Senior Manufacturing Engineer

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:

Lead manufacturing process improvements and complex production initiatives that support quality, efficiency, and operational performance across aerospace manufacturing programs. This role partners closely with machining, quality, planning, and operations teams to optimize workflows, solve production challenges, and support continuous improvement efforts across the organization.

What you'll be doing as a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Simi Valley, CA location.
• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes, work instructions, and production documentation
• Lead complex manufacturing engineering projects focused on efficiency, quality, throughput, and cost improvement
• Support day-to-day manufacturing operations by troubleshooting process and production-related issues
• Evaluate machining methods, tooling, fixturing, and workflow strategies to improve manufacturability and operational performance
• Partner cross-functionally with machining, quality, planning, supply chain, and operations teams to support production goals
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective/preventive action activities related to production or customer issues
• Support quoting activities through manufacturing methods, cycle time estimates, and process planning
• Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineers and shop personnel
• Serve as a key technical resource for complex manufacturing and machining challenges
• Support capacity planning, production readiness, and operational scaling initiatives
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Bachelor's Degree, technical training, military experience, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience in engineering, manufacturing, machining, or a related field
• Approximately 7+ years of relevant manufacturing, machining, or engineering experience
• Strong experience working in or supporting a CNC machining and/or manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, machining operations, tooling, fixturing, and production workflows
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing documentation
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally to support production and operational objectives

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Aerospace, defense, or other precision manufacturing experience
• Experience leading manufacturing process development and process improvement initiatives
• Strong understanding of GD&T and blueprint interpretation
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or similar tools
• Familiarity with AS9100 or other regulated manufacturing standards
• Experience supporting root cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience mentoring engineers or providing technical leadership within manufacturing teams
• Strong understanding of CNC machining practices, machine capabilities, and production planning

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 Senior Manufacturing Engineer Compensation range for onsite California applicants is $90,000 - $130,000 annually 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 Affirmative 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.