Aerospace Assembly Manager — Hands-On Leader

Vanderhorst Brothers, Inc.; Fife, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA-eligible health plan with employer

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Shift differentials

Discretionary bonus programs

Job summary

RTCA, a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group, seeks an Assembly Manager in Fife, WA. This hands-on leadership role owns the Assembly department, driving safety, quality, throughput, and on-time delivery while coaching leads and technicians.

You will develop processes, establish metrics, and partner across Operations, Quality, Engineering, Planning, and Supply Chain to keep programs on schedule and compliant.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in aerospace or precision manufacturing assembly operations with hands-on tooling and blueprints.
• Proven track record leading and developing a manufacturing team with accountability.
• Ability to build and implement processes and work instructions for a growing operation.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration across Operations, Quality, Engineering, Planning, and Supply Chain.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and performance management skills.
• Experience with AS9100 or equivalent aerospace quality system requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day performance of the Assembly department, including safety, quality, throughput, and on-time delivery.
• Provide leadership to Assembly Leads and Technicians with clear expectations.
• Coach and develop technicians, building bench strength and career growth.
• Establish metrics and accountability systems to track performance and drive corrective action.
• Plan staffing, scheduling, and capacity to meet production requirements.
• Collaborate across departments to resolve issues and support new programs.
• Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 and other regulatory requirements.

Skills

Aerospace assembly

Team leadership

Process development

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication coaching

AS9100 knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

RTCA, a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group, seeks an Assembly Manager in Fife, WA. This hands-on leadership role owns the Assembly department, driving safety, quality, throughput, and on-time delivery while coaching leads and technicians.

You will develop processes, establish metrics, and partner across Operations, Quality, Engineering, Planning, and Supply Chain to keep programs on schedule and compliant.