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:

The CNC Programmer plans and develops machining processes and programs for the manufacturing of products in 3, 4 and 5-axis machining centers, CNC lathes, multi-axis a plus. Assist in process improvement and cost reductions through productivity improvement and machine time reductions, including tool and new product program testing. Responsible for the CAD system that generates computer models of the parts. This position requires a high degree of concentration and multitasking.

What you’ll be doing as a CNC Programmer:

Working a full-time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location.

Develop machine processes and programs for the manufacturing of products in 3, 4 and 5-axis machining centers and CNC lathes (multi-axis a plus) interfacing with tool engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers and production personnel.
Analyze part drawings, sketches, and design data to determine dimension and configuration of cuts, selecting cutting tools, and machine speeds and feeds, according to knowledge of machine shop processes. Perform debugging and testing of CNC programs in the machining mills and lathes.
Develop and maintain CNC programs of multiple-axis lathes and mills using an advanced three-dimensional programming CAD system.

Write instruction sheets and tool lists to guide set-up and operation of the lathes and mills.

Observes operation of machine on trial run to prove taped or programmed instructions.

Revises program to eliminate instruction errors or omissions.
Perform cutting tools evaluations, cost analysis and new technology implementation as well analyze tooling failures.

Cycle Time Reduction: adjusting feed and speeds, wasted machine moves, and evaluation of better cutters.
Maintain status reports on program availability on a timely basis.

Receives, Loads, verifies, and stores digital data from customer per CAD/CAM/CAI Quality Assurance Plan
Ensures synchronization of software revision levels to customer software revision level requirements per CAD/CAM/CAI Quality Assurance Plan and notifies customer of software and/or application changes per CAD/CAM/CAI Quality Assurance Plan
Works with estimating staff to ensure timely support of company proposal effort, synchronization between sales proposal, estimating, programming, quality and manufacturing.
Adheres to all workplace safety guidelines, policies, and laws determined by the company, state, and federal authorities, and ensures that personnel within the Programming department comply as well.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

5+ years’ Experience using Mastercam
5+ years’ CNC machining operation experience
Strong attention to detail
Exhibits judgment in leading others to objectives with excellent oral and written communication skills – organized, self-motivated, manage multiple tasks and/or priorities, easily adaptable to change.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

Associate's degree or higher in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Machining Technology, or a related technical field.
Experience programming 5-axis simultaneous machining centers, mill-turns, or Swiss-style CNC machines.
Strong understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5), tooling optimization, and machining of aerospace materials such as titanium, Inconel, and stainless steel.
Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or Siemens NX and familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
Knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements, and aerospace manufacturing quality standards.
Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives, including cycle time reduction, process optimization, and new product integration.

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 Programmer compensation range for onsite Washington applicants is $40-45 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.

CNC Programmer - 5 Axis CNC Mill

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