Manufacturing Engineering​/Quality Associate

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Full Time - Employee Fife, Fife, WA, US

8 days ago Requisition

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!

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.

• Working a full‑time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location.
• 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.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

• 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.

• 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…