Aerospace Assembly Lead — Hands-On Team Leader (Onsite)

RTCA; Washington; On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Shift differentials

Job summary

RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturer seeking an Assembly Lead to manage daily workflow, coach technicians, and ensure on-schedule, high‑quality assemblies at our Sumner, WA site. This hands‑on leadership role requires strong blueprint and GD&T skills and a proven ability to drive safety and continuous improvement.

You will lead stand-ups, coordinate with Planning and Engineering, and ensure travelers and build records are complete while maintaining production metrics and

Qualifications

• Several years of hands-on assembly experience in an aerospace or precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation, with the ability to build to customer drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Proficiency across a broad range of assembly processes, including riveting, sealing, press and shrink fits, and installation of bushings, bearings, and standard hardware.
• Proficiency with hand tools, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, and precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example and effectively support and train others.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance hands-on production responsibilities with team coordination.

Responsibilities

• Work afull-time, onsite position at our Sumner, WA location.
• Perform complex assembly operations while serving as a working lead within the Assembly department or assigned shift.
• Lead daily team stand-ups and keep production metrics, scheduling boards, and job status current.
• Coordinate daily workflow and assign work with the Assembly Manager and Planning to meet schedule priorities.
• Confirm kits, hardware, sealants, tooling, and fixtures are staged before jobs start, escalate shortages.
• Train, mentor, and coach Assembly Technicians and assist with onboarding new team members.
• Provide on-site technical guidance on blueprint interpretation, assembly sequencing, riveting, sealing, and fastener installation.
• Verify work is built to customer drawings, specifications, and work instructions; ensure travelers and build records are accurate.
• Assist with troubleshooting assembly, fit-up, tooling, and process issues; escalate when appropriate.
• Lead by example in safety, 5S, FOD prevention, quality, and procedural compliance.
• Communicate production status, resource needs, and concerns to leadership.
• Support continuous improvement and lean manufacturing within the assembly area.
• Assist with customer audits and first-article builds as needed.
• Take on tasks outside normal duties when needed.

Skills

Hands-on assembly

Blueprint reading

GD&T interpretation

Leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Tools

Bridgeport lathe

Calipers

Micrometers

Pneumatic tools

Hydraulic tools

Job description

RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturer seeking an Assembly Lead to manage daily workflow, coach technicians, and ensure on-schedule, high‑quality assemblies at our Sumner, WA site. This hands‑on leadership role requires strong blueprint and GD&T skills and a proven ability to drive safety and continuous improvement.

You will lead stand-ups, coordinate with Planning and Engineering, and ensure travelers and build records are complete while maintaining production metrics and