5 Axis Mill Setup Machinist - Weekend Shift

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Full Time - Employee Manual Labor Fife, Fife, WA, US

8 days ago Requisition

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 5 Axis Mill Setup Machinist is responsible for independently setting up and operating CNC machines to produce precision aerospace components. This role requires a strong understanding of feeds, speeds, and tooling to improve operational efficiency and ensure conformance to specifications. Working closely with Quality, Engineering, and Operations, the CNC Setup Operator II contributes to continuous improvement while maintaining high standards of safety, accuracy, and productivity.

What you’ll be doing as a 5 Axis Mill Setup Setup Machinist:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location.
• Set up CNC machines, including loading fixtures, boring jaws, selecting and setting tools, and running programs.
• Make offset adjustments and tool changes as required, ensuring optimal machining performance.
• Adjust feeds, speeds, and tooling to improve efficiency and prevent non‑conforming parts.
• Perform and document first article inspections, presenting results to the Quality department.
• Verify workpiece conformance using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gages, etc.).
• Interpret and work from blueprints, drawings, setup sheets, and written specifications.
• Operate multiple machines simultaneously, including 4‑axis and 5‑axis equipment.
• Monitor machine performance, troubleshoot minor issues, and provide tie‑in notes to communicate status across shifts.
• Maintain high efficiency, quality standards, and low scrap/rework rates.
• Perform preventive maintenance on machines and tooling in accordance with schedules.
• Collaborate with Quality and Engineering to identify improvements and resolve machining challenges.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and contribute to a clean, organized work environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Minimum 3 years of CNC setup and operating experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of feeds, speeds, and tooling for aerospace‑grade metals and alloys.
• Proficient in blueprint reading, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and trigonometry.
• Skilled in setting up and inspecting work pieces with precision measuring instruments.
• Experience with 4th and 5th axis machines, capable of running multiple machines simultaneously.
• Ability to make accurate offsets and adjustments within ±.002 tolerance.
• Mechanically inclined with excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Strong math aptitude, problem‑solving skills, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications for basic documentation and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Experience with advanced CNC controls such as Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, or Siemens.
• Familiarity with CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, Espirit) for program review or minor edits.
• Prior…