Pattern Maker Jobs in Seattle, 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.

The Boeing Company has an exciting opportunity, through our IAM/Boeing Joint Apprenticeship Program, for Quality Assurance Inspector Apprenticeship in the Puget Sound region in Washington State!

This comprehensive 4-year training program consists of 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and essential classroom education, designed to equip you with the skills needed to excel. The program begins with a 20% probationary period, allowing you to acclimate to the role while gaining valuable hands-on experience. You will attend school for at least 144 unpaid hours per school year (four hours each week), registered through a local Community and Technical College. Your wages as an apprentice will be defined in Article 17 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the International Association of Machinists District 751 and The Boeing Company, with progression to a higher wage step for every 1,000 hours of recorded on-the-job training until completion. Upon graduation, you will be placed in the target job at the maximum rate and receive a journey-worker certificate and card recognized worldwide.

As an Inspector for Quality Assurance Inspector Apprentice, you will learn: how to be essential in ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in our manufacturing processes. Developing attention to detail will enable you to learn to conduct thorough inspections of tooling and machined parts, verifying compliance with stringent specifications and quality standards. You will learn to collaborate closely with engineering and quality assurance teams to identify and resolve any discrepancies, ensuring that all components meet operational requirements. Your training will also include performing audits and surveillance of manufacturing processes and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Apprentices will learn the following tasks to become proficient as a Journey-level graduate of the program: Inspecting all types of tooling from initial fabrication of tooling components to the final assembly of major assembly jigs, and various parts from vendors in receiving. This may include patterns, dies, jigs, templates, press plates, master models and gauges of various types for conformance with applicable drawings, specifications, quality standards, 3-D measurement systems, using Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), audits, manufacturing plans for workmanship, tooling and machined parts. Inspectors also perform various in-process Inspections, audits, and check order on productions parts. They also check for FAA conformities and first article inspections (FAI).
Employees must pass visual acuity and color perception eye examination tests.

Application Instructions:

To ensure your application is complete, use the PrepPack to confirm you meet all the minimum qualifications. All required assessments and courses must be finalized before submitting your application. Follow these guidelines: 

Documentation: At the time of the request, documentation for all course completions, test challenges, certificate and/or degree programs must be provided by the specified due date.

Applicant Eligibility: Applicants must not have previously enrolled in or completed an IAM/Boeing Joint Apprenticeship program.

Assessment and Course Completion: For English and/or math assessments, please include your assessment score and the corresponding course placement results (course number and title).

Proficiency in math and English must be verified through an assessment or equivalent course completion in:

• Intermediate Algebra (or higher) within the last 5 years

• English 90 (or higher)

Qualification for the Apprenticeship: You can meet the qualifications through one of the following methods, which will be verified via your resume, work history, and transcripts:

Vocational Courses:

• Basic Blueprint Reading or equivalent

• Basic Precision Measuring Tools or equivalent

• Introduction to Composites

Vocational Degrees and Certificates:

• Composite Certificate

Relevant Work Experience: A minimum of one year of work experience in a similar field, such as:

• Blue Streak/Bench Mechanic

• Composites

• Computer Numerical Control Programming

• Inspection (Machine detail; Fabrication)

• Jig Bore, Jig Grinder

• Layout & Lofting (Sheet Metal, Non-metallic)

• Manufacturing Engineering

• Tool & Die

• Tooling, Tool Maker; Tool Inspector

• Trade-related Bench Work

Target Job Responsibilities

• Obtain daily work assignments from the team leader or supervisor and review work orders and blueprints to determine required tasks.

• Inspect preparatory cleaning, application of sealant, protective coatings, and leak detection coatings of integral fuel cells.

• Perform and witness leak checks, determining the source of leaks and evaluating the extent of repairs required.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to evaluate and coordinate improvements in build processes and defect reduction initiatives.

• Initiate and document any nonconforming materials or assemblies according to specifications and procedures.

• Conduct audits and surveillance of manufacturing and quality assurance processes to ensure compliance.

• Use precision measuring instruments and shop mathematics to verify that all parts and assemblies meet quality requirements.

• Review manufacturing plans and other documentation for completeness and compliance, identifying any discrepancies.

• Inspect mockups of engineering design changes to ensure adherence to specifications.

• Perform line checks to investigate whether rejectable conditions exist on other assemblies or airplanes.

• Indicate Quality Assurance acceptance by stamping the appropriate paperwork and processing completed records.

• Review previously accepted systems, customer requirements, or FAA conformities to determine if re-inspection is required.

• Work with engineering and the FAA on red label equipment to ensure proper segregation from production parts.

• Document discrepancies and report them to the appropriate personnel for resolution.

• Assist in the training and instruction of lower-grade inspectors, providing guidance as needed.

Physical Demands and Potential Hazards:

• Perform physical tasks that include lifting weights ranging from 10-15 lbs to 15-35 lbs.

• Engage in various movements such as reaching, handling, turning, twisting, lifting, lowering, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and squatting.

• Work in environments that may involve contact with metals, solvents, and coolants.

• Operate in proximity to moving parts and tools, sharp cutters, and potential slipping hazards.

• Adapt to varying noise levels and atmospheric conditions.

• Utilize personal safety gear to protect face/eyes, hands/arms, and feet while performing job duties.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 is required. “US Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Resumes of current Puget Sound Boeing employees submitted via “Find Jobs” in Boeing/Workday will be considered as this job is not installed in QTTP (Quality Through Training Program).

Basic qualifications/requirements:

• Experience doing jobs or tasks where you had to apply math skills such as algebra, geometry and/or trigonometry

• Experience reading engineering blueprints/drawings

• Experience working with precision measuring tools

• Experience with composites

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this position must successfully complete the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Education & Experience:

High School Graduate or the equivalent. Proof of successful completion is required.

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.

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 shift 1; however, it may require some training on other shifts

Other Relevant Information & Requirements:

This is an hourly position governed by the International Association of Machinists (IAM-751) Collective Bargaining agreement.

Total Rewards & Pay Transparency:

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: $44.53/hour, with potential to earn up to $57.60/hour in accordance with the relevant collective bargaining agreement.

Additional information Links: WebSite,  Standards of Apprenticeship,  Prep Pack

Applications for this position will be accepted until Jul. 22, 2026

Language Requirements

English Preferred

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent Required

Relocation

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

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.