Boeing careers in New Orleans in 2026
Boeing's New Orleans operation is centered at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), a 832-acre NASA-owned manufacturing complex in eastern New Orleans. This is where Boeing builds the core stage for the Space Launch System (SLS) — the most powerful rocket NASA has ever flown and the backbone of the Artemis program to return humans to the Moon and eventually reach Mars.
What Boeing builds at Michoud
SLS core stage
The SLS core stage is the largest rocket stage ever built — 212 feet tall and 27.6 feet in diameter. Boeing welds, assembles, and tests each core stage at MAF before shipping it by barge to NASA's Stennis Space Center for green run testing, then to Kennedy Space Center for launch.
Each core stage contains:
- Liquid hydrogen tank (largest cryogenic fuel tank ever built)
- Liquid oxygen tank
- Intertank structure
- Forward skirt and engine section
- Four RS-25 engine mounts
Exploration Upper Stage (EUS)
Boeing is developing the Exploration Upper Stage at Michoud for SLS Block 1B and Block 2 configurations. EUS will replace the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, enabling heavier payloads to deep space.
Heritage and facility
Michoud has built large-scale space hardware since the 1960s. Saturn V first stages, Space Shuttle External Tanks, and now SLS core stages have all been manufactured here. The facility contains one of the world's largest welding tools — the Vertical Assembly Center — which friction stir welds SLS barrel panels into full cylinders.
Michoud's location is strategic: the facility sits on a deep-water canal connected to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. SLS core stages — too large for road or air transport — travel by barge from Michoud to Stennis Space Center (60 miles east) and Kennedy Space Center (900 miles by sea). The covered manufacturing area exceeds 1.8 million square feet, making it one of the largest enclosed manufacturing spaces in the world.
Job types at Boeing New Orleans
| Role Category | Typical Roles | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Weld technician, composite tech, assembly mechanic | $45K–$75K |
| Engineering | Structural, thermal, manufacturing, systems engineer | $75K–$140K |
| Quality | Quality inspector, NDE technician, quality engineer | $55K–$95K |
| Program Mgmt | Project engineer, program manager, scheduler | $80K–$130K |
| Tooling | Tool designer, tool maker, NC programmer | $55K–$90K |
Manufacturing and technician roles
The largest workforce segment at Michoud. Weld technicians operate the Vertical Assembly Center and perform manual TIG welds on SLS components. Composite technicians work with thermal protection systems. Assembly mechanics integrate subsystems and route wire harnesses. Most positions require a high school diploma plus technical training; no college degree needed.
Engineering
Structural engineers analyze loads on the core stage during launch, ascent, and staging. Thermal engineers design cryogenic insulation systems. Manufacturing engineers optimize weld parameters and tooling processes. Most engineering roles require a bachelor's degree and 2-5 years of experience for mid-level positions.
Quality and inspection
Given that SLS is human-rated, quality requirements are rigorous. NDE (non-destructive evaluation) technicians perform X-ray, ultrasonic, and phased-array inspections on every weld. Quality engineers manage acceptance criteria and disposition non-conformances.
Salary and compensation
Boeing New Orleans salaries benefit from Louisiana's low cost of living. A Boeing engineer earning $95K in New Orleans has roughly the same purchasing power as one earning $130K in Seattle or $145K in Southern California.
| Level | New Orleans Salary | Seattle Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (entry) | $72K–$82K | $88K–$100K |
| Level 2 (mid) | $85K–$105K | $105K–$130K |
| Level 3 (senior) | $105K–$130K | $130K–$160K |
| Level 4 (principal) | $125K–$150K | $155K–$185K |
Boeing offers the same benefits package across all locations: 401(k) with 75% match up to 8%, health/dental/vision, $20,000 education assistance, employee stock purchase plan, and annual bonus (3-8% target).
New Orleans metro median home price sits around $260K — roughly one-third of Seattle and one-quarter of LA. A Boeing engineer earning $95K in New Orleans can afford a 3-bedroom house, while the same salary in Everett WA barely covers a 1-bedroom apartment. Factor in Louisiana's moderate state income tax (2-4.25%) and no-state-tax neighboring Mississippi, and the effective take-home gap widens further.
Living in New Orleans
New Orleans offers a lifestyle unlike any other Boeing location:
- Food and culture: World-class cuisine, live music, and festivals year-round
- Outdoor recreation: Fishing, kayaking, and proximity to Gulf beaches
- Housing: Affordable by aerospace standards — Metairie, Kenner, and Slidell offer suburban living near MAF
- Commute: Michoud is in New Orleans East, 20-30 minutes from downtown, 15 minutes from Slidell
- Weather: Hot, humid summers (May-September), mild winters. Hurricane season (June-November) is a real consideration
The Michoud facility is in New Orleans East, which has seen significant recovery and development since Hurricane Katrina. Most Boeing employees live in Slidell (St. Tammany Parish), Metairie, or the Lakeview/Gentilly neighborhoods.
How to get hired
Boeing New Orleans positions are posted on boeing.com/careers. Search for "Michoud" or "New Orleans" to find current openings. Key tips:
- Manufacturing roles: Emphasize welding certifications (AWS D17.1 preferred), composite layup experience, or precision assembly skills. A community college technical degree helps but isn't always required.
- Engineering roles: Boeing recruits heavily from LSU, Tulane, University of New Orleans, and Southern University. Internship-to-full-time conversion is the most reliable path.
- Security clearance: Some SLS work is unclassified, but many Boeing New Orleans positions require at minimum a Secret clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for all Michoud positions.
Frequently asked questions
What does Boeing build in New Orleans?
Boeing's New Orleans facility at Michoud Assembly Facility builds the SLS core stage for NASA's Artemis program. This includes the world's largest cryogenic fuel tanks, structural components, and the upcoming Exploration Upper Stage. The 832-acre facility has built large-scale space hardware since the Saturn V era.
How much do Boeing New Orleans employees make?
Boeing New Orleans salaries range from $45K-$75K for manufacturing technicians to $75K-$150K for engineers and program managers. Louisiana's low cost of living means purchasing power is significantly higher than Boeing's Seattle or California locations. Benefits include 401(k) match, education assistance, and annual bonus.
Is Boeing hiring in New Orleans in 2026?
Boeing maintains active hiring at Michoud for SLS core stage production and EUS development. Manufacturing technicians, welders, engineers, and quality inspectors are the most common openings. Check boeing.com/careers and search for "Michoud" or "New Orleans" for current positions.
For more Boeing locations, see our Boeing St. Louis guide and Boeing Charleston guide. Browse all Boeing positions on Zero G Talent.
