Manufacturing Associate

RTCA; Fife (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

HSA contributions

Life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) match

Paid time off

Shift differential

Bonus programs

Job summary

RTCA is an aerospace and defense manufacturing group focused on precision machining. The Manufacturing Associate will support shop floor operations, learn foundational processes, and contribute to safety, quality, and continuous improvement efforts at our Fife, WA site.

The role emphasizes hands-on skill development, teamwork, and active participation in lean manufacturing practices. Onsite employment offers stability, growth potential, and exposure to aerospace production.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Mechanical aptitude with willingness to learn manufacturing processes.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attendance, reliability, and work ethic.
• Ability to lift materials and stand for extended periods.
• Interest in pursuing a long-term career in aerospace manufacturing or CNC machining.

Responsibilities

• Support CNC machining and basic machine operation activities.
• Load and unload parts on various machines.
• Perform part washing, deburring, honing, grinding, or saw operations.
• Move materials throughout the facility using carts or forklifts.
• Assist with 5S, lean initiatives, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain production records and notes of daily activities.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Follow instructions

Attendance & reliability

Lift & stand for long

Basic math & problem solving

Career in aerospace/CNC

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CNC machining exposure

Forklift experience/certification

Hand tools & measuring tools

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.

Manufacturing Associate

Full Time - Employee Fife, WA, US

Salary Range: $20.00 To $23.00 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:

As a Manufacturing Associate, you will support critical aerospace manufacturing operations by contributing to one or more areas across the shop floor. This role is designed to build foundational manufacturing skills while supporting production, safety, quality, and continuous improvement efforts. Depending on business needs and individual strengths, associates may develop a primary focus area while gaining exposure to a variety of manufacturing processes and support functions.

What you’ll be doing as a Manufacturing Associate:

Responsibilities may vary depending on assigned department, production needs, and skill development focus. Associates are typically assigned a primary area of responsibility while supporting additional shop floor activities as needed.

• Working a full‑time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location.
• Support CNC machining and basic machine operation activities
• Load and unload parts on various machines
• Perform part washing, deburring, honing, lapping, grinding, or saw operations
• Move materials and parts throughout the facility using carts, pallet jacks, or forklifts
• Support tool crib organization and inventory management
• Perform basic maintenance tasks such as changing coolant, emptying chip bins, and maintaining work areas
• Assist with 5S, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Follow all safety, quality, and standard work procedures
• Maintain clean and organized workspaces
• Learn basic blueprint reading, inspection methods, and aerospace manufacturing practices
• Collaborate with machinists, leads, inspectors, and other production personnel
• Maintain accurate production records.
• Document daily activities and any issues encountered during operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• High school diploma or GED
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn manufacturing processes
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Strong attendance, reliability, and work ethic
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to lift materials and stand for extended periods
• Basic math and problem‑solving skills
• Interest in pursuing a long‑term career in aerospace manufacturing or CNC machining.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Vocational training or technical education related to manufacturing or machining
• Exposure to CNC machining or industrial equipment
• Forklift experience or certification
• Experience using hand tools, measuring tools, or power tools
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or 5S principles
• Previous experience in manufacturing, automotive, mechanical, or other hands‑on technical environments
• Demonstrated dependability and initiative in previous work or academic settings.

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 Manufacturing 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, or local law.

Applicants wishing to receive information on RTCA’s Affinitive 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.