CNC Machinist: Swing Shift

RTCA; Rockford (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Shift differential

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

RTCA in Rockford, MI is seeking a CNC Machinist I-III to join our Swing Shift. You will set up machines, select tooling, load programs, and ensure parts meet precise engineering and quality specifications.

You will work with Quality and Engineering teams to drive efficiency and continuous improvement on our aerospace and defense components. This role emphasizes hands-on ownership, teamwork, and safety, with opportunities to grow skills on multi-axis machines and learn CAM/CNC controls.

Qualifications

• Experience operating CNC or manual machining equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T requirements.
• Experience using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gages.
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, tooling, feeds, speeds, and offsets.
• Mechanical aptitude with strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic machining and production issues.

Responsibilities

• Operate and setup multiple machines.
• Follow all safety, quality, and aerospace manufacturing procedures and standards.
• Read blueprints and setup sheets, travelers, and specifications.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify part conformance and document results.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Operations to support production goals.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Skills

CNC operation

Blueprint reading

GD&T knowledge

Measuring instruments

Problem solving

Teamwork

Tools

Fanuc controls

Haas machines

Mazak machines

Siemens controls

Mastercam

Job description

CNC Machinist: Swing Shift

Full Time - Employee Manual Labor Rockford, Rockford, MI, US

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:

As a Machinist at RTCA, you will play a key role in producing precision aerospace and defense components by performing machine setups, selecting tooling, loading programs, and ensuring parts meet engineering and quality specifications. Through accurate setups, process optimization, troubleshooting, and collaboration with Quality and Engineering teams, you will help drive operational efficiency, product quality, and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

What you’ll be doing as a Machinist I-III:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Rockford, MI location supporting our Swing Shift.
• Operate and setup multiple machines
• Follow all company safety, quality, and aerospace manufacturing procedures and standards.
• Read and interpret blueprints, setup sheets, travelers, engineering drawings, and specifications.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify part conformance and maintain accurate quality documentation.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams to support production goals and continuous improvement efforts.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Experience operating and/or setting up CNC or manual machining equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T requirements.
• Experience using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gages.
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, tooling, feeds, speeds, and offsets.
• Mechanical aptitude with strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic machining and production issues.
• Strong math, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Commitment to workplace safety and maintaining a clean work environment.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
• Experience with multi-axis machining equipment, including 4-axis and 5-axis machines.
• Familiarity with Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Siemens, or similar CNC controls.
• Experience with CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, or ESPRIT.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality standards and in-process inspection techniques.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Basic CNC programming or G-code editing experience.
• Experience troubleshooting tooling, machining, or process-related issues.
• Experience mentoring or training operators or machinists.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and production tracking tools.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage plan
• HSA-eligible health plan with employer contributions
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidays
• Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts
• Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required.

RTCA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants wishing to receive information on RTCA’s Affluent Action Plans, or those requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, should contact the RTCA Human Resources Department. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to access or use our career center due to a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources.

Candidates will receive consideration without discrimination in accordance with Article 9, Chapter XVIII of the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code and applicable federal, state, and local laws.