Manufacturing Trainee

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

Job summary

RTCA is seeking a Manufacturing Trainee to join our Fife, WA team in a full-time, on-site capacity. You will gain foundational manufacturing skills, assist with CNC machining, load/unload parts, and support lean initiatives while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Required is a high school diploma or GED, mechanical aptitude, and a reliable work ethic. You will collaborate with machinists, leads, inspectors, and other production staff in a dynamic aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn manufacturing processes.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attendance, reliability, and work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Work full-time on-site 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, grinding, or saw operations.
• Move materials and parts throughout the facility using carts, pallet jacks, or forklifts.
• Assist with 5S, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow safety, quality, and standard work procedures.
• Maintain accurate production records.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Follow instructions

Reliability

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or GED

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 Trainee

Full Time - Employee Fife, Fife, WA, US

7 days ago Requisition ID: 1421

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