Hone Operator (Swing Shift - M-Th, 3:15pm-1:45am)

RTCA; Fife (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Shift differentials

Job summary

RTCA in Washington state is seeking a Hone Operator to produce precision aerospace components. You’ll set up, operate, and monitor honing equipment to ensure parts meet engineering specifications and quality requirements.

This full‑time, onsite role in Fife requires reading blueprints, performing inspections with calipers and micrometers, and documenting production and inspection results. You’ll work closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to support on‑time delivery.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year setting up and operating honing equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of machining principles, tooling, speeds and feeds.
• Ability to read blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer skills for production documentation.
• Strong communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor honing equipment per work instructions.
• Inspect parts using precision measuring instruments.
• Read and interpret blueprints and drawings.
• Maintain dimensional accuracy and surface finishes.
• Document production and inspection results.
• Maintain clean, safe work area.
• Follow safety and quality procedures.

Skills

Honing operation

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement

Quality focus

Independent work

Teamwork

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma

Vocational machining program

Tools

Sunnen honing equipment

Calipers

Micrometers

Dial indicators

Bore gauges

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 Hone Operator, you'll play a critical role in producing precision aerospace components that meet the highest quality and performance standards. You'll set up, operate, and monitor honing equipment to ensure parts are manufactured accurately and efficiently while maintaining compliance with engineering specifications and company quality requirements. Working closely with production, quality, and engineering teams, you'll help support on‑time delivery of mission‑critical components used throughout the aerospace industry.

What you’ll be doing as a Hone Operator:

• Working a full‑time onsite position at our Fife, WA location.(Swing Shift - M-Th, 3:15pm-1:45am)
• Operate, and adjust honing machines according to work instructions, blueprints, and engineering specifications.
• Perform inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy and required surface finishes.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Verify completed parts meet specifications using calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Identify tooling, machine, or quality issues and communicate concerns to the department supervisor or lead.
• Complete assigned production tasks within established quality and productivity standards.
• Perform routine machine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance.
• Maintain accurate production documentation and inspection records.
• Follow all company safety procedures, quality standards, and aerospace manufacturing requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience setting up and operating honing equipment in a manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace or precision machining.
• Working knowledge of machining principles, tooling, speeds, and feeds.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficiency using precision measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and dial indicators.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing quality parts.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer skills for production documentation and data entry.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing.
• Experience with Sunnen or comparable honing equipment.
• Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Familiarity with AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Completion of a vocational machining program, apprenticeship, or technical certificate in Manufacturing Technology or Machine Shop.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement practices.

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 Hone Operator compensation rangefor onsite Washington applicants is $20-25 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 Affimative 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.