Wing Skin Crane Operator - Ground Control- 71305

Boeing; Auburn (WA); On-site; USD 34,880 - 69,210; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Health insurance options

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

A major aerospace company in Auburn, WA, seeks a Wing Skin Crane Operator to safely manipulate and position aircraft components. This role demands collaboration with team members and close attention to detail in operating ground-controlled overhead cranes. Candidates should have over 2 years of crane experience, the ability to lift significant weights, and comfort working in a regulated environment. The position includes competitive pay ranging from $25.32 to $50.24 per hour.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience with overhead cranes.
• Physical ability to lift/carry up to 35 pounds and push/pull using up to 45 pounds of force.
• Ability to work in a hazardous environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate ground-controlled overhead cranes for material handling.
• Rig, adjust, and inspect crane rigging and equipment.
• Plan and coordinate material movements to optimize workflow.
• Inspect overhead material handling equipment before and after use.

Skills

Hands-on experience with overhead cranes

Reading and interpreting engineering drawings

Basic computer experience

Detail-oriented

Strong technical skills

Education

High school graduate or GED

Job description

Wing Skin Crane Operator - Ground Control- 71305

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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 Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for a Wing Skin Crane Operator - Ground Control - to join the Fabrication team in Auburn and Puyallup, WA.

As a Wing Skin Crane Operator - Ground Control, you will be a vital part of the material handling process, expertly maneuvering large and delicate aircraft components with precision and care. Your role involves coordinating complex lifts, managing rigging equipment, and collaborating closely with team members to ensure materials are positioned accurately and efficiently throughout the production environment.

You will play a critical role in upholding our commitment to safety and quality standards, ensuring that all operations meet regulatory compliance and operational excellence. If you are detail-oriented, possess strong technical skills, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to apply and be a part of our mission to deliver excellence in aviation.

Position Responsibilities

• Operate ground-controlled overhead cranes to load, unload, move, and position aircraft wing skins and raw materials safely and efficiently.
• Rig, adjust, and visually inspect crane rigging and equipment, including chains, cables, slings, and holding attachments, to ensure conformance with applicable documents and safety regulations.
• Plan and coordinate material movement with other crane operators and shop personnel to optimize workflow and minimize production interruptions.
• Obtain work assignments from various sources and access online systems to input work order requirements and initiate material pick lists.
• Inspect overhead material handling equipment (OMHE) and rigging before and after use, reporting any malfunctions or unsafe conditions.
• Load and unload machines, racks, trucks, trailers, and rail cars, placing materials into appropriate storage locations such as racks, baskets, or floor positions.
• Measure and cut raw materials like spars and extrusions to accurate lengths using floor-mounted band saws, and issue materials to designated shop areas.
• Attach rigging devices (e.g., clevis, skin clamps, nylon straps) to hooks and workpieces, ensuring proper load balance and secure lifting.
• Calculate safe load requirements and balance loads during lifts, including single point lifts and load rotations using spreader bars, vacu-lifts, and booms.
• Perform crane operations using radio or pendant controls, including sounding warning horns and ensuring clear paths of travel.
• Use hand and audible signals to guide crane movements and coordinate with floor crews during lifts and positioning.
• Execute complex material handling tasks such as swinging, rotating, turning over, and positioning parts on fixtures or ergonomic supports.
• Deliver materials and parts to various shop areas, unhooking and placing items as required, including loading/unloading specialized kitting trailers.
• Perform banding of raw materials and parts to pallets using steel banding machines and move them with electric stackers in storage areas.
• Assist new employees in becoming familiar with crane equipment and procedures, and communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers when assistance or problem resolution is 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. 120.15 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Current Boeing employees working in Puget Sound must submit an Employee Request Transfer (ERT) to be considered in the eligible candidate pool. Resumes of current Puget Sound Boeing employees submitted via Careers at Boeing will not be considered.

Basic Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands‑on experience with overhead cranes.
• 2+ years of experience reading, understanding, and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications including blueprint/schematic readings and any airplane engineering technical documents.
• Basic computer experience and competency.
• Must be physically able to lift/carry up to 35 pounds; push/pull using up to 45 pounds of force; and reach overhead up to six hours per day.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must be able to walk constantly throughout the workday; stand 6-8 hours per day; climb or work from stairs/steps up to 8 hours per day; climb ladders; bend and twist frequently up to six hours per day; squat and kneel.
• Ability to work in a hazardous environment (high noise, vibrations).

Typical Education & Experience

High school graduate or GED preferred.

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.

Union Representation Statement

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

Shift Work Statement

This position is for a variety of shifts.

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.

$25.32/hour, with potential to earn up to $50.24/hour in accordance with the terms of the relevant collective bargaining agreement.

Summary pay rate

$25.32-$50.24 per hour

Applications for this position will be accepted until Jan. 02, 2026

Language Requirements

English Preferred

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.