Maintenance Associate (3 Months - Temp to Hire)

Vanderhorst Brothers, Inc.; Fife (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Shift differentials

Discretionary bonus programs

Job summary

RTCA in Fife, Washington, is seeking a Maintenance Associate (3 Months - Temp to Hire) to support CNC equipment maintenance and facility operations. This entry‑level role offers hands‑on experience, safety‑driven duties, and opportunities for growth within a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group.

The position emphasizes teamwork, adherence to maintenance procedures, and proactive participation in keeping CNC mills and lathes operating reliably in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn CNC maintenance.
• Ability to safely use basic hand and power tools.
• Attention to detail and willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to maintain a consistent work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Work a full‑time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location.
• Assist with general maintenance tasks using hand and power tools.
• Support routine maintenance and monitoring of CNC milling and turning equipment.
• Help maintain machine coolant and fluid levels.
• Follow preventive maintenance programs for CNC equipment.
• Ensure chip bins are emptied and work area kept clean and organized.
• Assist with machine and equipment maintenance and repair as directed.
• Support shop with office/workspace moves as needed.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Hand tools

Attention to detail

Team player

Punctual

Tools

CNC machines

Mills and lathes

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.

Maintenance Associate (3 Months - Temp to Hire)

INDIRECT - MAINTENANCE Full Time - Employee Manual Labor Fife, WA, US

7 days ago Requisition ID: 1469

Salary Range: $20.00 To $23.00 Hourly

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:

The Maintenance Associate supports the maintenance and upkeep of CNC machining equipment and facility operations to help ensure a safe, clean, and efficient manufacturing environment. This entry-level role assists in performing routine maintenance, monitoring machine conditions, and supporting general facility maintenance activities. The position provides an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience with CNC equipment maintenance and develop technical skills within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

What you’ll be doing as a Maintenance Associate (3 Month - Temp to Hire):

• Working a full‑time, onsite position at our Fife, Washington location.
• Assist with a variety of general maintenance tasks using hand and power tools to support safe and efficient operations.
• Support routine maintenance and monitoring of CNC machining equipment, including mills and lathes, under the guidance of experienced technicians.
• Help maintain proper machine coolant and fluid levels while monitoring equipment for basic maintenance needs.
• Follow established preventive maintenance programs for CNC machining equipment to help ensure optimal performance.
• Ensure chip bins are emptied as needed and maintain a clean, organized chip disposal area.
• Assist with daily upkeep of machine coolant and fluid systems.
• Support machine and equipment maintenance and repair activities as directed by the maintenance team.
• Assist with cleaning and maintaining machines to ensure a safe and productive work environment.
• Follow established maintenance procedures while supporting initiatives to improve workflow and operational efficiency.
• Provide support with office and workspace moves as needed.
• Collaborate with the maintenance team to assist with various facility and equipment needs.
• Provide general shop support to help maintain an organized and efficient workspace.
• Adhere to all workplace safety guidelines and company policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in learning CNC machine maintenance and manufacturing equipment support.
• Ability to safely use basic hand and power tools.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to maintain a consistent work schedule.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Exposure to CNC machining environments or manufacturing operations through school, internships, or previous work experience
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems, machine maintenance, or industrial equipment.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities.
• Team -oriented mindset with positive, proactive attitude.

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 Maintenance Associate Compensation range for onsite Washington applicants is $20 – $23 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, and local law.

Applicants wishing to receive information on RTCA’s Aff

Applicants wishing to receive information on RTCA’s Aff