Process Development Machinist (Day Shift)

RTC Aerospace LLC; Fife (WA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer seeks a highly skilled Process Development Machinist for their Fife, WA facility. This full-time position involves complex multi-axis CNC setups, programming, and leading process improvements in a dynamic manufacturing environment, requiring strong collaboration with engineering teams and a commitment to continuous innovation.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Long-term disability insurance

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of CNC machining experience in a high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to perform advanced setups and hands-on G-code programming.
• Deep understanding of machining dynamics and toolpath optimization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize CNC machining processes for new parts.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers for machining strategies.
• Train and mentor lower-level machinists on advanced techniques.

Skills

CNC machining

G-code programming

Blueprint reading

Problem-solving

Technical support

Education

5 years CNC machining experience

Tools

CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, NX)

Job description

Process Development Machinist (Day Shift)

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Process Development Machinist (Day Shift)

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About RTC Aerospace

RTC Aerospace is a 60-year-old aerospace manufacturer of complex, high-tolerance, difficult-to-machine parts. We have 4 facilities across the nation bringing exceptional cellular manufacturing capabilities and unique engineered solutions to our clients’ designed products. We are a company driven by ambitious individuals, working together to become an industry leader in lean-cell manufacturing. Come be a part of something exceptional at RTC Aerospace!

About RTC Aerospace

RTC Aerospace is a 60-year-old aerospace manufacturer of complex, high-tolerance, difficult-to-machine parts. We have 4 facilities across the nation bringing exceptional cellular manufacturing capabilities and unique engineered solutions to our clients’ designed products. We are a company driven by ambitious individuals, working together to become an industry leader in lean-cell manufacturing. Come be a part of something exceptional at RTC Aerospace!

How You’ll Make An Impact

The Process Development Machinist is a highly skilled, strategic member of our machining team responsible for driving continuous improvement and process innovation within our precision manufacturing environment. This individual is an expert in complex CNC setup, programming, and machining operations, with a strong focus on developing, optimizing, and standardizing processes that improve quality, efficiency, and throughput. This role collaborates closely with engineering and programming teams to prototype, troubleshoot, and implement machining strategies for new and existing parts.

What you’ll be doing as a Process Development Machinist:

• Working a Full-time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location for our day shift.
• Independently perform complex multi-axis CNC setups and edits across a variety of mills and lathes (4- and 5-axis)
• Develop, prove out, and optimize CNC machining processes for new parts and rework strategies
• Program and edit G-code directly at the machine and/or using CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, NX, or similar)
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers and Programmers to trial and validate machining strategies and fixturing concepts
• Lead first article runs, identify tooling or process inefficiencies, and recommend improvements
• Serve as a subject matter expert for process troubleshooting and technical support on the shop floor
• Proactively identify opportunities to reduce cycle times, improve part quality, and minimize scrap or rework
• Interpret complex aerospace engineering drawings and customer specifications
• Drive standardization in machining methods, setups, and documentation across the shop
• Train and mentor lower-level machinists on advanced machining techniques and setup best practices
• Perform and document critical inspections using precision measurement tools and CMM reports when applicable
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for machining-related quality issues
• Maintain a clean and safe work area, and follow all company safety protocols
• Assist with machine/tooling evaluations and capital project input as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Qualifications (Education, Skills, And Experience

• Minimum 5 years of CNC machining experience in a high-precision manufacturing environment (preferably aerospace or defense)
• Proven ability to perform advanced setups, in-machine troubleshooting, and hands-on G-code programming
• Deep understanding of machining dynamics, feeds and speeds, material behavior, and toolpath optimization
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills
• Comfortable working with minimal supervision and making strategic decisions on the floor
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a continuous improvement mindset
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and leadership
• Proficiency with measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, height gages, indicators, etc.
• Mechanically inclined and highly detail-oriented
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement efforts and mentoring team members
  
  

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Skills, And Experience

• CAM programming experience (e.g., Mastercam, NX, Fusion 360, or similar)
• Prior experience with process documentation, standard work, or continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
• Background in aerospace or defense machining with familiarity in ITAR-regulated environments
• Familiarity with ERP systems and digital travelers/work instructions
  
  

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Ability to lift or move up to 50lbs.
• Reach forward, up, down and to the side in order to move equipment.
• Continuous standing and walking throughout the workday.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms; use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel material.
• Access, input, and retrieve information from a computer.
  
  

Work Environment

A large percentage of work time is spent in a machine shop where temperatures vary from hot to cold. The environment may also include exposure to noise, dust, fumes, vapor from coolant, etc. Industry standard safety equipment is provided by the Company, and specific notice is posted in areas where safety equipment is required.

Compensation And Benefits

Employee Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, long-term disability and 401(k) with up to 6% QACA company match.

The Process Development Machinist Compensation range for onsite California applicants is $30-$40/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.
  
  

RTC 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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on RTC’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact the RTC Human Resources Department. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact the RTC Human Resources Department. Candidates will receive consideration without discrimination in accordance with the requirements of article 9 to chapter XVIII of the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code, federal and state laws of California.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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