CNC Multi-Axis Lathe Setup Specialist

RTC Aerospace; Fife (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off

Shift differentials

Discretionary bonus programs

Job summary

RTCA is seeking a CNC Multi-Axis Lathe Setup Specialist to join our Sumner or Fife, WA team. You’ll own setup, prove out parts, and drive rapid changeovers on twin-spindle, multi-axis lathes, ensuring first-pass success.

You’ll work with programmers and engineers to optimize cycles, hold tight tolerances on aerospace alloys, and mentor operators. The role demands 5+ years of lathe setup and a strong background in SMED, tooling, and GD&T.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC lathe setup experience, including multi-axis mills/twins.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T with precision measuring tools.
• Experience reducing setup times with SMED and standardized methods.

Responsibilities

• Set up and prove out multi-axis CNC lathes: twin-spindle, twin-turret, live tooling, Y-axis and sub-spindle transfer.
• Own changeovers using SMED to shorten setup times and standardize processes.
• Build and maintain quick-change tooling and setup sheets for faster changeovers.
• Collaborate with CNC programmers on toolpaths, work holding, and cycle-time reduction.
• Maintain tight tolerances on aerospace alloys (titanium, Inconel, stainless, aluminum).
• Train operators on setups, offsets, inspection and safe operation.

Skills

CNC lathe setup

G-code proficiency

GD&T reading

SMED/quick-change

First article inspection

Tools

Mazak

Okuma

Nakamura-Tome

DMG MORI

Doosan/DN

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

CNC Multi-Axis Lathe Setup Specialist

Full Time - Employee Fife, Fife, WA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1449

Salary Range: $25.00 To $40.00 Hourly

About RTCA:

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:

You're the person the shop calls when a new job hits a twin-spindle lathe and has to run right the first time. You don't just load a program and push cycle start. You build the setup, prove out the part, tighten the cycle and leave the machine faster than you found it.

RTCA is an AS9100D-certified precision machining company with 150+ CNC machines and 200+ people making flight-critical parts for aerospace, defense, space and medical customers. We're investing in our lathe department and want one setup specialist who can help take it to the next level.

What you’ll be doing as a CNC Multi-Axis Lathe Setup Specialist:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Sumner or Fife, WA locations.
• Set up and prove out multi-axis CNC lathes: twin-spindle, twin-turret, live tooling, Y-axis and sub-spindle part transfer, from bar stock to finished part in one handling
• Own changeovers. Apply SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) to move internal setup steps offline, standardize setups, and cut changeover time job after job
• Build and maintain quick-change tooling systems (Capto, KM or similar), preset tool kits and setup sheets so the next changeover is faster than the last
• Work directly with CNC programmers and process engineers on toolpaths, work holding, tool selection and cycle-time reduction, and give practical shop-floor feedback on programs
• Bring new and transferred parts through first-article with Quality, and hold tight tolerances on aerospace alloys: titanium, Inconel, stainless and aluminum
• Troubleshoot chatter, tool life, finish and dimensional problems at the machine, and fix the root cause
• Train and mentor operators and junior machinists on setups, offsets, in-process inspection and safe machine operation
• Drive 5S, standard work and continuous improvement in the lathe cell
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• 5+ years of CNC lathe setup experience, including at least 2 years on multi-axis mill-turn machines (twin spindle and/or twin turret). Mazak, Okuma, Nakamura-Tome, DMG MORI, Doosan/DN, or similar
• Strong command of G-code and machine control. You edit at the control with confidence and know Fanuc, Mazatrol or OSP
• Solid blueprint reading and GD&T, plus hands-on use of mics, bore gages, height gages and thread gages
• A track record of cutting setup time with SMED, quick-change tooling or standardized setup methods (bring numbers if you have them)
• Ownership. You treat every setup as your signature

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Aerospace machining under AS9100, plus familiarity with AS9102 FAI and customer requirements from Boeing, RTX/Collins, Northrop Grumman or similar
• CAM exposure (Mastercam, Esprit, NX or similar)
• Lean or Six Sigma training

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 Multi-Axis Lathe Setup Specialist Compensation range for onsite Washington applicants is $25-40 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... (truncated for brevity).

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.