Manufacturing Engineering Associate - Supporting CNC Grinding at RTC Aerospace – Simi Valley, California
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About This Position
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:
We are seeking a motivated Manufacturing Engineering Associate (Levels I–IV) to join our team and support critical engineering and shop floor operations within a fast-paced aerospace CNC precision machining environment. This full-time, entry-level program is designed for recent engineering graduates who are eager to gain hands-on exposure to manufacturing, improve processes, and grow within the organization. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn, contribute, and build a career in aerospace manufacturing engineering.
What you’ll be doing as a Manufacturing Engineering Associate:
- Working a full-time onsite position at our Chatsworth, CA facility.
- Assist with the creation and maintenance of basic work instructions.
- Enter and maintain ERP/MRP data accurately, supporting BOM/routing hygiene.
- Prepare documentation including tool lists, routers, and work order packets.
- Support tooling and fixture requests; coordinate with planning and procurement as needed.
- Assist estimating with data collection and inputs for simple quotes.
- Participate in continuous improvement events, lean initiatives, and 5S activities.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, production, quality, and supply chain) to support process development and problem-solving.
- Provide technical and administrative support in a variety of areas depending on business needs, such as estimating and quoting, raw materials and saw operations, tooling and engineering workflows, and potentially supporting shop floor, production, or CNC machining activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the Manufacturing Engineering team.
- As Associates progress into higher levels (III/IV), additional expectations will include:
- Learning blueprint reading and GD&T fundamentals, with growing familiarity in CAD/CAM applications.
- Progressing from shadowing engineers to independently managing small, well-defined process plans.
- Consistently demonstrating documentation accuracy and on-time deliverables.
- Contributing ideas that enhance safety, quality, delivery, or cost efficiency.
- Mentoring newer associates and supporting team development.
- Performs 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.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described are representative of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this role, the employee is frequently required to:
- Lift or move up to 50 lbs.
- Reach forward, up, down, and to the side
- Stand and walk for extended periods
- Use hands to handle, manipulate, or feel materials
- Access, input, and retrieve information from a computer
Work is primarily performed in a machine shop environment with varying temperatures and potential exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and coolant vapors. Required safety equipment is provided and must be worn where designated.
Compensation and Benefits:
Employee Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; long-term disability; a 401(k) 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; and 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.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on RTCA’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact the RTCA Human Resources Department. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact the RTCA Human Resources Department. Candidates will receive consideration without discrimination in accordance with the requirements of article 9 to chapter XVIII of the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code, federal and state laws of California.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.
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Job Location
Job Location
This job is located in the Simi Valley, California, 93063, United States region.