Aerospace Assembly Lead

Job Description

Job Description

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 200+ CNC machines and a team of 500+ 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 Assembly Lead is a hands-on working Assembly Technician who provides day-to-day leadership within the Assembly department or an assigned shift while actively performing assembly work. The Assembly Lead coordinates daily workflow and priorities, trains and coaches Assembly Technicians, and upholds RTCA’s safety, quality, and procedural standards, partnering closely with the Assembly Manager, Planning, Quality, and Engineering to deliver compliant aerospace assemblies on schedule.

What you’ll be doing as an Assembly Lead:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Sumner, WA location.
• Perform complex commercial and aerospace assembly operations while serving as a working lead within the Assembly department or assigned shift.
• Lead daily team stand-ups and keep production metrics, scheduling boards, and job status current.
• Coordinate daily workflow and assign work with the Assembly Manager and Planning to meet schedule priorities and on-time delivery commitments.
• Confirm kits, hardware, sealants, tooling, and fixtures are staged before jobs start, escalating shortages to Planning and Supply Chain.
• Train, mentor, and coach Assembly Technicians, assist with onboarding new team members, and help track training and skill qualifications.
• Provide on-the-spot technical guidance on blueprint interpretation, assembly sequencing, riveting, sealing, press fits, and hardware installation.
• Verify work is built to customer drawings, specifications, and work instructions, and that travelers and build records are accurate and complete.
• Assist with troubleshooting assembly, fit-up, tooling, and process issues, engaging Engineering, Quality, and the Sr. Assembly Technician and escalating when appropriate.
• Lead by example in safety, 5S, FOD prevention, quality, and procedural compliance, addressing issues as they arise.
• Communicate production status, resource needs, and concerns to the Assembly Manager, Quality, Engineering, and Planning.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing activity within the assembly area, including updates to work instructions and standard work.
• Support customer audits, source inspections, and first-article builds as needed.
• Take on tasks outside normal duties when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Several years of hands-on assembly experience in an aerospace or precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation, with the ability to build to customer drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Proficiency across a broad range of assembly processes, including riveting, sealing, press and shrink fits, and installation of bushings, bearings, and standard hardware.
• Proficiency with hand tools, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, and precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example and effectively support and train others.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance hands-on production responsibilities with team coordination.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Experience leading a work cell, shift, or small assembly team.
• Experience with first-article, prototype, or first-run assembly builds.
• Experience creating or updating assembly work instructions and standard work.
• Experience operating manual machines (Bridgeport, lathe) to make tooling and fixtures.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 and FOD prevention program requirements.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production scheduling.

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 Assembly Lead Compensation range for onsite Washington applicants is $28-34 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.