CNC Programming & Process Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

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:

Under general direction, the CNC Process Engineer supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for precision-machined aerospace components. This position serves as a key technical resource to the Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Programming and Operations teams by developing robust machining processes, investigating quality concerns, validating process changes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The CNC Process Engineer works closely with these teams to ensure processes are capable, repeatable, and compliant with customer and aerospace industry requirements, with a strong focus on complex CNC milling and 5-axis machining operations.

What you’ll be doing as a CNC Process Engineer:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Chatsworth, CA location.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing processes for CNC milling, turning, grinding, and related machining operations.
• Create and revise process plans, routers, setup sheets, and work instructions.
• Collaborate with CNC Programmers to optimize machining strategies, cycle times, and tool utilization.
• Evaluate engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to determine manufacturing methods.
• Support new product introduction activities, including process development and production readiness reviews.
• Design, specify, and implement tooling, fixtures, and work-holding solutions.
• Conduct process capability studies and identify opportunities for quality and productivity improvements.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and provide technical support to production personnel.
• Analyze scrap, rework, and downtime data to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) and validation activities in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Collaborate with Quality to resolve nonconformances and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with equipment evaluations, process validations, and capital improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, aerospace standards, and internal procedures.

• Maintain accurate process documentation within ERP/MRP and document control systems.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives through process optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Support machine monitoring, automation, unattended machining, and lights-out manufacturing initiatives.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of experience supporting CNC machining operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of CNC milling processes, tooling, workholding, cutting parameters, and machining best practices.
• Experience developing and maintaining manufacturing process documentation, including routers, setup sheets, work instructions, and process plans.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Experience investigating manufacturing and quality issues using root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace manufacturing requirements.
• Experience supporting First Article Inspection (AS9102), process validation, and production readiness activities.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
• Experience with 5-axis CNC milling operations and complex machined components.
• Experience supporting Manufacturing Engineering teams with process development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, NX, SolidWorks, or similar platforms.
• Experience developing tooling, fixturing, and workholding solutions.
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), process capability studies, and risk-based quality methodologies.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related continuous improvement training.
• Experience supporting customer audits, source inspections, and quality system compliance activities.
• Understanding of special processes commonly found in aerospace manufacturing, including outside processing, coatings, plating, heat treat, and NDT.

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 CNC Process Engineer Compensation range for onsite California applicants is $30 - $45 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.

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RTCA is a trusted precision manufacturing partner for aerospace, defense, medical, energy, and satellite industries. We specialize in complex machined components, large structural assemblies, and lean-cell manufacturing — all backed by AS9100-certified quality systems, responsive service, and a commitment to world-class performance.

Company Description

RTCA is a trusted precision manufacturing partner for aerospace, defense, medical, energy, and satellite industries. We specialize in complex machined components, large structural assemblies, and lean-cell manufacturing — all backed by AS9100-certified quality systems, responsive service, and a commitment to world-class performance.