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 Quality Engineering Associate I supports the Quality Department by assisting in the review, documentation, and compliance of customer and internal quality requirements. This role bridges administrative precision with foundational engineering understanding, ensuring that products meet stringent aerospace standards from order receipt through final delivery.
This position is ideal for individuals looking to grow into a Quality Engineer role—offering exposure to AS9100 quality management systems, contract review, document control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
What you’ll be doing as a Quality Engineering Associate:
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Working a full-time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location.
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Assist in contract reviews of customer purchase orders to ensure understanding and compliance with quality and engineering requirements.
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Support review and release of internal work orders, verifying compliance with customer and internal standards.
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Review and approve raw material and outside processing purchase orders, checking and recording specification revision levels.
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Review and sign shipping pack slips, confirming that all required documentation accompanies each shipment.
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Assist in creating and maintaining Certificates of Conformance (C of C) and related quality records.
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Assign and log serial numbers for serialized components.
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Assist in managing measuring tool calibration programs, including tracking and documentation.
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Support the document control process, including filing, scanning, and maintaining controlled quality records.
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Help maintain logs and records such as scrap reports, corrective actions, and audit findings.
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Participate in internal auditing activities to AS9100 Rev D standards under supervision.
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Collaborate with manufacturing, planning, and engineering teams to support compliance, configuration control, and quality objectives.
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Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, corrective/preventive actions, and training programs.
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Adhere to all company, state, and federal safety and compliance policies.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):
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Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to handle multiple priorities with accuracy.
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Works independently while remaining a strong team contributor.
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Maintains focus and professionalism in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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Demonstrates a positive, proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):
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Bachelors degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
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1–3 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or quality-related roles preferred.
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Knowledge of AS9100 and QMS principles required; formal training a plus.
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Familiarity with job/work order flow, outside processing, and procurement documentation.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and MRP/ERP systems.
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Basic understanding of root cause analysis and continuous improvement concepts (e.g., 8D, 5 Why, PDCA).
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Experience in a machining or manufacturing environment preferred.
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Ability to interpret technical documents, specifications, and quality requirements.
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:
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Lift or move up to 50 lbs.
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Reach forward, up, down, and to the side
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Stand and walk for extended periods
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Use hands to handle, manipulate, or feel materials
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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 Quality Engineering Associate Compensation range for onsite Washington 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.
