Assembly Technician I

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 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

An Aerospace Assembly Technician I will perform a variety of tasks ranging from repetitive to non-repetitive production assembly operations. Works from diagrams and drawings, makes initial layouts, and uses hand and/or power tools. Makes continuity checks on work in process and completed. May conduct quality inspections on processing line in accordance with quality specifications. May disassemble, modify, rework, reassemble, and test experimental or prototype assemblies and subassemblies according to specifications and under simulated conditions.

What You'll Be Doing as an Assembly Technician I

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Sumner, WA location.
• Using hand and power tools, scribe, grind, punch, deburr, fit, and drill a variety of sheet metal detail parts, sub-assemblies or complete units by adjusting alignment and mating pieces to ordinary tolerances.
• May perform some light riveting using rivet squeezes and pop rivet guns.
• May detect and provide input for resolution to faulty operations.
• Follow written instructions and drawings.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area to facilitate manufacturing functions.
• Perform all work in accordance with established standards and safety procedures.
• Ensure proper documentation is entered on manufacturing planning (including correct quantities) and paperless timecard system.
• Evaluates processes for suggestions relative to improvements
• Performs trouble shooting and problem solving of assembly processes
• Updates setup sheets and programs prior to completion of operation with approval of supervisor
• Completes all daily record keeping, part count and part traceability with consistent accuracy
• Adheres to all workplace safety guidelines, policies, and laws determined by the company, state, and federal authorities
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, Skills and Experience)

• Experience with assembly operations including repetitive and non-repetitive tasks
• Ability to read and interpret: Engineering blueprints, drawings and diagrams, and assembly specifications
• Working knowledge of hand tools and power tools, pneumatic tools and presses, and etch machines and torque wrenches
• Proficient in basic shop math
• Familiar with Quality Inspection methods and maintaining production standards
• Experience performing tasks like scribing, grinding, deburring, fitting, drilling and light riveting
• Ability to troubleshoot and rework components
• Ability to follow written instructions and update manufacturing planning documents
• Capable of updating setup sheets with supervisor approval
• Team player with a collaborative, can-do attitude
• Proven ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational habits, and cleanliness in work areas
• Adherence to safety protocols, company policies, and state/federal regulations

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Skills and Experience)

• Prior experience in aerospace or manufacturing
• Familiar with prototype or experimental assembly work
• Knowledge of document search and retrieval in electronic systems
• Proficient with MRP/ERP systems
• Comfort providing process improvement suggestions
• Experience with test and evaluation of assemblies under simulated conditions
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate faulty operations and contribute to resolutions

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 Tech I compensation range for onsite Washington applicants is $20-23 commensurate with experience. Some shifts may include shift differential pay rates. Other site ranges may differ.

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.