CNC Machinist: Swing Shift

RTCA; West Chatsworth (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Shift differential

Discretionary bonus programs

Job summary

RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturer with 50+ years of hands-on machining experience, operating across North America from four U.S. Centers of Excellence.

As a CNC Machinist in Chatsworth, CA, you will set up and operate multiple machining centers, interpret drawings, and ensure parts meet tight specs. You will contribute to continuous improvement, support quality and engineering teams, and mentor junior machinists.

Qualifications

• 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 gauges.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate and set up multiple machining centers and equipment.
• Perform machine setups, including tooling selection, fixture loading, and program loading.
• Follow safety, quality, and aerospace manufacturing procedures, standards, and policies.
• Read blueprints and engineering drawings to verify requirements.
• Conduct first article inspections and verify parts meet specs.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify conformance and document results.
• Make machine adjustments and tool changes to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot tooling and process issues to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Operations to support goals and improvements.
• Provide training and mentorship to machinists as needed.

Skills

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Machining fundamentals

Metrology

Troubleshooting

Quality mindset

Teamwork

Safety

Math skills

Tools

Fanuc controls

Haas controls

Mazak controls

Siemens controls

Mastercam

Fusion 360

ESPRIT

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:

As a CNC 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 CNC Machinist:

• Working afull-time, onsiteposition at our Chatsworth, CA location. This position includes a shift differential of $2.00/hr.
• Operate and set up multiple machining centers and equipment
• Perform machine setups, including tooling selection, fixture loading, and program loading.
• Follow all company safety, quality, and aerospace manufacturing procedures, standards, and policies.
• Read and interpret blueprints, setup sheets, travelers, engineering drawings, and specifications.
• Conduct first article inspections and verify parts meet engineering specifications and quality standards.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify part conformance and maintain accurate quality documentation.
• Make machine adjustments, offsets, and tooling changes to maintain machining quality and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and production issues to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Optimize machining processes, including feeds, speeds, tooling, and setup strategies, to improve performance and throughput.
• Operate and support advanced machining equipment, including multi-axis machines.
• Monitor machine performance and support continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams to support production goals, tooling improvements, fixture development, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide technical support, training, and mentorship to machinists and machine operators as needed.
• 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

The CNC Machinist Compensation rangefor onsite California applicants is $25 – $35 per hour commensurate with experience. Some shifts may include shift differential pay rates. Other site ranges may differ.

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 Aff… 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.