Lab Associate Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We're committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that's welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
Boeing Research and Development is looking for Senior MR&D Machining Lab Technician to join the Manufacturing Research and Development organizationsupporting Boeing Defense Programs in Puget Sound and the enterprise. This position is based out of Tukwila, WA.
This position will provide critical machining lab support BDS - Mobility, Surveillance, and Bombers, plus Boeing Technology Innovation, and BCA programs in the Puget Sound area and numerous Engineering organizations across the Boeing Enterprise. Daily primary tasks include engaging engineers in refining designs for manufacturability, fabricating, assembling & testing prototypes, proof of concepts, shop aids, and engineering test fixtures to support BDS operations in their work on P-8, KC-46, E-7A and B1B in Puget Sound and engineering development efforts across the enterprise. Many of the tasks will be performed in a machining lab environment, providing the opportunity to apply and enhance high level NC programming and machining skills through the programming and machining of challenging and novel project parts.
Additional responsibilities will include machining process improvements through test and evaluation, validating material conversions from nonmetallic parts to machined metal, and supporting Boeing's machined part suppliers with root cause analysis and corrective actions. This position offers the unique opportunity to influence design and build of a wide range of Boeing metallic parts and components with the flexibility to apply innovative approaches to programming and machining.
Ideal candidates will have extensive machining and machine programming experience and abilities, especially in 5-axis milling and CNC lathe and have a passion for hands on mechanical assembly, fabrication, and manufacturing operations. Applicable and appropriate educational/certification credentials from an accredited institution and/or equivalent experience is required.
Position Responsibilities:

• Performs complex analysis and evaluation of parts, materials, processes, technology, or equipment through research and testing to ensure safety, reliability and adherence to requirements and specifications.
• Leads, coordinates, and conducts complex analysis of failed parts and processes to reduce or eliminate future failures at Boeing and Boeing suppliers.
• Generates test plans, identifies, and categorizes failure, determines root cause and documents results and recommendations.
• Leads the proposal, development, and validation of revisions to procedures and specifications.
• Determines suitability of parts, materials and processes and coordinates resolution of complex issues with suppliers and customers.
• Supports continuous improvement of products and processes by leading the design, development, fabrication, testing, evaluation and implementation of new concepts and technology.
• Provides technical expertise, application knowledge and performance history to internal and external customers.
• Supports the training and development of others.
• This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the Tukwila, WA site with occasional travel to local Boeing machining sites and domestic machining suppliers.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. Final U.S. Secret clearance Post-Start is required.
• 3+ years of experience with hands on machining and mechanical assembly and operations
• 3 and 5 Axis Programming and Machining
• 2 axis Lathe programming and machining
• 3+ years of experience reading and interpreting engineering documents and drawings
• 3+ years of experience working in a laboratory environment
• Design and assembly skills using CATIA and/or SolidWorks

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Ability to utilize Mastercam CNC Programming Software
• Willingness to work in a dynamic setting with shifting daily priorities
• Inter-personal communication skills
• Knowledge of aircraft assembly
• Analytical skills
• Familiarization with Microsoft Office applications

Typical Education/Experience:
Education/experience typically acquired through advanced education (e.g. Associate) and typically 6 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g. Bachelor+4 years' related work experience, 8 years' related work experience, etc.)
Relocation:
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates.
Drug Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies .
Shift Work Statement:
This position is for 1st shift.
Union:
This is a union represented position.
Pay & Benefits:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary pay range Level 4: $86,700 - $117,300
Applications for this position will be accepted until Jun. 02, 2026
Export Control Requirements:
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Export Control Details:
US based job, US Person required
Relocation
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
Security Clearance
This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
Visa Sponsorship
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Shift
This position is for 1st shift
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.