Assembly Technician I

RTCA; Fife (WA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

RTCA in Washington state is seeking an Aerospace Assembly Technician to support our on-site assembly teams in Sumner or Fife. You will read blueprints, build tooling, and assemble precision aerospace components using hand and power tools, while collaborating with Manufacturing Engineering to improve processes and quality.

This full-time, on-site role offers hands-on ownership, a fast-paced environment, and opportunities to contribute to mission-critical programs.

Qualifications

• Experience performing mechanical assembly in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to read engineering blueprints and tooling drawings.
• Experience using hand, power, pneumatic tools, drill presses, grinders, and torque wrenches.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for fabricating and assembling tooling.
• Familiarity with quality inspection methods and production standards.
• Ability to troubleshoot tooling and assembly issues and suggest improvements.
• Strong math and measurement skills.
• Detail-oriented and compliant with safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Assemble precision aerospace components following engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Build, modify, repair, and maintain tooling and fixtures.
• Support prototype, first article, and production builds with tooling improvements.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to enhance processes and efficiency.
• Maintain tooling records, setup sheets, and traceability.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Blueprint reading

Hand tools

Power tools

Pneumatic tools

Torque wrenches

Precision measurement

Quality inspection

Process improvement

Safety awareness

Tools

Drill presses

Grinders

Torque wrenches

Measuring equipment

Job description

RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals.

Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility – you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer.

At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission!

How You’ll Make an Impact:

An Aerospace Assembly Technician, you will support the Assembly team by participating in the assembly of precision aerospace components. Working closely with Manufacturing Engineering and Assembly personnel, you will develop tooling solutions that improve quality, efficiency, and repeatability while providing hands‑on support during prototype and production assembly builds.

What you’ll be doing as a Assembly Technician:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Sumner or Fife, WA location.
• Building, modifying, repairing, and maintaining tooling, fixtures, jigs, templates, gauges, and work holding devices that support assembly operations.
• Performing mechanical assembly of precision aerospace components using hand tools, power tools, pneumatic tools, and assembly equipment while following engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Supporting prototype, first article, and production assembly builds by creating and refining tooling and assembly methods.
• Working alongside Assembly Technicians and Manufacturing Engineering to improve assembly processes, tooling design, ergonomics, product quality, and production efficiency.
• Fabricating tooling components through layout, drilling, tapping, fitting, grinding, deburring, and precision mechanical assembly.
• Troubleshooting assembly and tooling issues and implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve manufacturability.
• Inspecting completed assemblies and tooling to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards.
• Maintaining manufacturing documentation, tooling records, setup sheets, and part traceability.
• Keeping tooling, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and production-ready while adhering to 5S principles.
• Following all company quality standards, safety procedures, and manufacturing best practices.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Experience performing mechanical assembly in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints, tooling drawings, assembly drawings, and work instructions.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, pneumatic tools, drill presses, grinders, torque wrenches, and precision measuring equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to fabricate, fit, and assemble tooling and production components.
• Experience performing layout, drilling, tapping, reaming, deburring, fitting, and light fabrication.
• Familiarity with quality inspection methods and maintaining production standards.
• Ability to troubleshoot tooling and assembly issues while identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Proficient in basic shop math and precision measurement techniques.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Adherence to safety protocols, company policies, and state/federal regulations

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Prior experience in aerospace or manufacturing
• Familiar with prototype or experimental assembly work
• Knowledge of document search and retrieval in electronic systems
• Proficient with MRP/ERP systems
• Comfort providing process improvement suggestions
• Experience with test and evaluation of assemblies under