine operators, industrial machinery operators, or those working in the oil and gas industry. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, and can offer higher salaries compared to standard machine operator positions.

Do autoclaves need to be certified?

Autoclave operators should ensure that autoclaves are properly certified and maintained according to industry standards to ensure safety and effectiveness. Certification often involves regular inspections and validation to meet regulatory requirements, especially in healthcare, laboratory, or sterilization environments.

What is the difference between Autoclave Operator vs Sterilization Technician?

AspectAutoclave OperatorSterilization Technician
CertificationsOften requires OSHA or industry-specific safety trainingTypically requires sterilization or healthcare-related certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, laboratories, medical device manufacturingHospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical facilities
Job FocusOperating autoclaves to sterilize equipment and materialsPreparing, monitoring, and documenting sterilization processes

Both roles involve sterilization processes, but Autoclave Operators primarily focus on operating autoclaves in industrial or manufacturing settings, while Sterilization Technicians work mainly in healthcare environments ensuring proper sterilization of medical tools. Certifications and work environments overlap but differ based on industry specifics.

What are the 4 types of autoclaves?

Autoclave operators work with four main types of autoclaves: gravity displacement, pre-vacuum (or high-vacuum), water spray, and vacuum sterilizers. Each type uses different sterilization methods and is suited for specific materials and industries, requiring operators to understand their functions and proper operation procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Autoclave Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autoclave Operator, you need a solid understanding of sterilization processes, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with autoclave machinery, pressure gauges, temperature controls, and sometimes certification in hazardous materials handling or OSHA compliance is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong organizational skills help operators maintain strict safety and quality standards. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure effective sterilization, prevent contamination, and maintain workplace safety in industries like healthcare and manufacturing.

What is an Autoclave Operator?

An Autoclave Operator is a skilled technician responsible for operating and maintaining autoclave machines, which use high pressure and temperature to sterilize equipment, materials, or to cure composites and other products. They ensure that items are loaded correctly, monitor cycles, and verify that sterilization or curing meets safety and quality standards. Autoclave Operators often work in healthcare, manufacturing, or research settings where strict hygiene or material properties are critical. Their role also includes routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation of sterilization or processing procedures.

What Is the Job of an Autoclave Operator?

An autoclave is a powerful heated machine used for chemical reactions using high pressure and temperatures, such as steam sterilization. Autoclave operators operate and monitor this specialized pressure chamber in different settings. They work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities sterilizing surgical devices and other medical instruments. You may also function as an autoclave operator for a manufacturer of rubber products or yarn. In this position, you utilize the machine to vulcanize rubber or cure rubber composites and preset and preshrink yarn.

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Autoclave Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autoclave Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,898 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Shell Production Operator 2nd shift

Shell Production Operator 2nd shift

chromalloy

Tampa, FL

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Chromalloy rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

132nd of 430 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary

The Shell Operator I is responsible for dewaxing ceramic foundry molds and operating burnout furnaces in accordance with established engineering instructions, safety requirements, and General Standard Practices. This role supports the safe and efficient preparation of molds for downstream foundry operations while maintaining quality, safety, and documentation standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the position. Other duties may be assigned with supervisor approval.

  • Remove molds from the final dry tunnel and load them into the cutoff cabinet.
  • Use handheld, airpowered tools to remove mold bleeders and prepare molds for the dewaxing process.
  • Load molds into the steam autoclave and initiate the appropriate autoclave cycle to remove wax from molds.
  • Unload dewaxed molds from the autoclave and transport them via carts to the burnout furnace area.
  • Load molds into burnout furnaces and operate furnaces according to prescribed cycles and instructions.
  • After burnout, transport molds to the weigh station and accurately record mold weights.
  • Complete all required production, safety, and quality documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Inspect personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure it is in good working condition.
  • Consistently wear all required PPE and comply with company safety policies and procedures.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S and safety standards.
  • Promptly report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or quality issues to supervision.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

  • High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
  • One to three months of related manufacturing, foundry, or industrial experience preferred; or
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skills and Abilities

Language Skills

  • Ability to read and understand simple written instructions, safety procedures, and work documents.
  • Ability to write and speak simple sentences and effectively communicate basic information.
  • Ability to recognize similarities and differences between words and numeric sequences.

Mathematical Skills

  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Ability to record weights, counts, and process data accurately.

Reasoning Ability

  • Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagrambased instructions.
  • Ability to identify and respond appropriately to routine process variations and safety concerns.

Additional Skills and Abilities (Added)

  • Ability to follow detailed process instructions and standard work procedures.
  • Strong safety awareness and ability to work in hightemperature industrial environments.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain positive working relationships.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to operate industrial tools and equipment safely.
  • Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks in a production environment.
  • Forklift operation experience is helpful; willingness to obtain certification as required.
  • Dependable attendance and ability to work scheduled shifts, including overtime when required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Regularly required to stand for extended periods.
  • Frequently required to walk, reach with hands and arms, and use hands to handle tools and materials.
  • Occasionally required to sit, talk, and hear.
  • Must regularly lift and/or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Frequent exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and fumes or airborne particles.
  • Occasional work near moving mechanical parts.
  • Required to wear a bump cap while working in final dry areas.
  • Exposure to elevated temperatures during furnace loading and unloading.
  • Noise level ranges from moderate to high.
  • Hearing protection is required in accordance with company safety procedures.

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