Manufacturing Engineering Associate - Supporting CNC Grinding

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…