Lead Machinist: Swing Shift

Lead Machinist

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 Lead Machinist serves as the key point of contact for all machinists and shop-floor-related departments during their assigned shift. This role is responsible for coordinating daily production activities, mentoring machinists and operators, ensuring adherence to quality standards, and supporting seamless communication between departments such as Engineering, Programming, Quality, and Production Management.

This position may oversee multiple machining disciplines depending on their division and shift — including but not limited to CNC milling, turning, Swiss, manual machining, EDM, grinding, honing, deburr, and assembly. The Lead is expected to be a hands-on technical expert and a strong leader who fosters collaboration, efficiency, and continuous improvement across the shop floor.

What you'll be doing as a CNC Machinist Lead:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Chatsworth, CA location.
• Act as the primary point of contact for machinists and supporting departments during assigned shift.
• Lead and mentor machinists and operators to achieve daily production goals and maintain quality and efficiency standards.
• Oversee setup, operation, and troubleshooting of 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling and turning equipment; may include Swiss, EDM, manual, or secondary operations depending on division.
• Coordinate with engineering and programming teams to ensure accurate interpretation and execution of part prints and setup instructions.
• Verify that all machined parts meet print specifications and tolerance requirements using appropriate measuring tools and inspection methods.
• Support production reporting, shift handoffs, and status updates through the company ERP system (Global Shop or JobBoss preferred).
• Maintain accurate shop inventory, including tooling, inserts, and materials, and ensure shared resources are properly cared for.
• Promote and uphold compliance with AS9100/ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Monitor work area organization, cleanliness, and safety practices; ensure all equipment and tooling are properly secured at end of shift.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, helping identify opportunities for process optimization, tooling improvements, and machine utilization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on CNC machining experience, including setup and operation of multi-axis mills and/or lathes.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a production or manufacturing environment, with proven ability to train, coach, and motivate others.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to diagnose machining or process issues in real time.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Global Shop or JobBoss preferred) for work order tracking, production reporting, and job status updates.
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and ability to interpret complex aerospace blueprints.
• Basic understanding of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality requirements.
• Proficiency with standard inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with emphasis on teamwork and accountability.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Experience overseeing or working in multi-discipline departments
• Completion of vocational or college training in machining technology (certificate or equivalent).
• Strong planning, organizational, and follow-through abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Teams).
• Advanced mathematical aptitude for complex setups and precision measurements.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and process improvement.

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 Lead Machinist Compensation range for onsite California applicants is $25 - $ 35 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 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.