Manufacturing Associate

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 Manufacturing Engineering Associate (Levels I–IV) supports engineering and shop floor operations within a CNC precision machining aerospace manufacturing environment. This role is intended for early-career engineering graduates seeking practical experience in manufacturing engineering, production support, and aerospace machining processes. Associates will work closely with manufacturing engineers, production personnel, quality, planning, and other cross-functional teams to support daily operations, process documentation, continuous improvement initiatives, and general engineering activities. What you’ll be doing as a Manufacturing Engineering Associate: * Working a full-time, onsite position at our Chatsworth, CA location. * Assist with the creation, revision, and maintenance of manufacturing work instructions and process documentation.  * Support engineering documentation activities including routers, tool lists, setup sheets, work order packets, and related records.  * Enter and maintain ERP/MRP system data, including bill of materials (BOMs), routings, and production planning information.  * Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, production, quality, planning, and supply chain teams to support day-to-day operations.  * Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost reduction.  * Support lean manufacturing activities including 5S, Kaizen events, and process improvement projects.  * Assist with tooling, fixture, and shop support requests as needed.  * Support estimating and quoting activities through data collection, manufacturing input, and process reviews.  * Gain exposure to aerospace manufacturing processes including CNC machining, assembly, deburr, inspection, finishing, and material flow.  * Assist with engineering change implementation and document control activities.  * Support production issue resolution and corrective action activities under guidance from senior engineering staff.  * Participate in cross-functional meetings and communicate project or task status updates as required.  * Develop familiarity with blueprint reading, GD&T, manufacturing methods, and aerospace quality requirements.  * Perform all other duties as assigned.  Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience): * Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field). * Highly motivated to learn and grow within the aerospace manufacturing industry. * Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word). * Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy. * Effective written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced setting. * Team-oriented mindset with a professional demeanor. Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience): * Exposure to or prior internship experience in aerospace or precision machining. * Experience working with ERP/MRP systems. * Comfortable reading and working with technical documents, drawings, and spreadsheets. * Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices. 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 Manufacturing Engineering Associate Compensation range for onsite California applicants is $20 - $23 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.