Process Development Machinist (Day Shift)

About RTC Aerospace:

RTC Aerospace is a 60-year-old aerospace manufacturer of complex, high-tolerance, difficult-to-machine parts. We have 4 facilities across the nation bringing exceptional cellular manufacturing capabilities and unique engineered solutions to our clients’ designed products. We are a company driven by ambitious individuals, working together to become an industry leader in lean-cell manufacturing. Come be a part of something exceptional at RTC Aerospace! 

How You’ll Make an Impact 

The Process Development Machinist is a highly skilled, strategic member of our machining team responsible for driving continuous improvement and process innovation within our precision manufacturing environment. This individual is an expert in complex CNC setup, programming, and machining operations, with a strong focus on developing, optimizing, and standardizing processes that improve quality, efficiency, and throughput. This role collaborates closely with engineering and programming teams to prototype, troubleshoot, and implement machining strategies for new and existing parts.
 

What you’ll be doing as a Process Development Machinist:

• Working a Full-time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location for our day shift.
• Independently perform complex multi-axis CNC setups and edits across a variety of mills and lathes (4- and 5-axis)
• Develop, prove out, and optimize CNC machining processes for new parts and rework strategies
• Program and edit G-code directly at the machine and/or using CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, NX, or similar)
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers and Programmers to trial and validate machining strategies and fixturing concepts
• Lead first article runs, identify tooling or process inefficiencies, and recommend improvements
• Serve as a subject matter expert for process troubleshooting and technical support on the shop floor
• Proactively identify opportunities to reduce cycle times, improve part quality, and minimize scrap or rework
• Interpret complex aerospace engineering drawings and customer specifications
• Drive standardization in machining methods, setups, and documentation across the shop
• Train and mentor lower-level machinists on advanced machining techniques and setup best practices
• Perform and document critical inspections using precision measurement tools and CMM reports when applicable
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for machining-related quality issues
• Maintain a clean and safe work area, and follow all company safety protocols
• Assist with machine/tooling evaluations and capital project input as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills, and experience:

• Minimum 5 years of CNC machining experience in a high-precision manufacturing environment (preferably aerospace or defense)
• Proven ability to perform advanced setups, in-machine troubleshooting, and hands-on G-code programming
• Deep understanding of machining dynamics, feeds and speeds, material behavior, and toolpath optimization
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills
• Comfortable working with minimal supervision and making strategic decisions on the floor
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a continuous improvement mindset
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and leadership
• Proficiency with measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, height gages, indicators, etc.
• Mechanically inclined and highly detail-oriented
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement efforts and mentoring team members

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills, and experience:

• CAM programming experience (e.g., Mastercam, NX, Fusion 360, or similar)
• Prior experience with process documentation, standard work, or continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
• Background in aerospace or defense machining with familiarity in ITAR-regulated environments
• Familiarity with ERP systems and digital travelers/work instructions